Harley Davidson and the War Effort

In 1903, 4 friends (William Harley, William Davidson, Arthur Davidson, and Walter Davidson) in Milwaukee started building and selling motorcycles. Apart from surviving the Great depression and many other trials, the company has also devoted many years of service to the United States and its allies during wartime. The magnificent and award winning company is known as Harley Davidson.

Harley Davidson motorcycles were used by police officers before supplying US with war materials during WWI in the year 1917. When WWI was over, Harley Davidson supplied the US with over 20,000 war products. In 1941, when WWII began, Harley Davidson was called to supply more war materials. At the end of WWII, the supply of military motorcycles produced by Harley Davidson came to be more than 90,000.

Harley Davidson supplied not only the US with war materials, but their allies as well. For instance, Harley Davidson shipped about 30,000 military supplies to the Soviet Union under the lend lease program. Allies like China, South Africa, Britain, and the Soviet Union were all involved in the lend lease program.

The type of motorcycles used in the war were called WLA in America and WLC in Canada. After the war was over, these types of motorcycle were no longer needed. In 1941, the Army/Navy “E” award was given to Harley Davidson due to all of the great supplies they produced for the wars. Harley Davidson's willingness to helping the US in wars has not only improved their reputation and provided them with plenty of business, it also proved their dedication to the safety of our nation.