Chronology of the War Production Board and Predecessor Agencies, August 1939 to November 1945

[Chronology of the War Production Board and Predecessor Agencies, August 1939 to November 1945]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

CIVILIAN PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION Bureau of Demobilization
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
I AUGUST 1939 TO NOVEMBER 1945
HISTORICAL REPORTS ON WAR ADMINISTRATION: WAR PRODUCTION BOARD a
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Miscellaneous Publication No. I
CIVILIAN PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION John D. Small, Administrator
Bureau of Demobilization, G. Lyle Belsley, Director
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
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AUGUST 1939 TO NOVEMBER 1945
June 20.1946
Prepared by James A. McAleer under the supervision of James W. Fester, War Production Board Historian
HISTORICAL REPORTS ON WAR ADMINISTRATION: WAR PRODUCTION BOARD Miscellaneous Publication No.l
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This Chronology of the War Production Board and Predecessor Agencies, August 2939 to November ig4$, is one of the War Production Board* s Hi st or i cal Reports on War Administration prepared in accordance with a Presidential directive requesting the various Federal agencies to record their experience during the war years. The program developed for this purpose by the War Production Board includes four types of publications: (1) A General History, in two volumes, of the War Production Board and its predecessor agencies, 1940 to 1945, (2) a series of Special Studies on war production administration, (3) a series of Documentary Publications covering the minutes of top boards and committees of the defense and war proauction agencies, and (4) a series of Miscellaneous Publications of which this chronology is one. The General History and Documentary Publications will be printed for general distribution to the public by the Government Printing Office, while the Special Studies and the Miscellaneous Publications will be multil-ithed for distribution by the Civilian Production Administration.
The chronology includes only events of public knowledge and major significance in the development and execution of defense and war production policies. Events of a confidential character or of secondary importance in the broad sweep of World War II history are not included. Developments on the foreign and home fronts are Presented as background for interpreting and following the trend of developments on the war production f ront.
The list of “ Key Personnel** appearing in the right*
hand column of the main text of the chronology includes the names of approximately 700 officials who held positions equal to or above that of a division director of the War Production Board. Because of a different practice in the use of titles before November 1942, section chiefs or their eouivalent are included for the period before September 1941, and branch chiefs or equal for the interval between that date and November 1942. Officials are listed by time periods and by major organizational assignments. Because of limitations of space, full names and titles could not be included, except in the case of top officials.
An ef fort has been made to include the most authentic and accepted daces tnat are available in files of Public Laws and Executive Orders, and in agency orders, regulations and press releases. Among the sources that were consulted frequently in identifying or verifying important events are the following: The New York Times; Chronology of Important Economic and Military Events, issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; Legislative and Executive Background Providing for Domestic Stability, National Defense and Prosecution of World War II, igsg-ig44, Senate Document No. 224, 78th Congress, 2nd Session, 1944; and Events Leading Up to World War II, Chronological History of Certain Major International Events..., ig^i-ig44, House Document No. 541, 78th Con^ gress, 2nd Session, 1944. The statistical data included in the chart of ** War Production' and the War,” which precedes the main text of the chronology, were developed from computations made by the Review and Analysis Staff of the Civilian Production Administration.
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Chart of War Production and the War - September 1939 to November 19^5 . . .
I. Early Preparedness Period - August 1939 to April I9N0......................... 4
II. National Defense Advisory Commission Period - May to December 1940 .... 5
III. Office of Production Management Period - January to December 1941 ............. 7
IV. War Production Board - Period from January 1942 to February 1943 ..... H
V. War Production Board - Period from March 1943 to August 1944 ........... , , 15
VI. War Production Board - Period from September IÔ44 to November 1945 .... 21
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WAR PRODUCTION AND THE WAR
SEPTEMBER 1939 TO OCTOBER 1942
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GERMAN CONQUEST OFPOLAND
SITZKRIEG WAR
BLITZKRIEG OF WESTERN EUROPE
battle of Britain
NAZI ADVANCE INTO BALKANS
GERMAN INVASION OF RUSSIA
PERIODOF JAPANESE OFFENSIVES
JAPANESE EXPANSION CHECKED
GUADALCANAL FOOTHOLD
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NOVEMBER 1942 TO NOVEMBER 1946
OFFICE OF WAR MOBILIZATION
OFFICE OF WAR MOBILIZATION AND RECONVERSION
WAR PRODUCTION BOARD
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1943
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CHRONOLOGY OF THF WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
4
o ate WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1939 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY 1 GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
1. EARLY PREPAREDNESS PERIOD - AUGUST 1939 TO APRIL 1940
AUGUST EUROPEAN WAR THREAT MOUNTS AS GERMANY SEEKS TO DICTATE TERMS FOR SETTLEMENT OF DANZIG QUESTION 23rd- Germany and the Soviet Union signa non-aggression pact 17 th- Riblic works reckiced 50% following Congressional di sapproval of President’s program of lending aid spending for economic recovery 9th- WAR RESOURCES BOARD APPOINTED BY ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF WAR AND NAVY TO ASSIST ARMY AND NAVY MUNITIONS BOARD WITH PLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL MOBILIZATION WAR RESOURCES BOARD (AC GUST - NOVEMBER 1939): Chairman, Edward R. Stettinius, Jr. Karl T. Compton Harold G. Moulton Walter S. Gifford John L. Pratt
SEPTBIBER 27 1st- GERMANY INVADES POLAND WITHOUT A DECLARATION OF MAR 3rd- GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE DECLARE WAR ON GERMANY th-28th- Surrender of Warsaw and partition of Pol aid 1st- 8 th- 8th- General George C. Marshall appointed Chief of Staff in War Department PRESIDENT DECLARES A LIMITED NATIONAL EMERGENCY. ARMY AUTHORIZED TO RECRUIT TO FULL STATUTORY STRENGTH OF 242.000 Executive Office of the President reorganized under Plans I andII of Reorganization Act of 1939 — WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENTS ISSUE 'INDUSTRIAL MOBILIZATION PLAN—REVISION OF 1939 " 7th- Assistant Secretary of War Johnson states that War Resources Board is ready to glide peacetime mobilization of industry jöhn Hancock Secretary, Q>1. H. K. Gen. Robert E. Ri therford Wood
OCTOBER ******* ******* *******
NOVEMBER 29th- Russia severs diplomatic relations with Finland 30th- Soviet Army attacks Finland 4th- NEUTRALITY ACT REVISED TO PROHIBIT SHIPPING IN WAR ZONES BUT ALLOW 'CASH AND CARRY' SHIPMENT OF MUNITIONS TO BELLIGERENTS 24th- War Resources Board disbanded by President after review of its October 12 report
DECEMBER —— "Sitzkrieg* war continues on French-German frontier 17th- German Battleship Graf Spaa scuttled 2nd- President appeals to airplane and bomb manufacturersnot to sell to nations bombing civilians 6th- Inter-departmental Committee for Coordination of Foreign and Domesti e Mili tary Purchases appointed by President INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE (DECEMBER 1939 - APRIL 1941): Dept, of the Treasury, Philip Young, Chairman
1940 -■—»J v «KsiiAiax nay upcai War Dept., Colonel Janes H. Hims
JAMI ARY 27 th- UNITED STATES REVOKES COMMERCIAL TREATY OF 1911 WITH JAPAN AS ANNOUNCED SIX MONTHS EARLIER 4th- President requests $1.7 billion military appropriation for fiscal year 1941 18th- Secretary of Agriculture suspends exchange of Anerican cotton for Bri ti sh rubber because of shipping shortage 23rd- ANGLO-FRENCH PURCHASING BOARD FORMED TO ARRANGE MILITARY PURO1ASES IN UNITED STATES
FEBRUARY 12th- Germany and Rissi a sign a trade agreement. Germany and Italy follow with a similar pact 2id- Secretary of Treasury requests machine tool industry to give priority to orders from Anerican airplane engine companies
march ******* ******* • *•«**•
APRIL 9 th- GERMAN INVASION OF DENMARK AND NORWAY -14rd O’Brian Research and Statistics, Stacy May Information, Robert W. Horton Admini strati ve Of fi ce, Roy Jackson Tlireau of Clearance of Defense Advisory Committees, ( from 7/41) Sidney J. Weinberg PRIORITIES BOARD (TO AUGUST 1941): E. R. Stettinius, Jr., Chairman William S. Knudsen Si ¿hey Hillman John D. Biggers Donald M. Nelson Maj. General Richard C. Moore Capt. A. R Anderson
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATÉ' 1941 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
MARCH 1st- Bulgaria joins the Axis 27th- Britain leases military bases to United 1st- SENATE CREATES TM»AN COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE DEFENSE PROGRAM 7 th- Kaactiams of three GEV di ri sions defined by regulation OTHER 0PM HI OFFICIALS (JANUARY TO AUGUST 1940): Di vision of Production:
States in Western Hemisphere 11th- lend-lease act An don bn 12th- FIRSTBLANKET PRIORITY ORDER ISSUED. BUILDERS ueputy ut rector, Willi am L. Batt
27 th- Aiti-Nasi coup d’etat in Yugoslavi a 19 th- NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDIATION BOARD ESTABLISHED, AS DEFENSE STRIKES INCREASE OF ELECTRIC TRAVELLING CRANES RECEIVE A-1-a RATING UNDER GENERAL PREFERENCE ORDER F-1 17 th- Labor Division faunally established J-3u Mans Mason Britton E. F. Johnson Adn. E. S. Lmd R.E. McConnell
24th- Ceiling prices are fixed for scrap end R.R Ihn»via R.E. Dbherty
Critticnlliiskaadl review powers of Army and Navy Muni tiorrs Board 21st- FIRST FORMAL PRIORITY CONSERVATION ORDER, N-l. ISSUED ON ALUMINUM. OTHERS FOLLOB 22nd- Joint Aircraft Committee authorized to schedulep.rocfactionof ail aircraft and air- RML Eaton XML fidler, Jr. A.R. Gl mey NUL Harrison A.Ï. Henderson X.» IL L. Meho may MLC. Meigs G.M. Moffett J.C Nichols E.R. Wei die in »Ism
craft componen ts
APRIL 5 th- knudsen reports all contracts placed on v-FBSZ PROGRAM OP JULY 2940: LEND-LEASE AND ¡MUTISB PURCHASES ARB ADDING 60% MORE 1Mb- First shipbuilding stabilization agreement approved for Pa ci fie Coast 24th- Hillman estimates X5 million fewer unem-
Otn- GEWjWT invades tugos-avia AND GREECE 13th- Rissia and Japan sign five-year neutrality pact 21st- Greece signs an armistice with Germany 3rd- 11th- Pblicy off increased food p rodarti an ms-nounced by Secretary Krkaxd OFFICE OF FBI CE ADMINISTRATION AND CIVILIAN SUPPLY REPLACES DIVISIONS OF PRICE nsst. mrecror Quperauons;, J-r- rowers (to 5/41/ Deputy Di rector, J-L. O*Nei11 (6/41 to 8/41): Asst. Director (Policy), Bl ackwell Sni t* C. E. Adans J-L. Overlodt
22id- U#bo token reinforcement >T the Philippines 22nd- STÂBÏL11A71QH AND CONSUMER PROTECTION, NDAC Ajtfwriied strength of Navy increased to auJfim Fitzgerald J-F- Gregg a. rott P. D. Reed
gf^sd beewuLue of defmse pro gran 29 th- OFV adri sed by Attorney-General that forma- A.C.C Hill„ Jr. E. M. Hopkins
232,000 tons—300,000 im an roergney |7 billion appropri ated for Lend-Lease aid ®. S. 1B»ip ■»
E«E* Sc ri-von G.C. Sni Hi SLSL Strattai ILJK« Strata W W -y y
Œ.E. Howe Dk SL Kimball E.A» Locke, Jr«
to democratic nations tion wK indastry advisory conn i t tees and sama other defense activities wall not be subject to anti-trust proceedings
MAY 10th- Ridolf Hess, Deputy Nasi fuehrer, lands in Scotland on peace mission >id- President urges four shifts and 7-day week in production of critical machine tools 1S*- Gavfj.fi METALS ORDER BEGINS INVENTORY CONTROL Of. IB GROUPS OF METALS 3rd- Knudsen requ est s 20% mt in automobi 1 e p rn-duetion. effective Artist 1 6 th- FI m t Si te Baa rd ■ ■stnMIiidtudl 14 th- Material Coordinating Conmi t tee of Ui S. aid Canada formed 19>th- DEFENSE SUPPLIES RATING PLAN GRANTS PRIORITIES ON 'OFF THE SHELF' ITEMS ^at- KNUDSEN ANNOUNCES PLANS TO INCREASE HEAVY BOMBER PRODUCTION TO 500 MONTHLY AND FOR EXPANDING ALUMINUM CAPACITY BY 600 MILLION POUNDS ANNUALLY 22id- Second Dorm report recofgii zes a: prospective steel. sho rtage 29th- Goieral Steel Preference Delivery Onfer iismiwdl 31st- PRIORITY PURER AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS ON CIVILIAN ORDEB5 AND CW SUBCONTRACTS D*P. Morgen A. D* Wii tesxdia C.H« Matthiessen« Jr«
20 Hi— uAJUJdn AlJIAOJUkE 27th- German battleship limed sunk by British in North Atlantic Sih— uth- 20 th- 27 th- 28 th- Office of Agri oil turai Defense Relations replaces Agri ml ture Diri si on of Advisory Conni s si on General Motors Corporation labor dispute settled by Drfnarr Mi ufi stima Board Office of Civilian- Defasse estxMLi sbadì PRESIDENT DECLARES A STATE OF UNLIMITED NATIONAL EMERGENCY Ickes design a tedPetroleum Coordinator for National Defense Division of Purchases: Depu ty Director, Djuglas C. MacKeadii e WiFi Becker K.Di Gardner U.S. Brown CL Gragg A.JP Brom in g JLC.C. HKA1L, E Al Cannm Mi l ton Katz Brace- Catton K.X. Lewi: a Di Gl Clark J-F- Smger H. Hi Gmnin ^lan Sidney Weinberg F.Mi R»1son A. D. Vhitesi.de Labor Di: vz siont: Depu ty DI rector, Isador Lubin W. W. ALexmder E. A. fficoi HluwwiilH Brm dwen E.JL- Ol'iver Mill.. Cooke F..VK. Reeves CK. Don ley CTi fffard Tovn send Herbert Hitrtuis RC, Weaver ML HL Ethridgo
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
a.
DATE WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1941 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JUNE 14th- President freezes German and Italian funds in United States 16 th- UNITED STATES REQUESTS CLOSING OF GERMAN AND ITALIAN CONSULATES 18th- Japan discontinues trade negotiations with Netherlands Indies 2ild- GERMANY INVADES SOVIET RUSSIA 24th- 25th- President pl edges materi al aid to ivssia and decides not to apply neutrality statute DEFENSE BOND PROGRAM BEGINS 9th- President, in first arch action, orders Army to take over North Anerican Aviation plant to prevent vork stoppage 28 th- Of ficeof Scienti fic Research aid Development replaces National Defense Research Cbrnmi ttee 4th- OPACS issues first "Civilian Allocation Program* to restrict non-defense uses of iron and steel. Other programs follow 10th- Steel companies submit plan to OPM for 10 million ton expansion in plant capacity 20th- General Conservation order on rubber reduces use 20% in six months 20th- J.A. Krug borrowed from TVA to be ORI consultant on power problems 24th- FIRST OPM REORGANIZATION INCLUDES ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMODITY SECTIONS AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEES 25th- Committee on Fair Enployment Practices established in Labor Division by Executive Order OTHER OPM KEY OFFICIALS (JANUARY TO AUGUST 1940): Bureau of Research and Statistics Assistant Chief, Earnest A. Tupper V.L. Ba»sie . Anos Parrish M.A. Copeland Howard Piquet E. B*' George Emerson Ross Maurice Levpn F*F* Stephan R.R. Nathan Col. J.M.S. Waring
JULY 7 th- AMERICAN TROOPS ARRIVE IN ICELAND 12th- Britain sigos mutual assistance pact with Ri ssia • 21st- FRANCE YIELDS TO JAPANESE DEMAND FOR FULL MILITARY OCCUPATION OF INDO-CH IN A 24th-25 th- UNITED STATES DENOUNCES JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF INDO-CHIN A AND FREEZES JAPANESE ASSETS 14th- United States agrees to purchase exportable surpluses of strategic materials from Mexico to forestall Japanese purchasing 30 th- ECONOMIC DEFENSE BOARD ESTABLISHED UNDER VICE PRESIDENT WALLACE 30th- pfficeofthe Coordinator of Inter-Anerican Affairs established 3tth- President asks Congress for legislation to prevent inflation 7th- Compliance Section organized 9 th- Formation of an expandedLabor Supply Branch under Hillman, pursuant to President* s letter of May 28 20th- HENDERSON PROPOSES SO PERCENT CUT IN PRODUCTION OF AUTOMOBILES. REFRIGERATORS. AND WASHING MACHINES 21st- National Aluminum Salvage Drive begins
AUGUST 1st- Japan announces new foreign policy of imperialism for "Greater East Asia* 5th- Japan suspends shipping with Uni ted States 14th- ROOSEVELT-CHURCHILL CONFERENCE AT SEA AND 'THE ATLANTIC CHARTER' ANNOUNCED 15th- Uni ted States and Bri tain pledge aid to Rissia 25th- Anglo-Russian occupation of Iran to check Nazi infiltration 9 th- Federal Reserve Board given authority to regulate con suae r credit and installment purchases 18 th- CONGRESS EXTENDS MILITARY SERVICE OF INDUCTEES ANOTHER 18 MONTHS AND CALLS RETIRED ARMY PERSONNEL TO ACTIVE DUTY 28th- OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION AND CIVILIAN SUPPLY BECOMES OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION. STETTINIUS BECOMES LEND-LEASE ADMINISTRATOR 2id- Silk supplies f rozen and subj ected to control by ORI and OPACS. - 8th- Maintenance and repair rating plan announced effective September 9. 9th- Steel placed under foil priority by Order M-21 21st- ORI announces curtailment in passenger car prediction of 26 percent by Nov. 30 and 50 percent by July 31, 1942- Order issued Sept. 13 28 th- SUPPLY PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS BOARD ESTABLISHED OVER OPM COUNCIL 29th- OPM REORGANIZED WITH TWO DIVISIONS ADDED: CIVILIAN SUPPLY AND MATERIALS 30th- First limitation order, L-l, restrictsaianu-facture of trades SPAB (FORMED AUGUST 28, 1941): Chairman, Henry A. Wallace Henry L. Stimson Frank Knox William S. Knudsen Sidney Hillman . Leon Henderson Harry L. Hopkins Jesse H. Jones (after 12/41) Executive Director, DmaldM. Nelson Secretary, Herbert Banerich , General Cbunsel, John Lord O'Brian 0PM KEY OFFICIALS (SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, 1941): Division Directors: Prediction, Willian H- Harrison Rirchases, Douglas C. MacKeachie Priorities, Donald M. Nelson Labor, Sidney Hillman
SEPTBIBER 8th- German troops besiege Leningrad 11th- PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SHOOT-ON-SIGHT ORDER IN DEFENSE WATERS. FOLLOWING U.S.S. Greer AND OTHER INCIDENTS 29th- Tri-Power Economic Con ference atMoscow begins 3rd- Of fi ce of Defense Health and Welfare Services established 15th- Economic Defense Board absorbs Office of Export Control, and relations with CHI and SPAB are defined 27th- First Liberty Ship launched did- SPAB hôldsits fi rst meeting and announces policy of allocations and programming 4th- DIVISION OF CONTRACT DISTRIBUTION UNDER ODLUM REPLACES DEFENSE CONTRACT SERVICE 8th- Nelson orders elimination of backlog of priority application 10 th- KNUDSEN ANNOUNCES REPLACEMENT OF COMMODITY SECTIONS. BY INDUSTRY BRANCHES 23rd- Hi reau of Indistrial Conservation formed under Lessing J. Rosenwald 30th- Production of domestic refrigerators cut 43. 2% under prevailing rate by Order L-5 Cl vi 11Supply, Lcoii U cn der son Materials, William L. Batt Contract Distribution, Floyd.B-- Odium Top Staff and Bureau Chief*: Executive Secretary, Herbert Bnmerich General Counsel, John Lord O’Brian Adninistrative Officer, Roy Jackson , ‘ Information Director, Robert W. Horton Industry Advisory Committees, Sidney J. Weinberg Prediction Planning Board, Robert E. Doherty Industrial Conservation, Lessing J. Rosenwald : Research and Statistics, Stacy May
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L0 CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE 1941 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLJCY KEY PERSONNEL
OCTOBER 17th- Fall of Odessa. Kharkov encircled 18 th- JAPANESE 9 WAR CABINET9 FORMED UNDER GENERAL TOJO 19 th- MOSCOW DECLARED IN STATE OF SIEGE BY STALIN 31st- If. S. Destroyer Reuben James sunk by German torpedo 24th- Office of Facts and Fibres established 28th- OFFICE OF LEND-LEASE ADMINISTRATION FORMALLY ESTABLISHED. $6 BILLION ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATED 30th- President delegates authority to appoint $1-a-y ear men to heads of defense agencies otSer new executive appointments
2id- SPAB announces approval of increase in annual steel capacity by 10 million tons 4th- OBI advised of Attorney General decision that contract pooling by snail companies is no violation of Anti-Trust Act 9th- SPAB AWOUNCES RESTRICTIONS ON NONESSENTIAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 16th- First suspension order issued against vio-of aluminum order 21st- Use of copper inmost civilian products prohibited by Order M-9-c 30th- Last NDAC function, certification for tax anorti ration, transferred to Army and Navy ( SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1941): Production Division: G.C. Brainard M.V. Kahler Capt. J.O. Gawne Purchases Division: Deputy Director, Arthur B. Newhall W. E. Bittner A.B. Hawes A.C. Brett Janes Macpherson O. M. Dexter P. F. Maguire R.R. Güthrie J.W. Peters Walter Shorter Priorities Division: Deputy Director, James S. Knowlson R.J. DeMotte J.H. Martin A.S. Hewitt L.J. Martin A.H. Willians Labor Division: Deputy Di rector. Vacancy J.D. Brown Oil. F.J. McSherry A. S. Fl emmin g J. P. Tu f t s Division of Civilian Supply:
NOVEMBER 10th- Churchill again promises immediate aid in event in event of war between Japan and United States 15th- Special Japanese envoy arrives in Washington 24th- U.S. troops sent to Dbtch (biana to protect bauxite mines from sabotage 5th- Secretary of In ter ibr designated by President as Solid Riels Coordinator for National Defense 17 th- ARMING OF MERCHANT SHIPS AUTHORIZED UNDER REVISED NEUTRALITY ACT Sth- Joint Defense Prorkiction Cbsmittee of U.S. and Canada established 17 th- Senate resolution asks for CPM report on priority policies 19th- PROPERTY REQUISITIONING POWER ASSIGNED TO OPM TO EXPEDITE DEFENSE PROGRAM 29th- Steel plate put under complete allocation in first general allocation order
DECEMBER 7 th- JAPANESE ATTACK PEARL HARBOR 8 th- DECLARATION OF WAR ON JAPAN 10th- Japanese invasion of the Riilippines 11th- GERMANY AND ITALY DECLARE WAR ON UNITED STATES 19th- HITLER ASSUMES SUPREME COMMAND OF GERMAN ARMY AFTER FAILURE OF MOSCOW CAMPAIGN 22nd- Prime Minister Churchill arrives in Washington 10th- Write House conference adopts 168 “hour week on military items pro diet ion 18 th- FIRST WAR POWERS ACT GIVES PRESIDENT EMERGENCY AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND REORGAN I ZE EXECUTIVE AGENCIES» MAKE DEFENSE CONTRACTS, AND CONTROL TRADE 18th- Office of Defense Transportation created 19th- Office of Censorship established 20th- Age limi tsunder Selective Service extended to 18 through 64 23id- INDUSTRY-LABOR CONFERENCE ADOPTS NO STRIKE PLEDGE AND ENDORSES GOVERNMENT ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES 3rd- PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS PLAN INTRODUCED ON OPTIONAL BASIS TO SECURE DETAILED SCHEDULING ~ OF REQUIREMENTS BY QUARTERS 9th- Inventory and Requisitinning Section es-tablidied to direct material inventories into war production 18 th- INDUSTRIAL BRANCHES IN PURCHASES AND CIVILIAN SUPPLY DIVISIONS MADE RESPONSIBLE TO DIRECTOR GENERAL THROUGH PHILIP REED 28th- General Imports Order puts 13 strategic materials under imports control Deputy Director* Joseph L. Weiner A. R. Bums J.L. Maury Nathaniel Burlei^i , Maury Maverick Reavis Cox N.A. McKenna H.L. Fowler Barton Murray J.L. Haynes Leifhton Peebles Willard Helbum G.A. Renard Andrew Stevenson Materials Division: Deputy Director, A.I. Henderson Deputy Director, Riilip D. Reed A.H. Rinker R.J. Lund J.A. Church H.K. Masters F.M. Eaton P. W. Parker F. W. Gardiet D. A. Uebelacker J. A. Krug Erwin Vogelsang Andrew Leith A.D. Whiteside
Contract Distribution: * Deputy Director, Walter H. Wheeler, Jr. Gordon Evans C.E. Hallenborg J.M. Fernald E.C. Hyde J.M. Whitdeer Hireau of Indistrial Conservation: Deputy Director, Paul C. Cabot H. A. Ai det son R. E. McConnell E.M. Ely C.L. Warwi’ck Bureau of Indistry Advisory Comnittees: T. S. Shore S.H. Dykstra
Hireau of Research and Statistics
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
II
DATE 1942 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY K^Y PERSONNEL
IK WAR PRODUCTION BOARD - PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1942 TO FEBRUARY 1943
JANUARY 1st- DECLARATION BY UNITED NATIONS MEMBERS PLEDGE MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AND NO SEPARATE PEACE VITH THE AXIS aid- Japanese occupation of Manila 11th- Japanese invasion of Hitch East Indies 19 th- RED ARMY BREAKS THE SI EGE OF MOSCOV 21st- Axis armored units check British advance in North Africa 26th- First Anerican troops land in North Ireland 27 th- CHURCHILL ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR COMBINED CHIEFS OF STAFF OF BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES 5th- Nationwide tire rationing begins 6 th- PRODUCTION GOALS FOR 1943 SET BY PRESIDENT AT 60,000PLANES, 45,000 TANKS, 30,000 ANTIAIRCRAFT GUNS, AND 8 MILLION TONS OF SHIPPING 7 th- PRESIDENT REPORTS TOTAL PREVIOUS DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS OF ITS BILLION AND EXPENDITURES OF $51 BILLION 15th- Truman Committee Report criticizes CHI and others for lag in war production 26.th- lAmi tions Assignments Board and Combined Shipping Adjustment Board announced 30 th- emergency price CONTROL ACT APPROVED 2nd- Sale and purchase of new automobiles and trucks temporarily halted by OFM 16 th- VAR PRODUCTION BOARD ESTABLISHED AND SPAB ABOLISHED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER. DONALD M. NELSON, VPB CHAIRMAN 20th- Nelson announces his organization and staff 21st- PRODUCTION OF PASSENGER AUTOMOBILES AND LIGHT TRUCKS STOPPED. EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1 24th- CHI abolished by Executive Order 24th- ¥PB delegates rationing aithority to CPA 26 th- COMBINED RAV MATERIALS BOARD ESTABLISHED 28th- WPB priorities aithority assigned to Division of Industry Operations WAR PRODUCTION BOARD MEMBERS (JANUARY 1942 - FEBRUARY 1943): Chairman, Donald M. Nelson Secretary,of War, Henry L. Stimson Secretary of Navy, Frank Knox Federal Loan Adnini strator, Jesse H. Jones Lt. Gen. in Charge of War Department Prediction, William S. Knudsen Director, WPB Labor Division, Sidney Hillman (inactive after 4/42) Adnini strator, Office of Price Administration, Leon Henderson (to 12/42), Prentiss M. Browi (1/43 -) Chairman, Board of Economic Wei fare, Henry A. Wallace Special Assistant to thePresident, HarryL. Hopkins
FEBRUARY 15th* Singapore captured by Japanese 19th- British War Cabinet reorganized. Capt. Oliver Ly tell ton named Minister of State pith responsibility for war prodiction 27 th-28 th- Japanese Navy victorious in Battle of Java Sea. Speedy conquest of Java follows 28th- REORGANIZATION OF U.S. ABMY INTO ARMY GROUND FORCES, ARMY AIR FORCES. AND SERVICES OF SUPPLY. THE LAST UNDER LT. GENERAL BREHON SOU ERV ELL 7th- War Shipping Adnini st ration established 7 th- FURTHER NAVAL APPROPRIATION OF $34 BILLION APPROVED 24th- Housing functions consolidated under National Housing Agency 1st- PREMIUM PRICES BEGUN FOR OVER-QUOTA PRODUCTION OF COPPER, LEAD, AND ZINC, AS ANNOUNCED JANUARY 13 Sth- Field activities consolidated under Hi real of Field Operations 9th- Supplies of raw silk- placed under government control Uth- RAV RUBBER CONTENT SPECIFICALLY LIMITED FOR TEN CLASSES OF PRODUCTS 23rd- Damestic refrigerator prediction halted, effective April 30 26 th- SECOND ALUMINUM EXPANSION ANNOUNCED, ADDING 640 million pounds capacity Secretary of Agriculture, ClaideR. Wickard( 12/42 -) WPB TOP STAFF (JANUARY - JUNE, 1942): Assistants to Chairman: A.C.C. Hill, Jr. S.J. Weinberg E. A. Locke, Jr. Executive Secretary, Herbert finmerich (to 3/42), G. Lyle Belsley (3/42 -) Office of Organizational Planning, Luther GilickO^? -) General Counsel, John'Lord O’Brian Requirements Conmittee, Chairman, William L. Batt Statistics Division andOfficeof Progress Reports, - Stacy May Planning Commi ttee, Chairman, RobertR. Nathan (2/42 -) Information Division, Robert W. Horton
MARCH 8th- JAPANESE LANDING AT SAL AM AU A, NEV GUINEA, THREATENS AUSTRALIA Vth- JAPANESE CAPTURE RANGOON. CUTTING OFF SUPPLIES TO CHINA BY THE BURMA ROAD 16th- FIRST U.S. TROOPS ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA 17th- General MacArthur assumes coomandin Southwest Pad fic 30th- Pad fic War Council announced 30th- Inter-Anerican Defense Board holds its first meeting 2nd- Rationing of passenger automobiles by CPA begins 5 th- $30 BILLION APPROPRIATED FOR ARMY, MARITIME COMMISSION, AND LEND-LEASE 20th- President recpests Attorney General to defer anti-trust action shen detrimental to war effort 26th- War procuronent agencies authorized to giarmtee bank loans aidcredit to war contractors 27 th- SECOND VAR POVERS ACT APPROVED, VITH FURTHER PROVISION FOR SEIZURE OF PROPERTY, ENFORCEMENT OF, PRIORITIES, AND RATIONING 28th- Another $19 billion appropriated for Anny and Navy 1st- NELSON INITIATES THE VAR PRODUCTION DRIVE 3rd- Functions of major divisions defined by General Adainistrative Order 10 th- REV I EV OF MAJOR ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTS DISCONTINUED BY VPB 16th- Working relations between 1PB aid Army defined by formal agreement 25th- Lord Beaverbrook arrives in Washington to confer on joint war prodiction 26th- Arthur B. Nevhall named Cbordinator of Ribber Administrative Division, JanesG. Robinson (2*42 *) Materials Division, WilliamL. Batt (to 5/42), A.I. Henderson (5/42 -) Combined Raw Materials Board (IK S. Member), William L. Batt Labbr Division, Sidney Hillman (to 3/42) Labor Prediction Division, Wendell J. Lund (5/42 -) Prediction Division, Willian H. Harrison Purchases Division, Douglas C MacKeachie (to 3/42), Hou Ider Hudgins (3/42 *) Division of Civilian Supply, Leon Henderson Division of Industry Operations, James S. Knowlson OTHER WPB KEY OFFICIALS (JANUARY • JUNE 1942): Legal Division: F.M. Eaton Milton Katz H.H. Fowler Herbert Marks Alexander Hawes Geoffrey Smith

IL
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE 1942 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY and diplomacy general mobilization ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
APRIL 9 th- FALL or BATAAN 18 th- BOMBING or TOKYO BY U. S. AIRMEN UNDER GENERAL DOOLITTLE 18th- WAR MANPOWER COMMISSION ESTABLI SHED UNDER PAUL V. MCNUTT 27 th- President outlines seven-point program to hold the line* against inflation 28 th- OPA ISSUES ITS GENERAL MAXIMUM PRICE REGULATIONS. ESTABLISHING MARCH 1942 PRICES AS CEILING 28th- OPA orders wartime control on rents 7th- President delegates priority powers under Second War Powers Act to WPB 9 th- LIMITATION ORDER L-42 HALTS ALL CONSTRUCTION NOT ESSENTIAL TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 10th- President authorizes WPB inspection of plants and records of war contractors 18 th- LABOR PRODUCTION DIVISION REPLACES LABOR DIVISION. LABOR SUPPLY, TRAINING, AND RELATED FUNCTIONS ORDERED TRANSFERRED FROM WPB TO WMC AND FSA 22nd- Navy Department and WPB define their relationships in a bi-lateral agreement OTHER KEY OFFICIALS (JANUARY - JUNE 1942): Adninistrative Division: Deputy Adninistrative Officer, Harold W. Osterhaut G.A. Baird Carlton Hayward F. R. Cawley W. A. Murphy Statistics Division (new appointments only): Assistant Director, Oswald Knauth J.F. Dewhurst Simon Ku met s Vergil Reed Planning Committee: T. C. Blaisdell Fred Searls, Jr. Labor Division (new appointments only): Deputy Di rector for Labor Supply and Training,. Brig. Gen. J.F. McSherry
MAY 6th- Surrender at Cbrregidor 7th- BATTLE OF CORAL SEA HALTS JAPANESE PENETRATION TOWARD AUSTRALIA 12th- Soviet counteroffensive launched against Kharkov 26th- Great Britain and Rissia si®i a 20-year mutual assi stance pact 30 th- RAT 1000-PLANE RAID ON COLOWE BEGINS THE NEUTRALIZATION OF RUHR INDUSTRY 2nd- Of fi ce of Defense Transportation receives broader authority, including all domestic transportation 4th-11th- WAR RATION BOOK NO. 1 ISSUED. SUGAR RATIONING BEGINS 6 th- Federal Reserve Board extends restrictions on consumer credi t and installment buying Util- EMERGENCY GASOLINE RATIONING ORDERED BY OPA FOR THE EAST COAST 5th- USE OF IRON AND STEEL FORBIDDEN IN OVER 400 CIVILIAN PRODUCTS BY ORDER M-126 5th- War Production Board directs GPA to ration gasoline 12th- VPB establishes 12 regional offices 14th- Policy on re-negotiation of open-end war contracts defined for procurement agencies by WPB Directive 15th- Order issued to concentrate production of stoves, freeing additional facilities for war contracts "Lt. Gol. N.A. Himell David Niles L.K. Comstock Paul Porter J.J* Corson R. A. Lester M. S. MacLean Civilian Supply Division (new appointments only): D.L. Crawford Harold Stein Purchases Division: Deputy Di rector, Houlder Hudgins (to 4/42), James MacPherson (4/42 *) E. A. Camman 0. W. Dexter R.J. de Camp W.L. Janes Materials Division. Deputy Di rector, A. I. Henderson (to 5/42)>
JUNE 4 3rd-6th- JAPANESE FLEET REPULSED DECISIVELY AT BATTLE OP MIDWAY 11th- Mutual Aid Agreement signed by U. S. and U.S. S.R. 12th- Japanese landings reported in Aleutians 21st- Rommel’s forces capture Tobruk, forcing British retreat into Egypt 25th- U.S. ARMY HEADQUARTERS FOR EUROPEAN THEATER ESTABLISHED IN LONDON UNDER GENERAL EISENHOWER 9th- Combined R>odBoard formed wi th Great Britain >13th- OFFICE OF WAR INFORMATION ESTABLIWED. ELMER DAVIS, DIRECTOR 25th- War Manpower Commission issues directive thgt WPB furnish information on relative importance of war products and their labor requirements aid- PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS PLAN ANNOUNCED ON A MANDATORY BASIS EFFECTIVE JULY 1 FOR THIRD QUARTER aid- Import control extended to essential civilian items 5th- Food Requirements Committee establidied. Secretary of Agriculture, Chairman 8th- Army submits first estimate of shell steel requirements to WB 9 th- COMBINED PRODUCTION AND RESOURCES BOARD FORMED 11th- SMALLER WARPLANTS CORPORATION ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS, RESPONSIBLE TO CHAIRMAN OF WPB H.W. Dodge (5/42 -) C. E. Adans Andrew Leith E.W. Reid A.H. Blinker C.K. Leith C.E. Wietts W.Y. Elliott R.J. Lund M.K. Smith F. W. Gardner H.K. Masters H.C. Sykes H.O. King L. A. Morrison D.A. Uebelacker J.A. Krug Wilbur Nelson Erwin Vogelsang R. B. Ladoo H. A.' Rapelye H. F. Wierum Production Division: Deputy Di rectors, George C. Brainard, HaroldE. Talbott R. C. El 1 i s G. A. Landry Capt. J.O. Ga wie W. V. Kahler C.E. Hallenborg M.C. Meigs E.F. Johnson W.H. Wheeler Division of Industry Operations: Blackwell Smith Sidney Sherwood Hi reais under Division of Industry Operations Industrial Cönservation, Lessing J. Rosenwald Priorities, C.H. Matthiessen, Jr. Industry Adviso'ryCommittees, T. Spencer Shore Governmental Requirements, Maury Maverick Finance, Bradley D. Nash Field Operations, L. Edward Scriven Industry Branches, Philip D. Reed
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
13
DATE 1942 ViAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JULY 1st- BRITISH HALT GERMAN ADVANCE IN AFRICA AT EL ALAME IN 21 d- Sevas tapol f al 1 s to Nazis after a seige of eight months 28 th- German Army captures Rostov in Donets Ri ver Easin, the farthest point in its invasion' o f Ri s si a 22id- $43 billion appropriated for the Army 16 th- WA£ LABOR BOARD ANNOUNCES WAGE STABILIZATION POLICY IN •LITTLE STEEL ■ CASE: HOURLY WAGE INCREASES PERMITTED UP TO 14% ABOVE LEVEL OF JANUARY 1941 TO OFFSET HIGHER COST OF LIVING 22id- Permanent gasoline rationing begins for 17 eastern states 8th- REALIGNMENT IN WPB ORGANIZATION ABOLISHES MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION DIVISIONS, AND ESTABLISHES FIRST VICE CHAIRMEN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMEN 13th- National Salvage Campaign for scrap, fats, and tin cans officially opened 23rd- NELSON ANNOUNCES POLICY OF CONCENTRATION OF CIVILIAN PRODUCTION 28 th- Houghton names Deputy Di rectors General for Industry Operations, Priorities Control, and Field Operations OTHER WPB KEY OFFICIALS (JANUARY - JUNE 1942): Bureau of Industrial Conservation: Deputy Chief, Paul C. Cabot H.A. Anderson H.L. Git ter son Howard Coon ley CL. Warwick Hireau of Priorities: Deputy Chief, John P. Gregg CC Crossland Arthur Harris, Jr. L. J. Martin S. C. Griswold J.H. Martin H.P. Nelson Hireau of Industry Branches: Deputy Chief, Amory Houghton
AUGUST 7th- marines land on Guadalcanal as u.s. goes ON THE OFFENSIVE IN SOUTH PACIFIC 12th-16th- Churchill confers with Stalin in Moscow, Harriman representing United States 19th- Allied raid at Dieppe tests European coastal defenses 6 th- PRESIDENT VETOES RUBBER SUPPLY BILL AND APPOINTS THE BARUCH COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE RUBBER PROGRAM 27th* War Materials, Inc. set up as agent for Metals Re serve Company on scrap and salvage 25th- Resignation of Anory Houghton, Director General for Operations, announced 26th- Committee on Concentration of Prociiction formed. J.L« Weiner, Chairman 31st- Alloy steel prediction exceeds mil lion tons monthly, four times prewar level Fen Alexander Douglas Kirk J.R. Taylor W.M. Bristol, Jr. Arthur Newhall W. W. Timm is J.M. Brower Leighton Peebles D. C Town son N.G. Hirleigh G. A. Renard W. R. Tracy Ernest Kanzler H.T. R>senfeld A.T. Upson J.R. Kimberly J. F. Ryan L. C Upton L.S. Greenleaf, Jr. E.R. Schaeffer D.J. Winton J.M. Fernald J.B. Sniley C. S. Williams
SEPTEMBER 1st- General Tojo succeeds Togo as Japanese P remi er 9th- German« begin new. and heaviest frontal attack on Stalingrad under orders from Hi tier 3rd- Reciprocal lend-lease agreements concluded with Britain and Aistralia 7th- President appeals to Congress for further legislation to stabilize cost of living 7 th- WAR MANPOWER COMMISSION RESTRICTS MOVEMENT OF WORKERS IN LUMBER AND NON-FERROUS METALS INDUSTRIES 12th- WAC authorized to control transfer and release of Federal emoloyees 17th- U.S. Employment Service and related functions of Federal Secu ri ty Agency transferred to War Manpower Commission 3rd- Ernest Kanzler appointed Director General for Operations, effective September 15 10 th- RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSIGNING ^REFERENCE RATINGS TRANSFERRED FROM ARMY-AND NAVY TO WPB FIELD OFFICES 17 th- PRESIDENT ESTABLISHES WPB OFFICE OF RUBBER DIRECTOR UNDER WILLIAM M. JEFFERS 18 th- CHARLES E. WILSON NAMED PRODUCTION VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHAIRMAN OF PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 20th- FERDINAND EBERSTADT APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN FOR PROGRAM DETERMINATION 25th-" Jeffers orders nationwide Rationing of gasoline John Haynes Andrew Stevenson C.A. Willard WPB TOP STAFF (JULY 1942 - FEBRUARY 1943): Vice Chairman, Willian L. Batt Vice Chairman for Progran Determination and Chairman, Requirements Committee, James S. Knowl son (to 9/42). Ferdinand Eberstadt (9/42 - 2/43) Deputy Chairman on Program Progress, Ernest Kanzler (to 8/42) Production Vice Chairman, Charles E. Wilson (9/42 -2/43) Director General for Industry Operations, Anory Houston (to 8/42). Ernest Kanzler (9/42 - 1/43). Curtis E. Calder (1/42 - 2/43) Deputy Chairman on Snail er War Plants, Lou E. Holland (8/42 - 1/42). Col. Robert Johnson ( 1/43 •) •Ribber Director, Willian M. Jeffers (9/42 -) Director, Officeof WarUtilities, J. A. Krug (1/43 *) Director, Officeof Civilian Supply, JosephL. Weiner (11/42 -) • Director, Procurement Policy Di vi si on, Hou Ider Hudgins Director, Information Division, Stephen E. Fi tzgeral Director, Office of Prediction Research and Develop- ment, Harvey N. Davin (11/42 -)
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14
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
CATE 1942 MR EVENTS DEFENSE AND MR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
OCTOBER 3rd* U.S. . troops laid in the Aleutians 23rd- BATTLE OF EGYPT BEGINS AT EL ALAMEIN. GERMAN RETREAT TO TUNISIA FOLLOWS ITS CONCLUSION ON NOVEMBER 3 3rd- COST OF LIVING STABILIRATION ACT APPROVED, AUTHORIZING CONTROL OP WAGES AND FARM PRICES 3rd- OFFICE OF ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ESTABLISHED UNDER JAMES F. BYRNES 6 th- Protocol si^ied wi th Rissia on military supplies 14th- Secretary of War Stimson reports4. 25 million men in Army; 7.5 million goal for end of 1943 15th- Fuel oil rationing begins in East and and Midwest 19th- War appropriations reported to total $220 billion 21st- Revenue Act of 1942 approved providing considerably increased income taxes 8th- Gold mine closing ordered because of manpower shortage in non-ferrousmetal mining 10th- WPB DIRECTS PROCUREMENT AGENCIES TO AVOID CRITICAL LABOR AREAS WHEN PLACING WAR CONTRACTS 17th- Facility Clearance Board and Review Committee established 17th- C.H. Mathiessen resignsaa Assis tent Director General for Operations 19th- Farm machinery pro'kiction reduced to 36% of 1940 domestic rate in first major attempt at concentration 31st- A.I. Henderson resigns as Deputy Director General for Industry Branches OTHER NEW EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS (JULY 1942 - FEBRUARY 1943): Executive Office of the Chai nnan P.F. Maguire M.L. Marshall W.G. Marshall Arthur Newhall . Vice Chairman on Program Determination Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. J.F. Philips Donald Davis Fred Searls, Jr. J.F. Fennelly Cbl. G.E. Textor Livingston Short Production Vice Chairman Director General for War Production Scheduling, Ralph J. Cbrdiner (iy42 -) R.E. Ellis M.J. Meehan Mordecai Ezekiel W. R kurphy Capt. J.O. Game H.E. Talbott W. F. Gibbs T.P^ Wrigit
NOVEMBER 7 th- AMERICAN TROOPS LAND IN NORTH AFRICA 6 th- GASOLINE RATIONING AND . TIRE CONSERVATION 2id- CONTROLLED MATERIALS PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR
13th-15 th- Battle of Qiadal canal ends Japanese .naval threat in Solomons 23rd- RUSSIAN COUNTER OFFENSIVE ENCIRCLES GERMAN ARMY OF 330,000 AT STALINGRAD 27 th- French fleet scu ttl ed at Toulon after Germans occupy remainder of France ORDERED BY OP A ON NATION-WIDE BASIS, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1 6th- VMC announces its toanning table plan • for orderly withdrawal of war workers into the armed services 13th- Draft age lowered to 18 21st- Herbert H. Lehman appointed Director of Foreigi Relief and Rehabilitation Operations DISTRIBUTION OF STEEL , COPPER. AND ALUMINUM 9th- Of fi ce o f Production Research and Development established 11th- SECOND WPB REORGANIZATION EFFECTED IN RELATION TO CMP AND PROGRAM VICE CHAIRMAN. INDUSTRY BRANCHES MADE DIVISIONS. DIVISIONAL REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED 11th- Facilities Hireau established Director General for Industry Operations: Assistant Director General, C.H. Matthiessen, Jr. (to 10/42) Deputy Director General for Staff, H.W. Dodge (11/42 -) Deputy Director General for Field Operations, Wade T. Childress Deputy Director General for Priorities Control ("Distribution" after 11/42), J.A. Krug Deputy Director General for Industry Operations, A. I. Henderson (to l)/42), John R. Kimberly (11/42 -) Col. C.R. Baxter ♦H.A. Rapelye •Edward Fai de *E. W. Reid W.K. Frank CE- Ihetts Jesse French III *J-M. Scribner ♦L.S. Greenleaf EA- Sippel •John Hall E-A Tupper A.N. Holcombe Donald Uthus ♦ W. V. Kahler J-H. Ward W. B. Murphy *H.I. Young •Denotes position of Hireau Director
DECEMBER 10 th- Ris si an winter* offensives are extended and intensified in south and north 10th- Hitler revises Gennan high command after news of Stalingrad losses 24th- Adniral Darlan, Hi Commissioner of French Africa, assassinated 21 d- PETROLEUM ADMINISTRATION FOR WAR ESTABLISHED. AND SECRETARY OF INTERIOR DESIGNATED AS ADMINISTRATOR 5th- SELECTIVE SERVICE TRANSFERRED TO WAR MANPOWER COMMISSION AND WMC AUTHORITY STRENGTHENED 5th- FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR NATIONAL FOOD PROGRAM GIVEN SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 17th- Leon Henderson submits resi&iation as Price Ainini strator, effective January 19, 1943- Prentiss M. Brown successor 22>d- Government overtime pay authorized 4th- NELSON ANNOUNCES PROGRAM OF SCHEDULIIG PRO-DUCTION UNDER WILSON AND PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 5th- Secretary of Agriculture becomes member’of War Production Bbard. WPB food functions ordered transferred to Agriculture 9 th- Ai rcraft Prockiction Board establi shed under C.E. Wilson 29th- Inventory control of consumer goods* ordered for wholesalers and retailers
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
15
CATE WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1943 STRATEGY AMD DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
J AKU A RY 14th-26th- CASABLANCA CONFERENCE BETWEEN ROOSEVELT AND CHURCHILL ADOPTS^ POLICY OF DEFEATING GERMANY FIRST 18th Soviet troops break the 17-month siege of Leningrad 23rd- Tripoli falls to British Eighth Aimy 30th- FIRST DAYLIGHT BOMBING OF BERLIN 6 th- PRESIDENT SUBMITS MAR BUDGET EXCEEDING tlOO BILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 1944 7 th- PRESIDENT DESCRIBES 1943 PRODUCTION GOALS AS DOUBLE THOSE OF 1942: REPORTS 1942 PRODUCTION OF 48,000 MILITARY PLANES AND 56,000 TANKS 7th- OPA ban on pleasure driving goes into ef feet — James S. Knowl son, Ernest Kara zl er. and Lessing J. Rosenwald leave WB 19 th- Cbl. Robert Johnson succeeds Lou Holland as Deputy Chairman for Seal ler War Plan ts 21st- Truman Committee recommends additional WB allotments of materials for farm machinery to increase food production 22id- J. A. Krug named Director of new Office of War Utilities 30 th- Minerals Resources Coordinating Di vision estabi i shed other new executive appointments (July - February 1943) Industry and Materi als Brandies or Divisions* W. A. Adams E. W- Palmer H.G. Batcheller H. S. Rogers W.G. Chandler Henry Rose M.H. Billings C. S- Sieldon D.P. Felt F.M. Shields W.K. Frwik H.E. Talbott G.L. Gillette R.H. Taylor G.C. Heikes R.L. Vaniman J.A. Hurley F.L. Walton G.H. Johnson A.G. Wakeman A. S. Knoizen L.C. Wiite H-S. Marks J.F. Wilber D.P. Morgan C.A? Willard
FEBRUARY ^d- BATTLE OF STALINGRAD ENDS WITH SURRENDER OF 91,000 ENCIRCLED GERMAN TROOPS 6 th- Lt. Gen. Ei senhower named supreme commander of Allied forces in North Africa 9th- ORGANIZED JAPANESE RESISTANCE ENDS ON GUADALCANAL 16th- Soviet recapture of Kharkov 2nd- SELECTIVE SERVICE LI STS OCCUPATIONS THAT ARE NON-DEFERRABLE REGARDLESS OF DEPENDENTS 21 d- OPA orders rationing of canned or dried frui ts and vegetables, effective March 1 7 th- Shoe rationing ordered, effective February 9 9 th- MINIMUM WORK-WEEK OF 48 HOURS ORDERED BY PRESIDENT 20th- Rubber Development Corporation established under RFC 4th- Au thori ty o f Production Vice Chai man increased by transferring six divisions from Program Vice Chairman 16 th - NELSON REQUESTS RESIGNATION OF EBERSTADT 16 th- C.E. WILSON NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIR- , MAN WITH BROAD EXECUTIVE POWERS 20th- Office of Civilian Supply submits program of 4>ed rode* civilian needs to Byrnes 26 th- FIRST GENERAL SCHEDULING ORDER M193 ISSUED ON CRITICAL COMPONENTS 28 th- WPB EMPLOYMENT REACHES PEAK AT 22,731 PERSONS: 15,475 IN WASHINGTON, 7,256 OUTSIDE WASHINGTON
V. WAR PRODUCTION BOARD - PERIOD FROM MARCH 1943 TO AUGUST 1944
MARCH 4th- JAPANESE CONVOY FOR NEW GUINEA DESTROYED BY ALLIED PLANES IN BATTLE OF BISMARCK SEA 8th- U.S. Ambassador Standley asks for Soviet 'recognition of Allied lend-lease aid 29til- BRITISH OUT-FLANK GERMAN MARETH LINE IN SOUTH TUNISIA 10th- SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF TRUMAN COMMITTEE CITES LACK OF PLANNING AND CONFLICTS IN AUTHORITY AS MAIN WEAKNESSES OF WAR PROGRAM 10th- President recommends Congressional consideration o f post-war plans of National Resources Planning Board. Senatepromptly establishes a Committee on Post-war Eco- . nomic Policy and Planning 26 th- ADMINISTRATION OF FOOD PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION, RENAMED WAR FOOD ADMINISTRATION ON APRIL 19, ESTABLISHED UNDER CHESTER C. DAVIS 29th- Rationing of meat and protein foods begins 1st- Administrative activities consolidated under B.L. dadieux, Administrative Assistant to Chairman 1st- Wilson appeals for economy and temporarily freezes hiringofnew WB personnel 10th- Last meeting of Committee on Concentration of Production 18th- Snail er War Plants Division transferred to Smaller War Plants Corporation 19 th- THIRD WPB REORGANIZATION, CRYST ALLI ZED BY GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER, DIVIDES AGENCY FUNCTIONS AMONG SIX VICE CHAIRMEN WAR PRODUCTION BOARD MEMBERS (MARCH 1943 - AUGUST 1944): Chaiiman, Donald M. Nelson Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox (to 4/44)» James V. Forrestal (5/44 -) Federal Loan Adnini strator, Jesse H. Jones Secretary of Agriculture, Claude R. Wick a rd Lt. Gen. in charge of War Department Production, Lt. Gen. William S. Knudsen , Adnini strator, Of fice of Price Adnini st ration, Prentiss M. Brown (to 10/43), Chester A. Bowles (11/43 -) Adnini strator, Foreign Economic Administration /Office of Economic Warfare to 7/437 Henry A. Wallace (to 7/43)» LeoT. Crowley (7/43 -) Chai iman, War Manpower Convni ssion, Paul V. McNutt (4/43 *) Director, Office of Defense Transportation, Joseph B. Eastman (4/43 to 3/44). J.M. Johnson (4/44 -) Petro let wn Adnini strator for War, Harold L. Ickes (4/43 -)
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE 1943 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY ARD DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
APRIL K11- MacArthur warns of further Japanese concentration on islands north of Ais— tralia. Stimson promises aid 25th* Soviet Union severs diplomatic relations with Polish government in London 8 th- PRESIDENT ISSUES "HOLD THE LINE* ORDER TO FREEZE PRICES AND WAGES 10th- Rjblic debt limit raised from $125 billion to $210 billion 12th- WMC RESTRICTS TRANSFER OF WORKERS BETWEEN JOBS AND ISSUES REVISED LIST OF ESSENTIAL OCCUPATIONS 19th- Solid Fuels Adninistration established in Department.of Interior 29th- Of fice of Defense Heal th andWel fare transferred to Federal Security Agency 1st- BEGINNING OF FIRST QUARTER OF INDUSTRY OPERATIONS UNDER CONTROLLED MATERIALS PLAN isth- A.D. WHITESIDE BECOMES VICE CHAIRMAN FOR CIVlllAN REQUIREMENTS 19th- J.A. KRUG NAMED PROGRAM VICE CHAIRMAN. AND CHAIRMAN OF REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE , 19th- JOSEPH B. EASTMAN, ODT; PAUL V. MCNUTT, WMC; AND HAROLD L. ICKES, PAW. ADDED TO TOP WAR PRODUCTION BOARD 21st- Undersecretary of War Patterson blames YPB priori ties on rubber program for high octane gasoline shortage ( 24th- Office of Program Vice Chairman organized under four bu reaus: Program, Production Controls, Orders andRegulations, Distribution WAR PRODUCTION BOARD MEMBERS—CONTINUED War Food Adnini strata r. Marvin Jones (6/43 *) Special Assistant to the President, HarryL. Hopkins WPB VICE CHAIRMAN (MARCH 1943 - AUGUST 1944)i Executive, Charles E. Wilson (2/43 * 8/44) Snaller War Plants, Brig. Gen. Robert W. Johnson (to 10/43). Maury Maverick (1/44 -) Civilian Retirements, Arthur D. Wiiteside (4/43 * 2/44), W.Y. Elliott (5/44 -) Program, J.A. Krug (4/43 - 4/44), CE. Wilson (4/44), Samuel W. Anderson (5/44 -) International Supply, William L. Batt Labor Production, Joseph D. Keenan (6/43 -) Manpower Requirooents, Clinton Golden (6/43 -) Operations, Donald D. Davis (3/43 - 6/43), Hi land G. Batcheller (7/43 - 11/43), C.E. Wilson (11/43), L.R. Boulware (12/43 - 8/44) Metals and Minerals, Arthur H. Banker (12^43 - 6/44), P.D. Wilson (6/44 •) Field Operations, Donald D. Davis (7/44 -) . Ralph J. Gardiner (3/43 - 6/43) 4—, Donald D. Davis (7/43 - 7/44) Sidney J. Weinberg (6/44 - 8/44) OTHER TOP STAFF OFFICIALS (MARCH 1943 - AUGUST 1944): Office of Civilian Supply, J.L. Weiner (to 4/43)
MAY 3rd* Firstlhited Nations Qmference convenes at Hot Springs, Virginia, to discuss problems of food and agriculture 11th- Prime Minister Churchill and staff arrive for Washington conference lth-30th--U. S. forces occupy Attu 12th- UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OF AXIS FORCES IN TUNISIA. CAMPAIGN BROUGHT 300,000 AXIS KILLED OK CAPTURED 31st- Formation of French Conrait tee of National Liberation 1st- Government takes control of striking coal mines 4th- PRICE CEILINGS ORDERED FOR ALL MAJOR FOODS, EFFECTIVE MAY 10 7th- CPA announces first price roll-back for some meats and butter 26 th- FUNDS APPROVED FOR ONE MILLION TON LANDING CRAFT PROGRAM 27 th- OFFICE OF WAR MOBILIZATION ESTABLISHED UNDER JAMES F. BYRNES TO DEVELOP "UNIFIED PROGRAMS" AND "HARMONIZE GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES. " FRED M. VINSON HEADS OFFICE OF ECONOMIC STABILIZATION 1st- FUNCTIONS OF OFFICE OF CIVILIAN REQUIREMENTS CLARIFIED BY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 8 th- Organization and functions of Operations Vice Chairman defined 24th- Functions of Facilities Bureau clarified. Indistrial and Non-Industri al Facility Committees established 26th- Anny announces savings of nearly two billion dollars througi renegotiation of contracts
JUNE — ALLIED LOSSES FROM GERMAN SUBMARINES DECLINE SHARPLY FOK THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH, SIGNALLING A VICTORY IN BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC 10th- Third Ooamunist International dissolved 10th- Agreement for United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration subnit ted to member nations for approval 30th- U.S. surprise landing-near Mund a in Northern Solomons 9th- Bernard M. Baruch named advisor to Byrnes 9th- PAY-AS-YOU-GO TAX BILL APPROVED 14th- $6.3 billion more appropriated" for lend-lease 17th- Appropriation made for one million more tons of naval auxiliary and amphibious craft 25th- War Labor Disputes Act passed over presidential veto 26th- Navy receives $27.4 billion appropriation * for 1944 28th* Marvin Jones replaces Chester C. Davis at War Food Adnini stration 21st- OFFICES FOR LABOR PRODUCTION AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED UNDER EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN. JOSEPH B. KEENAN AND CLINTON GOLDEN NAMED VICE CHAIRMEN 26th- Nelson announces Steel Production Drive in last six months of 1943 to overcome 20%de-ficiency 29th- Brreau of Planning and Statistics formed, merging Statistics Division, Planning Committee, and Office of Progress Reports 30th- War Food Adnini stratorMarvin Jones appointed to membership in War Production Bbard Labor Production Division, Wendell Lund( to 6/43) OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL (MARCH 1943 - AUGUST 1944): Executive Office of the Chairman: Assistants to the Chairman: Sidney J. Weinberg (to 7/43), A.C.C. Hill, Jr., (to 9/43), E.A. Locke, Jr., David M. Noyes Executive Secretary, G. Lyle Bel siey General Counsel, John Lord O’Brian Solicitor, F.M. Eaton (9/43 *) Office of War Utilities: Director, J.A. Krug (to 4/44), Edward Falck (4/44 -) A. E. Gorman L.H. Peebles Alexander Macomber B.J. Sickler Herbert Marks P. R. Taylor
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1943 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JULY 5th- Germany launches summer of fensive, soon met by Ris si an counteroffensive 6th- Allies lan don New Georgia Island near Japanese airbase at Munda 10th- ALLIES INVADE SICILY 24th-29th- DEVASTATION OY HAMEUSG BY HEAVIEST CONCENTRATED BOMBING TO DATE 25th- MUSSOLINI OVERTHROWN IN COUP D'ETAT 1st- $59 billion appropriated for military establishments 14th- President approves act to prevent excessive fees or compensation in negotiation of war contracts 15th- OFFICE OP ECONOMIC BARFARE ESTABLISHED UNDER LEO. T. CROWLEY. REPLACING BOARD OP ECONOMIC WARFARE 27th- Chester A. Bawl es becomes Senior Deputy Adninistrator of CPA 28th- Cbffee rationing ended becaise of easier merchant shipping situation 1st- H.G. BATCHELLER APPOINTED OPERATIONS VICE CHAIRMAN AND DONALD D. DAVIS, VICE CHAIRMAN 7 th- Si they Weinberg resigns as Assistant to Chai nnan 14th- Nelson announces 6-point program to avoid wartime rationing of clothing 19 th- COMPLETION OF TEXAS-TO-EAST-COAST 24-INCH EMERGENCY PIPELINE 20th- RESUMPTION OF PRODUCTION APPROVED ON TEN METAL HOUSEHOLD ARTICLES NECESSARY FOR CIVILIAN ECONOMY OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL (MARCH 1943 * AUGUST 1944): Office of Ribber Director: Director, William M. Jeffers (to 9/43), Q>1. Bradley Dewey (9/43 ’) * E. R Babcock W. E. 0* Bri en F.R. Creedon L. E. Spencer E. R. Qi Hi land L. D. Tompkins Office of Civilian Requirements: Deputy, A.CC Hill, Jr. (9/43 -) S.R Adams Austin Grimshaw R. S. Alexander J. A. Hurley J.W. Angell J.N. Johnson
AUGUST litt l-14th- QUEBEC CONFERENCE OF ALLIED LEADERS 15th- JAPANESE ABANDON LAST FOOTHOLD IN ALEUTIANS AS U. S. TROOPS LAND ON KISKA 17th- Sicilian canpaign endswith fall of Messina 26th- French Cbmmittee of National Liberation recognizer! by United States, Soviet Union, and Great Britain 3rd- LOCAL SELECTIVE SERVICE BOARDS ORDERED TO RECLASSIFY DRAFT AGE FATHERS FROM CLASS III-A. ESSENTIAL WORK RATHER THAN DEPENDENCY MADE CHIEF GROUNDS FOR DEFERMENT 14th- War Manpower Qxnmission revises lists of critical or essential jobs and extends list of non-deferrable occupations 2id- WPB responsibilities and relationship to Petroleum Administrator for War defined by order 19th- W.B. MURPHY NAMED DEPUTY VICE CHAIRMAN FOR PRODUCTION TO ASSIST IN BREAKING PRODUCTION BOTTLENECKS 20th- Increases approved for knit underwear and baby carriages 23rd- International Pulpwood Committee formed to study pulp and paper situation A. R Bi ms K.M. Keefe Carroll Hirton RE. Kerr H. A. Dinegar D. R Longman A. G. Eaton C. E. Noyes E. R Gay Webster Powell Office of Executive Vice Chairman: Deputy, Arthur H. Hmker (6/44 •) Executive Assistant, Brig. Gen. E. F. Jeffe Deputy for Area Prediction Urgency Operations, Wade T. Childress (10/43 - 2/44) Bruce Catton A. E. Lombard S. E. Fitzgerald J.W. Nickerson M. A. Tracy T. K. Quinn W.F. Gibbs T.P. Wright Brig. Gen. F.M. Hopkins Adnini strati ve Assistant to Chairman: B.L. Gladieux L. S. Fish F.R Cawley Carlton Hayward L.E. Craine W.A. Murphy L.M. Shea Hireau of Planning and Statistics C Statistics Division ( to' 9/43) J- Director, Stacy May V.L. Bassie Simon Kuaiets M.A. Copeland Si aw Livermore E. B. George M. T. Meehan Raymond Goldsmith Vergil Reed H.C. Grieves F.R Stephan
SEPT 04 BER 3rd- BRITISH EIGHTH ARMY LANDS ON TOE OF ITALIAN PENINSULA. ITALY SIGNS SECRET UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER 4th- Allied landings on New Grinea, near Lae and Sal am au a 9th- FIFTH ARMY UNDER CLARK LANDS AT SALERNO, SOUTH OP NAPLES 21st- House of Representatives adopts resolution favoring U.S. participation in an international security organization 25th- SMOLENSK RECAPTURED BY SOVIET ARMY, AS GERMANS CONTINUE WITHDRAWAL IN RUSSIA 4th- BYRNES ANNOUNCES WEST COAST MANPOWER PROGRAM, EFFECTIVE SEPTBABER IS 15th- Baruch "manpower report" urges deferment on occupational grounds and pooling of labor in critical areas 24th- Joint Prediction Survey Commi ttee announced by President towork with Office of War Mobilization on economies in materials and manpower 25th- FOREIGN ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATttN ESTABLISHED, CENTRALIZING ECONOMIC WARFARE, LEND-LEASE, AND FOREIGN RELIEF AND REHABILITATION WORK 25th- E.R. Stettinius, Jr. succeeds Welles as Under Secretary of State 7 th- Functions of Vice Chairman forLabor Production clarified by general order and agreement with W4C 15th- COL. BRADLEY DEWEY SUCCEEDS JEFFERS AS RUBBER DIRECTOR 18th- WPB Directive No. 2 amended to authorize avoidance of labor shortage areas in negotiation of war contracts 19th- Nelson departs on six-week war production mission to Great Britain and Rissia 21st- First meeting of Operations Council, including regional directors, bureau director's, aid other top officials 24 th- BATCHELLER ANNOUNCES ACCELERATED PROGRAM OF DECENTRALIZING PRIORITIES WORK TO FIELD OFFICES
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IB
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE
1943
WAR EVENTS
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY
DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
GENERAL MOBILIZATION
ACTIVITIES AND POLICY
KEY PERSONNEL
OCTOBER 1st- Fall of Naples to Allied Amies 1st- W.A. Harriman succeeds Adniral Standley as Ambassador to Rissia 13th- ITALY DECLARES BAR ON GERMANY 13th- Allied air blow hits 120 Japanese ships at Rabaul 14th- Second air raid on Schweinfurt damages German ball-bearing capacity 18 th-30 th- SECRETARY OP STATE BULL ATTENDS TRI-PARTITE CONFERENCE IN MOSCOB. AGBBDIBNT ON UNCONDITIONAL AXLS SUIUtBNDBB AND ANGLO-U. S.-RUSSIAN POSTBAR COLLABORATION YlHn.- Nationwide restrictions begin on wholesale and retail deliveries to conserve tires and gasoline 20th- War ContractsPrice Adjustment Board formed to handle renegotiation problems of procurement agencies 25th- PRENTISS M. BROUN RESIGNS AS OPA ADMINISTRATOR. CHESTER A. BOBLES SBORN- IN NOVEMBER S 26th- Crowley announces new FEA organization 4th- FIVE AREA PRODUCTION URGENCY COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED TO HANDLE BEST COAST MANPOWER —PPODUCTI^ PROBLEMS 19th- Forest Prockicts Hireau established to cope with lumber end paper shortages 25th- Allotmentsof-cdntrolled materials to small manufacturers shifted from quarterly to annual basis 27 th- WPB ANNOUNCES END OF EXFAnDING PRODUCTION BY MARGINAL MINES. FERRO-ALLOYS AND MOST NON- FERROUS METALS REPORTED IN EASIER SUPPLY 29th- Revised aluminum order permits moderate relaxation in use of metal OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL (MARCH 1943 - AUGUST 1944): Office of Pro gran Vice Chairman; G.C. Chesney G.W.Orton Program Hireau: « Director, John F. Fennelly (to 6/43), Ct Kohlhepp (7/43 - 6/44), Lincoln Gordon (6/44 -) M.G. deChazeau G.N. McClusky Bertrand Fox M.L. McElroy E.B, -George David Novick J.C Houston E.A. Peyser W.W. Judson Blackwell Snith E.M. Martin R.C. Tunner
NOVEMBER Sth- SENATE VOTES FOB U.S. PARTICIPATION IN A POST-DAB SECURITY ORGANIZATION 6th- Soviet army liberates Kiev, Hissia’s third largest city . 9th- UNITED RELIEF AND REHABILITATION ADMINISTRATION ESTABLISHED. HERBERT H. LEHN AN SOON NAMED DIRECTOR GENERAL. 18th- FIRST OF A SUCCESSION OP »,000-TON BAIDS ON BERLIN. BEGINNING OP •ROUND TUB CLOCK’ BOMBING OP GERMAN INDUSTRY 20th-21st- U.S. NARINES LAND ON TARABA 22nd-26th- CAIRO CONFERENCE OF ROOSEVELT, CHURCHILL, AND CHIANG RAI-SHEK AGREES ON RETURN OP ALL TERRITORY SEISED BY JAPAN 5th- TRUMAN COMMITTEE REPORT URGES ATTENTION TO PROBLEMS OF CONTRACT TERMINATION, SURPLUS PROPERTY DISPOSAL, AND RECONVERSION 6th- Bernard M. Baruch named Director of Unit for War and Postwar Adjustment Policies in OW 18th- Senate Cbmmittee on Postwar Economic Planning and Policy issues brief first 1 report on reconversion problems 1 1st- Steel Recovery Program terminated 11th- TIGHTER SITUATION ON ANTI-FRICTION BEARINGS INDICATED BY REVISED ORDER 19th- Nelson calls for nationwide paper conser? vat ion program 21st- OUT announces increased 1944 steel allotments for domestic transportation. Civilian truck program expanded from 34,000 in 1943 to 123,000 in 1944 30 th- NELSON PRESENTS HIS RECONVERSION POLICY AT MEETING OF BAR PRODUCTION BOARD 30th- Further relaxation in use of copper for hardware and screening Prodiction Controls Hireau: Director, Harold J. Boeschenstein (6/43 -) Robert Hatfield W.C. Skuce Stahley Petter A.J. Wilson Harty Zellman Distribution Hireai: Director, ^ron Heacock (to 6/43), Willian J. Login Hu^i Barter M. S. Verner Orders and Regulations Hireau: Director, Thomas C. Blaisdell, Jr. (7/43 -) Ä.N. Holcombe Hugh Jackson
DECBIBER 1st- TEHERAN CONFERENCE OP ROOSEVELT, CHURCHILL, AND STALIN—BEGUN NOVEMBER 37—CLOSES BITH ANNOUNCED AGREEMENT ON PLAN TO DEFEAT GERMANY 15th- Americans landen NewBri tain Island, threatening Rabaul 17 th- Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act 24th- GENERAL EISENHOVER NAMED TO COMMAND ALLIED INVASION ARMIES 10 th- SELECTIVE TRAINING AND SERVICE ACT AMENDED. PUTTING DRAFT ON A NATIONBIDE BASIS BITH FATHERS AT BOTTOM OF LI ST. STRICTER REVISE OF OCCUPATIONAL DEFERMENTS ORDERED 27th- Army assumes temporary control of railroads to prevent nationwide strike called for December 30 28th- Striking steel workers return to jqbs, as VLB modifies ruling 8 th- West Coast manpower program extended to tor critical labor areas 15th- Responsibility for field program transferred from Operations Vice Chairman to Vice Chairman Davis 16 th- L.R. BOULBARB NAMED OPERATIONS VICE CHAIRMAN 18th- Authority to certify for tax amortization privileges transferred from Army' and Navy to WPB 21st- ALLOCATION OF PIG IRON ENDS, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31 28 th* ARTHUR H. BUNKER APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN FOR METALS AND MINERALS 30th- Program to manufacture two million civilian-use electric flatirons announced 31st- POUR ALUMINUM POT LINES CLOSED IN FIRST MAJOR CUTBACK IN ALUMINUM PRODUCTION Hireau /Division (*to 6/44)7 of Stockpiling and Transportation: Director, W.Y. Elliott.(to 5/44), Edward Browiing, Jr. (6/44 -) E. E. Frost F.J. Sette • Office of the Vice Chairman (International Supply): W.M. Blade Mil ton Katz F.M. Eaton A.B. Newhall Edward Falck E.A. Peyser Charles Heidt H.C. Syk^s Office of the Vice Chairman for Labor Production: Deputy, Thomas F. Hirns (to 12/43), Allan Strachan, (1/44 -) R.M. Brewer David Lasser G.W. Brooks P.R. Porter L.K. Comstock D.J. Saposs
23-1001 fôOfcr
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
19.
DATE *AR EVENTS DEFENSE AND Ml 3 PRODUCTION
1944 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JANUARY. • 4th- Soviet Amy enters pre-war Poland 5th- New Russian offensive begun near Leningrad soon pushes Nazis 50 miles from city 10th- Soviet Union claims eastern Poland as allowed by Girton Line of 1919 . 22nd- ALLIED FIFTH ARMY LANDS NEAR ANZIO SOUTH OF ROME 31st- AMERICAN LANDINGS IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS 8th- Byrnes authorizes uniform termination articles for fixed-price war contracts 11th- ANNUAL MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS CALLS FOR REALISTIC TAX LAW, CONTINUED RENEGOTIATION, ECONOMIC STABILIZATION, AND NATIONAL SERVICE ACT 26th- House of Representatives forms Special Coomi ttee on Post-War Economic Policy aid Planning 29th- Labor members of Presidential Committee on Cost of Living report rise of 43. 5% since January 1941, contrasted wi th 23.4% increase in Bureau of Labor Statistics index 9th- FORRESTAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAM OF 63,000 LANDING CRAFT 9 th- MAURY MAVERICK NAMED VICE CHAIRMAN FOR SMALLER WAR PLANTS 12th- VPB reaffirms policy of restricting nonmilitary construction 17 th- NELSON STATES THERE CAN BE NO GENERAL RESUMPTION OF CIVILIAN PRODUCTION WHILE MAJOR OFFENSIVES ARE STILL AHEAD 19th- WPB reports prediction of 86,000 planes in 1943, and a pro gran of 100,000 heavier planes for 1944 22id- Harcourt Anory Appointed Deputy Vice Chairman for Field Operations OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL (MARCH 1943 - NOGUST 1944): Office of Manpower Requirements: Deputy, Philip J. Clowes Deputy, Major Ralph Hetzel Gistav Peck David Ziskind Office of the Operations Vice Chairman: Deputy, John J. Hall (6/43 - 12/43), Wade T. Childress (3/44 *) Deputy for Field Operations, Wade T. Childress (to 10/43) Deputy for Production, J.B. Campbell (7/43), .Col. C. R. Texter Maury Maverick Howard Coonley A. J. McCbmb H.M. Fau-t. John Mohler J.F. Fowler, Jr. J.B. Sniley Lt. E.C. Garwood Andrew Stevenson J.P. Gregg G.Ä. Stuart J.C. *iitridge, Jr.
FEBRUARY — LUFTWAFFE WEAKENS AS ALLIED AIR FORCE A-DOPTS STRATEGY OF SEEKING COMBAT WITH GERMAN PLANES 3rd- Allies in Italy halted at Cassino 16 th-17 th- U. S. attack on Truk costs Japanese 40 ships and 200 planes. To jo soon assumes command of Japanese Army and Navy 21st- Naval task force attacksMarianas on Japanese' inner line of defense 1st- Occupational deferments denied 18 to 22 year age group under revised draft rules 15th- BARUCH-HANCOCK REPORT ON "WAR AND POSTWAR ADJUSTMENT POLICY* 24th- Surplus WarProperty Administration created under OW 25 th- NEW REVENUE BILL, PASSED OVER PRESIDENTIAL VETO, INCLUDES MODERATE TAX INCREASES, REVISES AND CONTINUES LAW ON ■ RENEGOTIATION, AND PROVIDES FOR WAR CONTRACTS PRICE ADJUSTMENT BOARD 5 th- Wade T. Childress named Deputy Vice Chairman for Operations and Howard I. Young, Deputy Vice Chairman for Production of Metals and Minerals 12th- Nelson declares small business npust be given first opportunity to reconvert 14th-. S. W. Anderson appoin ted Deputy Vice Qrai r-tnan for Distribution ofMetals andMinerals 23rd- WPB REGIONAL DIRECTORS AUTHORIZED TO FORM MODIFIED ARE A PRODUCTION UROBKY COMMITTEES Equipment Hireau: Director, H.Ä. Rapelye (to 6/43), WilliamK. Frank J. S. Chafee George Krieger M. G Garber A. C. Mann Fred Gardner J.H. Middlekamp H.M. Hale F.M. Shields George Johnson R.L. Vaniman C.D. ■ Wiman Fbrest Predicts Hireau (10/43 “): Director, Harold Boeschenstein H.M. Bitner Roswell Mower J.P. Boyd G. G Otto W. G. Chandler CL. Sheldon E. J. Det gen E. F. Tomi s^ a David Graham A. R. Treanor A.G. Hansen A.G. Wakeman R.W. Hovey Rissell Wiitney
MARCH 4th- DAYLIGHT BOMBING OF BERLIN BEGINS 19th- Soviet Anny enters Bessarabia 24th- CHURCHILL PROMISES INVASION "SOON" 28th- Congress approves participation in UNRRA 29th-30th- Heavy sea and air attadcs on Palau, near Philippines 3rd- Third Annual Report of Trunan Committee urges further preparation for resumption of civilian production 14th- SELECTIVE' SERVICE ORDER CANCELS DEFERMENTS OF MEN 18 TO 26, EXCEPT CERTIFIED *KEY MEN" IN ESSENTIAL OCCUPATIONS 29th- War Contracts Suboommi ttee of Senate reports on "Contract Termination and Related Post-War Legislation" 7 th- NELSON OUTLINES WPB POLICIES ON CUTBACKS AND RESUMPTION OF CIVILIAN PRODUCTION IN PUBLISHED LETTER TO SENATOR MALONEY 21st- WB accepts Solid FUel Adnini stration decision not to ration coal in 1944 23rd- WB announces military approval of draft exemptions for essential 22 to 26 year olds in a few war industries 30th- WPB advises field offices of urgent war programs on which deferments of men 22 to 26 can be approved Textile, Clothing.and Leather /Division prior to 1/44 J: Director, F.L. Walton (to 10/43), J. SpencerLove Harold Connett K. W. Marrin er G.H. Lanier, Jr. G.R. MacDonald Consumer Hard Goods Hireau (1/44 -): Acting Director, Wade T. Childress S. B. Adam s Howard Frank Robert Beatty W. S. Hammersley N.G Hirleigh J.L. Haynes Dudley Felt J.P. Wilber Radio and Transport Hireau (1/44 -): G.M. Betterton Capt. J.O. Game CB Bryant Andrew Stevenson R.C. Ellis L.L. Write
Chemicals Bjreau (1/44 •): Director, D.P. Morgan Lawrence Brown W. F. Twombly W. G Whi tman
Discontinued Bureaus: Commodities Hireau (to 10/43): Di rector, Hugh Hughes ( to 8/43),Campbell Osborn Consumer Goods Hireau.(to 11/43): Director, Lewis S. Greenleaf Metals and Minerals Hireau (to 12/44): Directort Howard I. Young Construction andUtilities Hireau (to 1/44): Director, John J. Hall (to 6/43), James Au ten
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1944 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
APRIL — INTENSIFIED DAY MD NIGHT BOMBING OF GER- 4th- J.M. Johnson becomes Director, Office of 10th- Nelson announces formation of Advisory OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL (MARCH 1943 •• AUGUST 1?44):
MM AIRCRAFT PLMTS, COMMUNICATIONS, MD Defense Transportation, following death of Committee for Civilian Policy Officeof Vice Chai rman for Metal sand Mi nerals (from
INVASION COAST J. R Eastman 17 th- J. A. KRUG RESIGNS AS PROGRM VICE CHAIR- 12/43):
10 th- RUSSIM ARMY CAPTURES BLACK SEA PORT OF 18th- WarCbntractsPrice Adjustment Boardi ssuea MM MD DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF WAR UTIL- Deputy for Prediction, Howard I. .Young (2/44 -
ODESSA basic regulations on renegotiation of war ITIES TO ENTER NAVY 6/44). James S. Douglas (7/44 -)
20th- International Labor Office opens con- contracts 17th- Functions of Pro gran ViceChai rm an tenpo- Deputy forDi stribution, S.W. Anderson (2/44 - 5/44)
ference on postwar problems 20th- SECRETARIES OF WAR MD NAVY URGE NATIONAL rarily transferred to C.E. Wilson M.H. Billings A. S. Knoi zen
22nd- Allied troops land at Hollandia on north- SERVICE ACT, OR LEGISLATION TO DRAFT WORK- 17th- Reconversion of automotive industry dis- Albert Hitler R.J. Lund
west New Qjihea SRS FOR WAR INDUSTRY cussed at first meeting of revived Atto- T. E. Cbvel W. T. Meloy
26th- U.S. troops occupy Montgomery Ward and mobile Industry Advisory Committee N.W. Foy Michael Schwarz
Company in Chi cago G. C. Heikes Erwin Vogelsang
29th- W.L. Clayton, Surplus War Property Adnini- H.O. King J.T. Wilting
strator, announces policy for disposition P. D. Wi 1 son
of surpluses. Office of the Vice Ch airman for Field Operations •
MW 7th- W.Y. Elliott succeeds Wiiteside as Vice (7/44 -)
9th- Sevastopol falls, completing Ris si an 10 th- JAMES V. FORRESTAL NAMED SECRETARY OF NAVY, Office of the Vice Chairman (1/43 to 7/44)
occupation of Crimea SUCCEEDING FRANK KNOX WHO DIED IN OFFICE Chairman for Civilian Requiranents Deputy', for Field Operations,Harcourt Anory (1/44 -)
11th- ALLIES OPEN STRONG OFFENSIVE IN ITALY, APRIL 28 9 th- RESUMPTION OR EXPMSION OF CIVILIM PRO- Production Urgency Operations, Tudor R>wen (2/44 -1
BREACHING GUSTAV LINE 12th- House Committee on Post-War Policy and DU CT ION PROHIBITED IN GROUP I MD II LA- Tudor Bowen H. N. Davis
20th- General Eisenhower broadcasts first di- Planning issues its first report, on con- BOR AREAS SUBJECT TO EXCEPTIONS FOR S. L. Shober, Jr. V. E. Tobin
rect orders to French underground tract termination GROUP II AREAS
25th- MZIO BEACHBEAD MD MAIN. ALLIED FRONT 17 th- Lend-Lease Act extended throu^i June 1945 17th- WB holds emergency conference on criti- Facilities Hireau:
IN ITALY JOINED 221d- NAVY CONFIRMS REPORT OF CMCELLATION OF cal manpower shortages in foundries Director, C.E. Vdkhardt (to 8/43) Roy W. Johnson
BREWSTER FIGHTER PLMECONTRACT, EFFECTIVE 25th- PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STAFF (8/43 - 5/44), J.B. McTigie (5/44 -)
JULY 1 FORMED TO STUDY MD RECOMMEND ACTION ON Carman Blou^i F. A. Kimmi ch
SCHEDULING, RESUMPTION, EXPMSION, MD J • R Canpbel 1 Harlow Lewis
CURTAILMENT OF PRODUCTION Gol. F. J. C Dresser Alexander Milne, Jr.
27 th- 3. HL And er son named Program Vice Chairman Estey Foster W. W. Mullestein
R. A. Graham W. B. Mu rphy
R. A. I twin Col. G.E. Textor
JUNE 4th- ROME OCCUPIED BY ALLIED ARMIES 1st- WMC ORDERS EMPLOYMENT STABILIZATION PROGRM 6th- Preferential treatment for smaller war
6 th- INVASION OF PRMCE ON NORMMDY COAST INCLUDING MANPOWER CEILINGS, EFFECTIVE plants authorized in relaxation of quotas Regional Directors (number of region indicated):
14th- U.S. TROOPS LMD ON SAIPM IN MARIMAS, JULY 1 on civilian production W.H. Wieder, Jr. 1 L. A. Miller 9
1500 MILES FROM TOKYO 5th- Joint Contract Termination Board extends 9 th- Arthur H. Hinker appointed Vice Ch aim an Walker Mason 1 V.L. Board 9
15th- FIRST B-29 BOMBING OF JAPM uniform termination clause to war subcon« of the Production Executi ve Commi ttee and P. B. Tu mbu 11 2 H.H. Fair 10
15th- LONDON REPORTS FIRST GERMM ROBOT BOMBS tracts Director of PEC Staff L.S. Greenleaf, Jr. 2 J. A. Folger 10
22nd- RUSSIA OPENS POWERFUL OFFENSIVE ON CEN- 18th- Army and Navy announces formation of Sei- 13th- Lumber placed under allocation in third O.H. Bullitt 3 H. S. Wri^it 10
TRAL FRONT, SOON CAPTURING VITEBSK entific War Bbard under chairmanship of quarter to check continuing diprtage H. G. Tho tn ton 4 D.J. Hutchins 11
27th- Anerican forces occupy Cherbourg, third Charles E. Wilson 15th- Sidney J. Weinberg resumes active duty J,C Virden 5 L. A. Welch 11
largest French port 221 d- "GI BILL OF RIGHTS" APPROVED BY PRESIDENT, as Vice Chairman A.T. Kearney 6 Carsten Tied eman 11
PROVIDING FINMCIAL MD EDUCATIONAL BENE- 17 th- RECENTLY CURTAILED TMK PROGRM MD HEAVY John Nuveen, Jr. 6 F.P. Heffel finger 12
FITS FOR VETERMS MILITARY TRUCK PROGRM INCREASED W. R Sat terlee 7 D.J. Winton 12
22id- $27.6 billion appropriated for theNavy 17th- WPB report highest weekly production of R. E. Risser 8 G.K. Comstock 13
28th- $49 billion appropriated for the War De- farm wheel tractors in history G.L. Noble, Jr. 8 K.R Colman 13
partmen t 18 th- NELSON ANNOUNCES PLM TO ISSUE "FOUR RE-
CONVERSION ORDERS"
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
21
DATE 1944 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY * GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JULY 8th- Eid of Japanese resistance on Saipan 1st- WAR MANPOWER COMMISSION BEGINS SYSTEM OF 11th- Wilson sets release dates on "Recoriver- 9th- BRITISH AND CANADIANS OCCUPY CAEN AFTER NATIONWIDE MANPOWER PRIORITIES TO OFFSET si on Orders, * as Byrnes adcs for agree- . MAJOR TANK BATTLE SHORTAGE OF 200.000 WORKERS IN ESSENTIAL ment between WPB and Services 11th- President announces de facto recognition WAR PRODUCTION • 12th- Vice Chairmanship for Field Operations of Provisional French Government 1st- Uni ted Nation Monetary and Financial Gm- established 18th- GENERAL TO JO AND JAPANESE CABINET RESIGN ference convenes at Bretten Woods, N.H. 15th- Aluminum order relaxed to allow civilian 18th- Leghorn falls co Allied Annies in North- 1st- CONTRACT SETTLEMENT ACT APPROVED; ROBERT uses, subj ect to al location and manpower em Italy H. HINCKLEY NAMED DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF controls 20th- Attempted assassination of Hitler an- CONTRACT SETTLEMENT 21st- BUNKER ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE nounced by German government 26th- General Somervell orders54-hour week for COMMITTEE POLICY OF REVIEWING MILITARY 27th- AMERICAN BREAK-THROUGH IN NORMANDY UNDER civilian workers of Anny Service Forces CUTBACKS * GENERAL PATTON LEADS TO GERMAN RETREAT 23id- Limited production of postwar experi- THROUGHOUT FRANCE mental models authorized 29th- Unrated orders permitted onmachine tools for civilian prediction
AUGUST 1st-15th- Allies outflank Germans west of Paris, 3rd- Army announces plan to forlou^i soldiers 11th- Aircraft cutback and shift to larger as tactical air arm cripples enemy trans- for prediction of heavy Arty tires planes announced, releasing workers in portation and troop movements 4th- BYRNES ANNOUNCES NEW MANPOWER CONTROLS ON tight labor areas 15th- ALLIED LANDINGS IN SOUTHERN FRANCE EN- UNESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES IN TIGHT LABOR 15th- PRIORITIES REGULATION 25. 'SPOT AUTHORI- COUNJER RELATIVELY LIGHT RESISTANCE AREAS RATION PLAN. * AUTHORIZES RESUMPTION OF 21st- WORLD SECURITY CONFERENCE OF UNITED 4th- JamesM. Mead succeeds Truman as Oiaimm CIVILIAN PRODUCTION WHERE LABOR. MATESTATES, GREAT BRITAIN. RUSSIA, AND CHINA of Senate Cbomittee to Investigate Nation- RIALS. AND FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE OPENS AT DUMBARTON OAKS • al Defense Program 19th- President announces thatNelson is being 23rd- Rm an i a surrenders unconditionally 19th- Navy takes over 5 strike-bound West Coast sent on mission to China 25th- LIBERATION OF PARIS war plaits 24th- C.E. WILSON RESIGNS AS EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN. J.A. KRUG NAMED ACTING CHAIRMAN
VI. MAR PRODUCTION BOARD - PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1944 TO NOVEMBER 1945
SEPTEMBER 3rd- AMERICAN TANKS CROSS GERMAN FRONTIER NEAR 6th- President orders Government operation of 3rd- Office of Hibber Director replaced by AACHEN. BRITISH TROOPS ENTER BRUSSELS strike-bound bituminous coal mines Hibber Hireau 11th-16th- Second Quebec Conference of the Presi- 6th- ARMY PUBLISHES ITS DEMOBILIZATION PLAN 5th- WPB ANNOUNCES POLICY OF VIRTUALLY UNRE- dent, British Prime Minister, aid staffs 8 th- McNutt announces that employment stabili- STRICTED CIVILIAN PRODUCTION AFTER VIC- 14th- Invasion of Pa lai Islands ration progran will end with victory in TORY OVER GERMANY 17th-25th- ATTEMPTED BRIDGEHEAD ACROSS NORTHERN RHINE Europe 8 th- A.H. BUNKER NAMED CHIEF OF STAFF, AND FAILS. GERMAN RESISTANCE STIFFENS ALONG 18 th- President asks Hr real of the Hidget to HILAND G. BATCHELLER RETURNS TO WPB AS SIEGFRIED LINE plan for revision of Government organiza- CHIEF OF OPERATIONS. POSITION OF EXECU- 28th- Qiurchill warns that European war maty con- tion and reduction in personnel after aid TIVE VICE CHAIRMAN ABOLISHED tinue several months into 1945 of war in Europe 19th- Executive Secretary assigned functions 28th- War FbedAdninistratiOn ends rationing of of former Adainistrative Assistant to the most farm machinery Chairman 23rd- John D. Snail appointed WPB Executive Offi cer 30th- J. A. KRUG NAMED CHAIRMAN OF WAR PRODUCTION BOARD 30th- Janes Folger succeeds Donald D. Davis as. Vice Chairman for Field Operations WAR PRODUCTION BOARD MEMBERS (SEPTEMBER 1944 - NOVEMBER 1945) Chairman, Jo A. Krug Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson (to 9/45), Robert P. Patterson (9/45 -) Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal Secretary of Agriculture, Claude R. Wickard(to 6/45)* Clinton P. Anderson (6/45 •) Secretary, Department of Labor, Levis B. Schwellenbach (9/45 -) Federal Loan Administrator, Jesse Hw Jones (to 3/45), Fred M. Vinson (3/45 to 4/45), John W. Snyder (5/45 to 7/45), Vacancy (7/45 -) Lieutenant General in Charge of War Department Production, Lt. Gen. William S. Knudsen (to 6/45) Administrator, Office of Price Administration, Chester Bowles
23-1061 P23 bu
22
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
CATE WAR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1944 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY röt PERSONNEL
OCTOBER 7 th-9 th- DUMBARTON OAKS CONFERENCE ENDS. PLAN FOK INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCED 14th- British and Greek forces occupy Athens 19th- U.S. INVASION OF LEYTE IN PHILIPPINES 19 th- SOVIET INVASION OP EAST PRUSSIA 3rd- OFFICE OF WAR MOBILIZATION AND RECONVERSION ESTABLISHED UNDER JAMES F. BYRNES. 3rd- INDUSTRIAL RECONVERSION AND SURPLUS PROPERTY ACTS APPROVED 4th- W.L. Clayton resigns as Surplus Property Adnini strator 3rd- WPB approves CODCAVE plans for cancellation of 350 of 500 industry-regulating orders after V-E Day 15th- Construction Bureau formed, including former Facilities Ebreau aid related industry divisions WAR PRODUCTION BOARD MEMBERS • CONTINUED Administrator» Foreign Economic Administration, Leo T. Crowley (to 16/45). Vacancy (10/45 -) Chairman, War Manpower Commi ssion^o 9/4$C Paul V. McNutt Director, Office off Defense Transportation, J. Monroe Johnson

20th- Fall of Aodien, first major German city captured by Allies 23rd-27 th- JAPANESE NAVY DEFEATED DECISIVELY IN TWO NAVAL BATTLES OF THE PHILIPPINES 11th- National War Labor Board refuses to recommend modi fi cation of "Li ttle Steel " wage formula 25th- Eki rear of Pro gran and Stati sties and Program Control s Hi real established; former Program Hireau, Prediction Controls Hi-real, andHireau of Planning and Statistics abolished 31st- Redistribution and Conservation Divisions disbanded, pursuant to orders of September 12 and 27 War Food Admin i st rater /to 6/451 Marvin Jones
Director off Contract Settlement/i2/44 Robert H. Hinckley Special Assistant to the President/to 7/45/ Harry L- . Hopkins WPB TOP STAFF
(SEPTEMBEB 1944 TO NOVEMBER 1945): Chief of Staff. Arthur H. Shaker (9/44 to 1/45). Vacancy (1/45 to 3/45). John D. Small (4/45 -) Chief, of Operations. Hi land G. Batcheller (9/44 to 7/45). Vacancy (7/45 -)
NOV» BER 3rd- ANTWERP, EUROPE* S LARGEST PORT, OPENED TO SHIPMENTS OF ALLIED ARMS 10th- Churchill acknowledges V-2 rocket damage 16 th- ALLIES OPEN MASS DRIVE ON SIEGFRIED LINE 21st- General Eisenhower appeals for more supplies 7th- President Roosevelt reelected fora fourth term 16th- Byrnes warns that new civilian prediction will be nalted unless manpower shortages for war production are eliminated 27 th-'President accepts resignation of Cbrdell 11th- Internal combustion enginesplaced under complete scheduling control of M-293 16th- REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE REPORTS EASIEST SUPPLY OF CONTROLLED MATERIALS SINCE WAR BEGAN 24th- KRUG ANNOUNCES HEAVY INCREASE IN MORTAR Executive Officer. John D. Snail (9/44 to 3/45). ' Vacancy (4/45 -) Assistant to the Chairman. Charles H. Ketchsn, Jr. General Counsel. John Lord O’Brian (to 12/44). Frederick B. Eaton (1/45 to 9/45). Laurence M. Lombard (9/45 -) Executive Secretary. G. Lyle Belsley Director, Division of Information, Bruce Catton (to 4/45). Iney M. Berri son (4/45 -)

24th- Fall of Strasbourg 24th- B-29‘S RAID TOKYO IN FIRST SUPERFORTRESS RAID ON JAPAN FROM BASES ON SAIPAN Hull as Secretary of State, and appoints Edward R. Stettinius, Jr. to succeed him SHELL AND SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION PROGRAMS 29th- Prediction Readjustment Conwuttee supplants Prodiction Executive Coranittee Staff to handle changes in war program Director. Procurement Policy Division, Tudor Bowen (to 11/44). Hebert A. Irwin (11/44 -) Director. Bureau of Program and Stntistica. Thomas C. Blaisdell Jr.. (9/44 to 12/4S). Bertrand Fox (1/45 -)
9/45). John *. Martin Director. Office of War Utilities. Edward Falck
DECEMBER 3rd- Civil conflict begins in Athens as E/M and HLAS stage demonstration 10th- France and Soviet Union si 91 20-year mutual assistance pact 16th- GERMANS LAUNCH MAJOR COUNTEROFFENSIVE 1st- WPB. ARMY, NAVY, AND BMC ISSUE JOINT APPEAL FOR FULL WAR PRODUCTION AND RESTATE POLICIES ON MANPOWER AND RECONVERSION 11th- Selective Service orders local boards to review registrants under 38 to insure 5th- General Counsel, John Lord O’Brian, re* si91s, effective December 20 7 th- WPB ORDERS CIVILIAN PRODUCTION HELD DOWN TO 1944 FOURTH QUARTER LEVEL 8th- Harold Boesdienstein becomes Operations Vice Chairman asH.G. Bat ch ell er returns to private industry 9thRobert H. Hinckley, Director, Office of Cbntract Settlement, becomes member of War Production Board 19th- Arthur H. BUnker resits as Chief of Staff of the War Production Board Acting Director. Aircraft K« sources Control Office. Myron A. Tracy (10/44 -) Chai roan. Joint Cnami ttee for Critical Materials and Products.<0/45 - 9/45> Boger E. Wi Hiros Special Director of Bibber progrroa. John L. Collyer (3/45 to 7/45). Dobert S. Wilson (7/45 -) WPB VICE CHAIBMEN
THROUGH THE ARDENNES 28th- ALLIES HALT GERMAN BREAK-THROUGH 31st- New Poli sh Government formed at Lublin their participation in civilian war effort or armed forces 23rd- GOVERNMENT BANS HORSE RACING. TIGHTENS FOOD RATIONING (SEPTEMBEB 1944 TD MOVEBBEB 1945): Smaller Wnr Plrots. Bsury Msverick Civilian Bequi rementa, W.Y. Elliott (to 0/45). A.C.C. Bill. Jr. (E/45 -) Program, Samuel W. Anderson (to 4/45). Lincoln Gordon (4/45 -) International Supply. William L. Batt Labor Prochaction. Joseph D. Keenan. (John L. Beckhro Aetg.. 5/45 to 0/45) Banpower Bequi rementa , Clinton S. Golden
. 23rd- PRIORITIES REGULATION 26 AUTHORIZES USE OF PRIORITY AND ALLOCATION POWERS TO ENFORCE U‘NPOWER CEILINGS Harold Bbescfaenatein (12/44 -) Metals and Binernls. Philip D. Wilson (to 3/45), Kilim C. Keeley (3/45 to 7/45). Bolland C. Allen (7/45 -) Field Operation,, James A. Folger
23-1061 P24 Du
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES 2a
CATE MR EVENTS . DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1945 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JANUARY . 1st- France officially joins the United Nations 9 th- AMERICAN TROOPS LAND ON LUZON IN THE PHILIPPINES 10th- Nazis begin to withdraw in the "Battle of the Bilge" 12th- RUSSIAN ARMY OPENS POWERFUL WINTER OFFENSIVE WHICH LIBERATES WARSAW JANUARY 17 20th- Unconditional Surrender of Hungary 22nd-23rd- SOVIET ARMIES CUT OFF EAST PRUSSIA AND REACH THE ODER RIVER IN GERMAN SILESIA 1st- Di rector of War Mobili zation and Reconversion issues a "First Report," stressing the continued need for all-out war pro diction 6 th- PRESIDENT’ S ANNUAL MESSAGE URGES PROMPT ENACTMENT OF A NATIONAL SERVICE ACT AND UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING AFTER THE WAR 9th- National budgetmessage requests $70 billion for war purposesin fi seal year 1946, comp a red with $89 billion in current year 20th- Byrnes issues statement on "Policies of Contract Girtailment, Non-Renewal and Teimination " 21st- Jesse Jones, Secretary of Commerce, announces reply to the President’s request for his resiRation 6th- Chemicals allocation controls reimposed on small orders as well as large 11th- Increased carbon black program announced 12th- KRUG REPORTS THAT SINCE OCTOBER 1944 WAR PRODUCTION SCHEDULES FOR 194g INCREASED FROM $56.5 TO $64.5 BILLION 15th- Nation-wide "brownout" announced, effective February 1, to save fuel and power 23rd- War Prodiction Board and OPA announce joint plan for control of production and prices of textiles and clothing 25th- WPB ANNOUNCES 5-POINT PROGRAM TO INCREASE MAR PRODUCTION, INCLUDING FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON "SPOT AUTHORIZATIONS* FOR CIVILIAN PRODUCTION OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL: (SEPTEMBER 1944 TO OCTOBER 1945) Office of the General Counsel: Solicitor» Frederick M. Eaton (to 12/44)» Laurence M. Lombard (1/45 to 9/45) Office of the Executive Secretary: P.L. Arnston L. A. Granet F. R. Cawley Carlton Hayward W.H. Foster C. S. Long L.M. Shea Bureau of Program and Statistics (10/44 -): Melvin Anshen Saul Nelson Morris Copeland Robinson Newcomb E.J. Engquist David Novick R. W. Go ldsmi th L. I. Owen H.C. Grieves Bnerson Ross R. E. Johnson' Frederick Stephan Shaw Livermore Robert C. Turner J. A. Livingston T.P. Trevett, Jr. Office of War Utilities (to 9/45): Arthur Gorman P.R. Taylor Alexander Macomber L.H. Peebles V.M. Marquis * B. J. Sickler
FEBRUARY 3rd- Anerican troops enter Manila 6 th-7 th- Soviet armies crossOder River in force near Berlin and Breslau. U.S. forces penetrate Siegfried Line 4th-12th- YALTA CONFERENCE OF ROOSEVELT, CHURCHILL, STALIN, AND STAFFS 13th- Budapest falls to Soviet Army 16th-17th- 1200 planes raid Tokyo from U. S. carriers 19th- INVASION OF IWO JIMA IN BONIN ISLANDS 23rd- ALLIES BREACH THE ROER RIVER LINE IN BIG PUSH FOR THE RHINE ON WESTERN FRONT 23rd- Turkey declares war on the Axis 14th- WAR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 18.9 PERCENT INCREASE IN 1945 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULES COMPARED WITH 1944 T9 th- War Mobil i zation Di rector By mes announces a midiight curfewbeginning February 26 to save fuel and manpower 23rde UNDER SECRETARY OF WAR PATTERSON SAYS ARMED SERVICES NEED 900,000 MORE MEN AND WAR INDUSTRIES 700,000 MORE WORKERS IN FIRST HALF OF 1945 27th- Textile workers in New Bedford, Massachusetts, refuse War Manpower Commission transfer to tire cord plants 8 th- FOUR ALUMINUM PLANTS ARE REOPENED TO MEET INCREASED AIRCRAFT PROGRAMS 15th- Zinc is returned to allocation 19 th- NEW TEXTILE ORDER M-388 ISSUED, DIRECTING MORE FABRIC INTO LOWER PRICED CLOTHING • 24th- WPB Emergency Gonmittee on Steel formed because o f decreased indistry production 27th- WPB reports that consumer durable goods manufacturers will have 234 percent less carbon steel in second quarter than in first quarter Office of Civilian Requirements: Deputy Vice Chairman, A. C. C. Hill, jr. (to 8/45), Vacancy (8/45)-) Assistant Vice Chairmen, E.R. Gay (to 1/46), M. C. Penticoff (10/44 to 5/45), Milton Starr (5/45 -R.P. Brown G.K. Hamill Carroll Burton R.N. Johnson H. A. Dinegar R.E. Kerr A.G. Eaton Donald Longman D. C. Gallagher C. E. Noyes Ross Williams Office of the Program Vice Chairman: Dpputy Program Vice Chairman, Lincoln Gordon (11/44 to 4/45), Vacancy (5/45 -) Program Controls Bureau /program Bureau to 10/4^: Director, Lincoln Gordon (to 4/45), John C. Houston, Jr. (5/45 -) Herman Corder F.J. Setie M. G. deChazeau W.C. Skuce E.E. Frost V. E. Tobin R. A. Graham Robert Williams G.N. McClusky B.H. Wimer
MARCH 6 th- FALL OF COLOGNE. COBLENZ THREATENED 7 th- U. S. FIRST ARMY ESTABLISHES FIRST RHINE BRIDGEHEAD AT REMAGEN 7th-.Soviet Army launches drive for Berlin from Oder River bridgehead 10th- Tokyo suffersheaviest raid to date from 300 B-29’s 17 th- Ehdof Japanese opposi tion on Iwo Jima 23rd-24th- FURTHER RHINE CROSSINGS BY PATTON’S THIRD, HODGES’ FIRST, BRITISH, AND CANADIAN ARMIES 31st- ENCIRCLEMENT OF NAZI TROOPS IN RUHR BASIN COMPLETED. YANKS REACH KASSEL 1st- Senate confirms Henry Wallace as Secretary of Commerce, after removing author-i ty over RFC 6th- Fred M. Vinson is confirmed as Federal ' Loai Adninistrator, becoming member of War Production R>ard 7th- William H. Davis is appointed Director of Economic Stabilization 19th- Cbngress votes to investigate food shortage 29th- Major General Lucius D. Clay leaves OVMR 31st- OWR "Second Report" promi ses relaxation of some emergency measures after V-E Day and predicts 30% decrease in munitions prodiction by end of 1945 1st- New Conservation and Salvage Division es-tabl i shed 3rd- Wi 11 i am C. Keel ey appointed Vice Qi ai rm an for Metals and Minerals, succeeding P. D. Wilson 3rd- Battheller announces 46%increase in production of truck ti res in last th ree mon ths 6th- Production Readjustment Committee announces procedure for handling cutbacks 15th- Leather for civilian shoes in late 1945 redu ced 17 th- KRUG STATES THAT IMPROVED RECONVERSION PLANS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT PROPER TIME, THUS REOPENING RECONVERSION DELIBERATIONS 21st- J.L. G>lly.er becomes Special Director of Bibber Programs to handle impending shortage of tire components A. J. Wil son Distribution Bureau (to 6/45): Director, William J. Logan (to 6/45) F. V. Connolly Hugh Porter David Novick M.S. Verner Orders and Regulations Bureau: Director, Hugh W. Jackson (9/44 to 5/45)» Lucius F. Foster (6/45 -) W.C. Cleveland P.R. Harbison A.N. Holcombe Bureau of Production Controls (to 10/44): Vacancy,(9/44 -) Bureau of Stockpiling and Transportation (to 2/45 Director, Edward Browning, Jr. Office of the Vice Chai rman for Labor Production: Deputy Vice Chairman (on Production), D. Alan Strachan Deputy Vice Chairman (on Readjustment), Irving J. Brown (1/45 to 5/45), John L. Beckham (5/45 •) R.M. Brewer David Lasser G.W. Brooks Paul Porter L.K. Comstock D.J. Saposs
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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE 1945 WAR EVENTS DEFENSE ANO WAR PRODUCTION
STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
APRIL 1st* OKINAWA ISLAND INVADED IN LARGEST PACIFIC OPERATION TO DATE. LIFELINE TO JAPANESE SOUTHERN EMPIRE SEVERED 5th- RUSSIA DENOUNCES HER NEUTRALITY PACT WITH JAPAN 12th- U.S, troops cross the Elbe River 13th- Vienna falls to Soviet Amy 20 th- RUSSIAN TANKS ENTER BERLIN 25 th- UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE OPENS AT SAN FRANCISCO 25th- U.S. AND RUSSIAN ARMIBSJIBBT ON THE ELBE 26th- British capture Bremen 28 th- German proposal of un con di tional surrender, excluding Rjssia, rejected 28th- Execution of Mussolini 29 th- UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OP GERMAN TROOPS IN ITALY AND SOUTHERN AUSTRIA 2ld- RESIGNATION OP BYRNES AS DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF WAR MOBILIZATION AND RECONVERSION-SUBMITTED MARCH 24—IS ACCEPTED BY PRESIDENT. FRED M. VINSON SUCCESSOR 3rd- Compromise manpower control bill rejecter by Senate 12th* DEATH OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, PRESIDEN OF THE UNITED STATES. VICE PRESIDEN’. HARRY S. TRUMAN ASSUMES OFFICE 17 th- Lend-Lease Act extended for a year 17 th* John W. Snyder appointed Federal Loan Administrator. Robert R. Nathan, OWR Deputy Director for Reconversion 26 th- UNDER SECRETARY OF WAR PATTERSON ANNOUNCES IS PERCENT REDUCTION IN MILITARY ORDERS 3rd- Krug outlines WPB steps toward reconversion for period prior to V-E Day 8 th- WAR PRODUCTION BOARD SETS UP COMMITTEE ON PERIOD ONE TO PLAN FOR PERIOD BETWEEN VICTORY-IN-EUROPE AND VICTORY-OVER- JAPAN J.D. SMALL, CHAIRMAN 10th- Amy announces it will halt construction on 12 new tank plants - 11th- Production reap thori zed on bottleneck machine tools and equipment necessary for civilian prediction 16 th- KRUG OUTLINES WPB POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR RELAXATION OF INDUSTRY CONTROLS APTER VICTORY- IN- EUROPE 25th- Combined Prediction and Resources Board warns of Uni ted Nations coal, textile, and truck shortage 27 th- SPOT AUTHORIZATION PLAN OPERATIONS RESUMED 27th- Restoration of' cuts ordered for fam machinery and some other essential civilian programs 28 th- JOHN D. SMALL NAMED CHIEF OP STAFF. LINCOLN GORDON SUCCEEDS SAMUEL ANDERSON AS PROGRAM VICE CHAIRMAN OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL ( SEPTEMBER 1944 - OCTOBER 1945): Office of the Vice Chairman for Manpower Requirements: Deputy VI co Chai man for Program Projects, Philip J. Clowes Deputy Vice Chairmen for Operation«, Major Ralph Hetzel Allen Buchenen David Ziekind Office of the Vice Choirman for International Supply: Deputy Vice Chairman, Edward Browning, Jr. ( 2/45 - ) Morton Banks Lt. Ooi. Charles Heldt R.A. Gordon Ogden White Office of the Operetions Vice Chairmen: Deputy Vice Chairmen for Operations, Harold Boeschenstein (9/44 to 12/44), Arthur J. McComb, (12/44 to 6/45), W.C. Skuce, (6/45-) Deputy Vice Chairman .for Production. lohn B. Campbell (9/44 to 6/45), Robert M. Hatfield (6/45 -) Howard Coonley Wo To Hoyt Harbert Faust J.H. Martin J.G. Fort A. J. McComb Jo Bo Gates W.C. Skuce J.P. Gregg G. A. Stuart Chemicals Bureau: Director. D.P. Morgan Lawrence Brown W.G. Whi tman Wo Fo Twombly Construction Bureau (includes directors of divisions in other bureaus from 9/44 to 10/44): Director, A.J. McComb (10/44 to 12/44), John L. Haynes (12/44 •)
MAY 24 th* 1st- GERMAN RADIO ANNOUNCES DEATH OF HITLER 3rd- British take Rangoon, Himese capital 5th- Surrender of German amies in Holland, Denmark, and Northern Germany 7 th- GERMAN UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER SIGNED IN RHEIMS AT S '. 41 A.M. 8 th- V-B DAY APTER FIVE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS OP WAR IN EUROPE. RATIFICATION OP SURRENDER TERMS AT BERLIN 13th- First 500-plane raid by B-29’s on Japan 25 th- 330 SUPERFORTRESSES RAID TOKYO 31st- British ultimatum halts French-Syrian fitting in Levant 5th- WAR DEPARTMENT ISSUES ITS REDEPLOYMENT PLAN. ARMY TO BE REDUCED FROM 8.3 TO 7.0 MILLION MEN 9th- Vinson report on "The War: Phase Tab" predicts continued civilian shortages 9th- Midnight curfew and racing ban ended 11th- EMC RELAXES MANPOWER CONTROLS. INDEFINITE DEFERMENTS SOON GRANTED MEN OVER 29 IN ESSENTIAL JOBS 12th- DonaldM. Nel son leaves the Government service 21st- ADMIRAL NIMITZ REQUESTS EMERGENCY MEASURES TO AID WEST COAST REPAIRS ON NAVAL VESSELS 23rd- Gasoline allotments increased for motorists 23rd- PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES FIRSTCABINET CHANGES: LEWIS B. SCHWELLENBACH TO BE SECRETARY OF LABOR; CLINTON P. ANDERSON, SECRETARY OP AGRICULTURE; AND TOM C. CLARK, ATTORNEY GENERAL 29th- Company-wide contract settionent plan announced 1st- Committeeon Period One completes a tentative report 9th- Prediction Readjustment Committee announces its plan for a National open capacity list,* to aid with cutbacks 10th- KRUG OUTLINES V-E DAY RELAXATION OF PRODUCTION CONTROLS. CMP "OPEN-ENDED" EFFECTIVE JULY 1 16th- Iron and Steel Conservation Order M-126 is repealed 21st- Prediction of 700,000 domestic washing machines authorised for last hal f of 1945 24th- Production of 200,000 automobiles authorized for 1945 27 th- WPB ISSUES REPORT ON "WAR PRODUCTION AND RECONVERSION* AND LI STS INDUSTRY ORDERS REVOKED OR SCHEDULED FOR REVOCATION 29th- Cbntrois on- construction eased by amendment to L-4} J.P. Boyd J.H. Heisinger C.R. Devisson J.F. Miller H.M. Hele W.W. Spencer Consumer Herd Goods Bureau: Director, Vacancy (to 7/45), Stanley B. Adems (7/45 -) N.G. Burleigh Howerd Frenk F.M. Mitchell Equipment Bureau /"includes officiels of Redio and Transport Bureau absorbed 7/4S/: Director, Vecency (to 7/45), John S. Chafee (7/44 -) H.M. Beshera F.S. Glover L.J. Chatten W.M. Haile D.M. Cornell M.E. Kerns D.M. Crim J.H. Middlekemp R.C. Ellis H.P. Nelson P. S. Gaston F.B. Robins Cspt. J.O. Gawne F.M. Shields
" 23-1061_P26.110
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
25
DATE MR EVENTS DEFENSE AND KAR PRODUCTION
1945 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
JUNE 8th- Chinese armies clear 100 miles of coast- 7th- General Qnar N. Bradley appointed Adnini- 7 th- Military requirements for brass mill prod-
line west of Okinawa OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL /SEPTEMBER 1944 - OCTOBER 1945
strator of Veteran s’ Affairs, entering of- ucts reduced to 40 percent of previous
10th- "Aussies” invade North Borneo fice August 15 peak demand Forest Products Bureau:
221d- OKINAWA CAMPAIGN ENDS WITH 45,000 U.S. 11th- President retkicesArmy budget for 1946 fis- 9th- Use of picture badges for security control Director, Vacancy (10/44 to- 3/45), Benton Can cell
CASUALTIES cal year from $45 to $39 billion of entrance to WPB offices is ended (3/45 -)
23rd- New Polish National Government formed 23rd- WAR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SO PERCENT CUT- 16th- Joint Ooumi ttee for Critical Material s and E.J. Detgen Grant Richardson
26 th- SAN FRANCISCO CONFERENCE DELEGATES SIGN BACK IN PRODUCTION OF ARTILLERY SHELLS Predicts lists 101 items in continuing David Graham J.H. Steinman
THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND 29th- War Food Adnini st ration functions shifted short supply A.B. Huy s soon Ra W. Whi tney
ADJOURN to Department of Agriculture 30th- KRUG ANNOUNCES SIX-MONTH "TRANSITION PE- R. A. Ppwers W.H. Wilcox
28th- Luzon campaign concluded RIOD” TO A SIMPLIFIED PRIORITIES SYSTEM,
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1946. OHP PLAN TO Rubber Bureau:
EXPIRE OCTOBER 1, 1945 Director, James F. (3/45 -) Clark (to 3/45), Vacancy

JULY 3rd- Bri ti sh and Anaricans occupy half of Berlin 1st- ^MC reduces number o f critical labor areas 3rd- Inventory an do th er controls are retained R. W. Alger R.G. Landers
10th- First of a series of carrier and fleet 2nd- JAMES F. BYRNES BECOMES SECRETARY OF STATE on sheet steel to prevent a reconversion R. T. Bete T.J. Newton
attacks on Japanese shore installations. 6th- CDTbans short-run sleeping car accommoda- bottl en eck E. J. Casey W.E. O’Brien
Superfortress raids on Japan increase tions, after soldiers protest transports* 3rd- Cou trol s are eased on paper and some chemi- F»p. Downey, Jr. A. Sa Pawling
from Okinawa bases tion conditions cal s J.S. Johnson W.J. Sears
17 th- CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENT TRUMAN, PRIME 19th- OPA announces procedure for securing in- 10th- R. G Allen becomes Vice Chai man for Met- G. B. Keyser L.E. Spencer
MINISTER CHURCHILL, AND MARSHALL STALIN dustry price increases and company adjust- als and Minerals E. D. Kei 1 ey R.D. Sy er
OPENS AT POTSDAM ments under its reconversion pricing pro- 13th- War Production Drive Division abolished, F.R. Kenney C. F. Weiler
26th- Potsdam ultimatun warns Japan to sur- gram effective September 30« Radio and Trans-
render 23rd- JOHN M. SNYDER SWORN IN AS DIRECTOR OF WAR port Bireau merged with Equipment Bureau Textile, Clothing, and* Lea ther Bureau:
26th- PRIME MINISTER WINSTON CHURCHILL DIS- MOBILIZATION AND RECONVERSION AND FRED M. 13th- J.L. Collyer reports rubber program is Director, James Spencer Love (to 12/44),
PLACED BY CLEMENT R. ATTLEE IN BRITISH VINSON AS SECRETARY OF TREASURY adequate to meet military and minimum es- Kenneth W. Marriner (12/44 •)
LABOR PARTY LANDSLIDE 31st- Secretary of the Interior asks Army fur- sen ti al ci vi 1 i an needs E.N. Brower G.H. Lanier, Jr,
29th- Japan rejects Potsdam ultimatum lough of 30,000 coal miners to prevent a 19th- More civilian shoes predicted by WPB and J.H. Gardiner E. R. Metcalf
winter fuel shortage OPA for late 1945 J.F. Gleitsman JiHa Patterson

AUGUST 2nd- Comnunique from Potsdam Conference re- 14th- WMC ABOLISHES ALL REMAINING MANPOWER CON- 9 th- PRESIDENT OUTLINES 5-POINT RECONVERSION Office of the Vice Ch ai rman for Metals and Minerals
ports agreement on reparations, Polish TROLS PROGRAM FOR WPB Deputy Vice Chairman , J ame s Douglas
boundary, occupation of Germany, and trial 15th- ARMY REDUCES ITS ’945-4* PROCUREMENT FRO- 10th- Tin shortage predicted for another year N.H. Bell Re Ja Lund
of war criminals GRAM FROM $79 TO $6.5 BILLION 15th- A.GG Hill, Jr. succeeds W.Y. Elliott as M.H. Billings J. Sa MacGregor
2nd- 800 Superfortresses make war’s biggest 15 th- RATIONING OF GASOLINE, FUELOIL, AND CANNED Vice Chairman fbrCivilian Requirements Albert Butler W. T. Meloy
air raid on four Japanese cities GOODS ENDS 20 th- WPB CANCELS 210 OF J40 INDUSTRY ORDERS IN N.W. Fay R.D. Parks
6 th- FIRST ATOMIC BOMB DROPPED ON HIROSHIMA 16th- Most controls on transportation removed by MOST IMPORTANT RECONVERSION MOVE. TRUCKS, F.H. Hayes F.G. Rockwell
KILLING OVER 100,000 JAPANESE ODT RADIOS, REFRIGERATORS, STOVES AMONG PROD- GeCe Heikes Michael Schwarz
8 th- RUSSIA DECLARES WAR ON JAPAN AND ATTACKS 18th- PRESIDENT’ S "RECONVERSION ORDER” CALLS FOR UCTS AFFECTED A. S. Knoi sen W.B. Todd
ALONG MANCHURIAN BORDER "VIGOROUS, CONCERTED, AND UNIFORM ACTION IN 21st- Krug ends ban on indistrial construction Erwin Vogelsang
8th- Second atomic bomb destroys Nagasaki REMOVAL OF WARTIME CONTROLS 24th- Cbntrois on passenger car production and
Sth- PRESIDENT APPROVES UNITED NATIONS CHAR- 21st- PRESIDENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF usé of paper removed Office of the Vice Chairman for Field Operations:
TER, FOLLOWING SENATE RATIFICATION ON LEND-LEASE AID AND REQUESTS ALLIED PURCHASE 27th- SPOT AUTHORIZATION ORDER REPEALED. NEW Deputy Vice Chairman for Fi eld Production Operations,

JULY 18 OF 42 BILLION IN NON-MILITARY GOODS CUR- CONTROLS ESTABLISHED ON INVENTORIES Tudor Bowen (9/44 to 8/45)
10 th- JAPANESE OFFER TO ACCEPT SURRENDER IF RENTLY UNDER CONTRACT 28th- OFFICE OF WAR UTILITIES, AIRCRAFT DIVI- Deputy Vice Chairman for Fi
EMPEROR’S SOVEREIGNTY IS PRESERVED 23rd- Forty-hour work week and restoration of SION, CONSERVATION AND SALVAGE DIVISION. On^raHnn«. Sarmin!
14th- PRESIDENT TRUMAN ANNOUNCES FULL ACCEPT- holidays authorized for Govemmen t workers PRODUCTION READJUSTMENT COMMITTEE, AND Chief Deputy Vice Chairman for Field Operations,
ANCE OF SURRENDER TERMS BY JAPANESE GOV- 23 rd- Petroleum Adnini st ration for War rescinds SOME OTHER GROUPS ABOLISHED EFFECTIVE SEP- C. A. Woodruff (8/45 -) Deputy Vice Chairman for Fi
ERNMENT most of its controls TEMBER 30 eld Operations, C. A.
20th- SOVIET UNION RATIFIES UNITED NATIONS 28 th- ARMY REPORTS PLAN TO REDUCE MILITARY PER- Woodruff (6/45 to 8/45), W.C. Armstrong (8/45 -)
CHARTER. GREAT BRITAIN FOLLOWS SHORTLY SOHN EL FROM 5.0 5 TO 2.5 MILLION BY JULY 1,
1946

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CHRONOLOGY OF THE WAR PRODUCTION BOARD AND PREDECESSOR AGENCIES
DATE V»AR EVENTS DEFENSE AND WAR PRODUCTION
1945 STRATEGY AND DIPLOMACY GENERAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES AND POLICY KEY PERSONNEL
SEPTEMBER 21 d- V-J DAY FORMAL SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT ABOARD BATTLESHIP MISSOURI 10th- General McArthur orders dissolution of Japanese Imperial General Headquarters 12th- Japanese southern armies surrender at Singapore 17th- President urges prompt arrangements by Congress for financing UNRRA 17 th- GENERAL MACARTHUR PREDICTS OCCUPATION FORCES IN JAPAN WILL BE CUT TO 200,000 ' IN SIX MONTHS 28 th- LORD MOUNTBATTEN DISPATCHES BRITISH TROOPS TO MAINTAIN ORDER IN INDO-CHINA AND JAVA PRESIDENT RECOMMENDS REDUCTIONS OF 143.7 BILLION IN MAR EXPENDITURES: 140.2 FOR ARMED SERVICES; 13 .5 FOR EMERGENCY AGENCIES 5th- Joint Chi efs of Staff Committee reports 2 to 1 in favor of a unified Department of National Defense 6 th- PRESIDENT OUTLINES A 21-POINT POSTRAR LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM. CONGRESSIONAL ACTION recommended on war powers and controls, TAXES, "FULL EMPLOYMENT" 14th- CIO UNITED AUTOMOBILE WORKERS ASK FOR A 30 PERCENT WAGE INCREASE 18 th- RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF RAR STIMSON ANNOUNCED. ROBERT P. PATTERSON NOMINATE1 TO SUCCEED HIM 19 th- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ABSORBS WAR MANPOWER COMMISSION AND NATIONAL WAR LABOR BOARD. OFFICE OF ECONOMIC STABILIZATION MERGED WITH OWMR 27th- Foreign Economic Adnini stration abolished. 10th- Frederick M. Eaton resigns as WB General Counsel, to be succeeded by Laurence M. Lombard 12th- Lumber controls ended, effective Sep-. ternber 30 T2th- WB setsup IndrstryPersonnel Committee to help terminated personnel find jobs 18 th- SNYDER AND KRUG ANNOUNCE END OF RESTRIC- TIONS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER IS 19th- Reconversion Bureau and Demobilization Bureau announ ced 30th- CONTROLLED MATERIALS PLAN CEASES OPERATION, AND IS REPLACED BY A SIMPLIFIED PRIORITIES SYSTEM OTHER WPB KEY PERSONNEL - CONTINUED Office of the Vice Chairmen for Field Operations Continued Regional Directors: NOTE: Nwnbera in parentheaea indicata the region. W.H. Wheeler, Jr. (1) Walker Mason (1) L.S. Greenleaf, Jr. (2) O.H. Bullitt (3) J.G. Boardman (3) H.G. Thornton (4) J.C. Virden (5) F.W. Ramsey (5) John Nuveen, Jr. (6) W. B. Satterlee (7) L.E. Crandall (7) G.U Noble, Jr. (8) V.L. Board (9) W.F. Wright (10) D.H. Neher (10) Carsten Tiedeman (11) D.J. Winton (12) K.B. Colman (13)
OCTOBER 3rd- LONDON COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS, CONVENED SEPTEMBER 11, CLOSES WITHOUT AGREEMENT. ON SEVERAL ISSUES 8th- President declares atomic bomb secret will not be revealed to other nations at thi s time 10th- Advisory Commission on Japanese Control Policy announced 26th- PRESIDENT RESTATES FUNDAMENTALS OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY IN NAVY DAY ADDRESS 31st- U.S. announces polity of shifting from military to civilian control of German government by June 1, 1946 1st- OWMR FOURTH QUARTERLY REPORT REVIEWS RECONVERSION PROSPECTS AND PREDICTS UP TO 8 MILLION UNEMPLOYED IN 1946 3rd- PRESIDENT URGES CREATION OF ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION 19th- Office of Surplus Property in Department of Commerce transferred to Reconstruction Finance Corporation 221 d- PRESIDENT RECOMMENDS LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING 29th- End of automobile rationing announced 30th- President reaffirms Government wage-price policies to restore collective bargaining aid free markets andprevent inflation or deflation 30th- End of shoe rationing 4th- WAR PRODUCTION BOARD TERMINATED, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 1945- RESIDUAL FUNCTIONS TRANSFERRED TO A CIVILIAN PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION, J.D. SMALL AMINI S-TRATOR 4th- Snail outlines functions of CPA 9 th- WAR PRODUCTION BOARD HOLDS ITS HUNDREDTH AND FINAL MEETING. REPORT ON "WARTIME ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECONVERSION OUTLOOK" ISSUED 10th- Siyder recommends that five WB clothing orders be retained to provide more low cost clothing 12th- Production Exëcu ti ve Commi ttee formally di s so 1 ved 17th- First meeting of CPA Staff 29th- General adninistrative order defines CPA organi zation and functions
NOVEMBER 3rd- WAR PRODUCTION BOARD ENDS. CIVILIAN PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION BEGINS NOVEMBER 4
23-1061 1'28 Du-final