Written by Researcher and FHC Volunteer Mark Galluzzo
During World War I and World War II, Dennison Manufacturing was an important producer of “Essential War-Time Industry” supplies. During the First World War, Dennison manufactured gas mask repair kits, antiseptic bandages, surgical pads, pneumonia gowns, and identification tags and labels for bombs and ammunition. During the Second World War, nearly 80% of Dennison’s production was related to war uses or “civilian goods classed as essential.” Tag and label production for bombs remained an important product line.
In a recent episode of Tom Hanks’ new TV production, Masters of the Air, one of the in-flight combat scenes depicted a B-17 crew member making his way to the bomb bay to arm the fuses on each bomb. This process consisted of removing metal cotter pins that fit in a hole in every fuse. Many bombs had 2 fuses – nose and tail.
These fuse pins were a safety device consisting of the pin and a warning tag. They were put in place to prevent premature arming and explosion of the bomb while attached to the plane and to ensure the bomb was fully activated only after falling a safe distance from the aircraft. The pin/tags could also be used to disarm the bombs should the mission be recalled. The warning tags were produced by Dennison Manufacturing in Framingham. According to The Army Air Forces Statistical Digest (WWII), from December 1941 to August 1945, the U.S. Army Air Force alone dropped 2,057,224 tons of bombs (worldwide), along with the accompanying bomb tags.
It was very common for crew members to keep these tags as a memento of their missions.
They would note the date, target, bomb load, and personal mission number before adding the most recent pin/tag to their collections.
The following images provide excellent examples of this simple yet deeply personal tradition. This is yet another example of the significant role Framingham played in the lives and experiences of the Second World War II.
Suggested Reading:
Readers interested in learning more about the rich history of Dennison Manufacturing are encouraged to explore the Framingham History Center’s Dennison Timeline and other material related to this important corporation.
Suggested Video: (recommend watching 9:15 to 17:00)