Local War Efforts
/World War II proved to be a lucrative time for production in the United States, with even the smallest states and cities getting the opportunity to be part of valuable efforts that contributed to the U.S.’s large-scale success in the war.
During WWII, the Army/Navy “E” Award flag stood as a call to action to companies across the country to strive for an “E” for “Excellence in Production” by mobilizing to produce wartime materials needed to aid the U.S.’s efforts overseas.
Throughout the duration of the war, only 5% of the 85,000 active U.S. companies aiding in war efforts earned the award, totaling 4,283 companies.
Recipients of the “E” Award received a pennant to commemorate their achievement. After six months of outstanding production, “E” Award companies could increase their accolades with the addition of a white star to their flag.
15 Louisiana-based companies received the “E” Award throughout WWII, including local company Thibodaux Boiler Works.
Founded in 1894 by Louis and Joe Braud and J.A. Naquin, Thibodaux Boiler Works got its start doing repair work for the sugar cane industry, but went on to expand its efforts into the oil industry.
During WWII, Thibodaux Boiler Works shifted its attention to the production of 105-MM and 155-MM artillery shells with the approval of the U.S. Department of Ordinance. Under the leadership of then-president G.L. Braud, the local company produced 3.25 million total shells during the war, ultimately earning its “E” Award on February 28, 1943.
However, such production initially proved to be a challenge for the Thibodaux company, which had no rail service, running water, or electricity to aid its efforts. Thibodaux Boiler Works sought the assistance of companies participating in similar efforts for guidance, who were more than willing to help.
Once the pieces fell into place the, the company was off to the races with artillery shell production, earning an additional two stars for its “E” Award pennant by the end of the war.
Today, the Regional Military Museum is honored to display remnants of Thibodaux Boiler Works’ contributions to the U.S.’s efforts during WWII, including a 105-MM artillery shell with a bronze plaque that was awarded to Thibodaux Boiler Works employees for their work and an ashtray created from the base of an unused shell produced by the company.
While the museum does not possess Thibodaux Boiler Works’ pennant, it is proud to display the pennant of another Louisiana-based company that received an “E” Award for its efforts during WWII, namely Freeport Sulphur.
Given the large scale of a world war, it can be hard to imagine the impact that a small town can have on extensive war efforts. However, the accolades earned by companies like Thibodaux Boiler Works prove that no town was too small to make a difference for its country. Now, Thibodaux will go down in history as one of a little over 4,000 companies to be nationally recognized for their efforts in WWII.