Governor McCrory Signs Proclamation Honoring N.C.'s Contributions in World War II Victory | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory signed a proclamation recognizing North Carolina's contributions to World War II as August 14-15, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

    "North Carolina has always answered the call to serve our nation," said Governor McCrory. "As we mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, we are proud to commemorate the men and women whose bravery and sacrifices put an end to tyranny across the globe. Freedom is never free and it's our duty to remember and support veterans from the 'Greatest Generation', as well as all active duty military, military families and veterans."

    Nearly 400,000 men and women from across North Carolina enlisted in all branches of the Armed Forces. Of those, 26,000 World War II Veterans still call North Carolina home, and 8,500 who served did not return home.


    About 2 million men and women were trained in North Carolina during World War II. North Carolina was home to 24 military installations that trained and housed troops from all branches of the military. They included Camp Battle, Camp Butner, Camp Davis, Fort Bragg, Camp Sutton, Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station, Charlotte Quartermaster Depot, Lake Lure Army Air Force Rest and Rehabilitation Center, Knoll Field, Elizabeth City Marine Corps Station, Morris Field, Pineville Naval Station, Pope Field, Greensboro Overseas Replacement Depot and the Raleigh-Durham Air Field.

    North Carolina industry contributed by building Liberty Ships at the North Carolina Ship Building Company in Wilmington. In addition, North Carolina provided more textiles to the Armed Forces than any other state.

    Additionally, North Carolina was home to some military firsts. Many of the female pilots of the historic Women Airforce Service Pilots flew A-24's and A-25's towing targets, flying radar deception missions, night target-towing missions, and tracking missions out of Camp Davis in Holly Ridge, N.C.

    On June 1, 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps started enlisting African Americans. The first class of 1,200 volunteers began their training at Montford Point at Camp Lejeune, at New River, N.C.

    "In battle across three continents, and at home, North Carolina can be proud of its role in helping the United States liberate millions of people from tyranny," Governor McCrory said.

    Read the proclamation here: http://governor.nc.gov/document/70th-anniversary-ending-world-war-ii

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov