The Dallas – Fort Worth area played a vital role in World War II. Planes were mass-produced at Fort Worth’s assembly line and citizens from all over the area pitched in to help get them built and fly-ready for pilots. Soldiers had a strong presence in the area, and women played a key role in riveting plans and working jobs traditionally held by men.

During this time, a Quartermaster Depot, Marine Air Base, and the Fort Worth Army Air Force Base were constructed in Fort Worth. Consolidated-Vultee’s mile-long aircraft plant on the shore of Lake Worth produced more than 3,000 B-24 Liberator bombers, and during its peak employed 32,000 workers. Dallas served as a manufacturing center for the war effort. In 1942, the Ford Motor plant in Dallas converted to wartime production, constructing almost 94,000 jeeps and 6,000 military trucks.

Here are some memorable photos taken during wartime in the Metroplex. It is touching to see the teamwork and community spirit of those who served our country:

Soldiers working outside their camp in Fort Worth area.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth This photo was taken on November 11, 1941.

This photo from April 1942 shows a crew making plane installations.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

Here’s a side view of a B-24 captured in May 1942.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

Working conditions were often pretty crowded.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth Here you can see ten workers constructing an airplane’s fuselage. This photo was taken April 1942.

This gal was working as a riveter in May 1942.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

Social events were held to maintain spirits of the hard working servicemen and women during the war.

UNT Libraries Special Collections

George Newman and Charles Lindbergh photographed while conversing in May 1942.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

This photo, taken on May 4, 1945, shows big band leader Frankie Masters signing a War Bond at Lockheed Martin.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

This photo from 1945 shows a nose and tail section line up in a B-32 assembly line.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

Here’s what the B-32 looked like in flight.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

World War II veterans discuss bond buying with mechanics.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

These completed World War II airplanes were put on display for crowds.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

These pilots trained in the Civil Aeronautics Authority flight program at the current-day University of North Texas.

UNT Special Collections

When the war ended, Consolidated and the adjacent airfield (designated as Carswell Air Force Base in 1948) provided the framework for area’s postwar industrial expansion and economic prosperity. Fort Worth emerged as one of the nation’s premier aviation production centers.

The Portal to Texas History/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth

This photo was taken on November 11, 1941.

Here you can see ten workers constructing an airplane’s fuselage. This photo was taken April 1942.

UNT Libraries Special Collections

UNT Special Collections

Do you have any memories or stories of loved ones who served during World War II from Dallas – Fort Worth you would be willing to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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