of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 735

BENDIX RADIO CORPORATION—ARMY NAVY "E" AWARD

August 10, 1942

Towson

All Maryland rejoices in this deserved award to Bendix Radio Division
of the Bendix Aviation Corporation for its outstanding record in furtherance
of the present war effort. Singled out as the only organization in your field
to receive the coveted award of the combined Army and Navy "E", sincere
congratulations are due everyone in this well-functioning organization. Today
American boys are offering their lives in the Southwest Pacific to regain our
Country's possessions, taken in the treacherous assault by the Japanese.

The men and women of Bendix, today also, can find satisfaction in the
realization that they are doing their part to furnish our fighters with the
implements and the equipment they need to wage a victorious struggle.

The men and women who compromise this organization, have every right to
consider this award a personal decoration, for their own distinguished service
to the cause of Democracy here and throughout the entire world. The faith-
ful and efficient worker in the essential war industry, in my opinion, is a
"production soldier", whose day-in and day-out efforts are all-important for
our Country's success. This "production soldier" is fighting, shoulder to
shoulder with the men on the oceans and in the air, the world-wide battle
for the preservation of the basic freedoms. Without success on the production
line, there cannot be success in military operations.

The transmission equipment which you are supplying has already been
the key to success in Naval engagements). The decisive victories at Midway
and the Coral Seas could not have been achieved without the means of
intercommunication furnished by radio. Yesterday, it was not necessary
for Admiral Nimitz to suspend operations "somewhere in the Pacific1' to give
his first-hand inspiring message to the American public.

The State of Maryland is, therefore, honored, by your successful achieve-
ment. Through it, you have given evidence of Maryland's eagerness to do far
more than its share in this National emergency just as Marylanders, from
Colonial days, have rallied, without hesitation, to every call of our National
leaders. It is because of this spirit and this determination that Maryland
in the present war effort has given such a worthwhile account of itself.

Today, there is more war-time activity in the comparatively small State
of Maryland, than in any other State of the South, excepting the expansive
State of Texas. Such a spirit accounts for the fact that 185, 000 volunteers
are enrolled in this State for Civilian Defense. It accounts for the fact that
the Maryland State Guard has already chieved Nation-wide distinction by its
rating, after inspection by the War Department, at the top rank of such State