June 7, 1945
Dear General Knudsen:
As you return to civilian life I want to express appreciation for the distinguished service
you have rendered to your country in the prosecution of the war. Your organizational genius in
transforming our peace-time industry to a vast war machine is one of the greatest stories of the
war and has earned the thanks not only of every American, but also the thanks of our allies who
have depended on American supplies and equipment. That equipment which you helped to produce
is speeding the day of victory.
First as a leader of the Advisory Commission to the Council for National Defense, then as Director
General of the Office of Production Management, and for the past three and a half years in your
military capacity as Director of Production in the Office of the Under Secretary of War, you have
been in the forefront of our national industrial effort. Twice your work has won for you recognition
by the award of the Distinguished Service Medal.
Almost insurmountable difficulties have been overcome by your courage and determination in
working with private industry and by your forethought in anticipating and planning for future
exigencies. Your resourcefulness and unswerving devotion to duty have saved the Nation vast
sums of money while at the same time expediting production of materials of war, and preventing
the loss of countless precious American lives.
I extend to you my own gratitude and that of a grateful people for the masterful way in which you
have accomplished this monumental task.
Very sincerely yours,
HARRY S. TRUMAN
[Lieutenant General William S. Knudsen, Office of the Under Secretary of War]
Dear General Knudsen:
As you return to civilian life I want to express appreciation for the distinguished service
you have rendered to your country in the prosecution of the war. Your organizational genius in
transforming our peace-time industry to a vast war machine is one of the greatest stories of the
war and has earned the thanks not only of every American, but also the thanks of our allies who
have depended on American supplies and equipment. That equipment which you helped to produce
is speeding the day of victory.
First as a leader of the Advisory Commission to the Council for National Defense, then as Director
General of the Office of Production Management, and for the past three and a half years in your
military capacity as Director of Production in the Office of the Under Secretary of War, you have
been in the forefront of our national industrial effort. Twice your work has won for you recognition
by the award of the Distinguished Service Medal.
Almost insurmountable difficulties have been overcome by your courage and determination in
working with private industry and by your forethought in anticipating and planning for future
exigencies. Your resourcefulness and unswerving devotion to duty have saved the Nation vast
sums of money while at the same time expediting production of materials of war, and preventing
the loss of countless precious American lives.
I extend to you my own gratitude and that of a grateful people for the masterful way in which you
have accomplished this monumental task.
Very sincerely yours,
HARRY S. TRUMAN
[Lieutenant General William S. Knudsen, Office of the Under Secretary of War]