Syracuse, N.Y. -- Brave men from all over the world fought the difficult battles of World War II. However, the title of war hero isn't restricted to those who fought on the battlefields. Carrier Corporation was one of the most decorated "heroes" of World War II. For recognition of its overall contribution to the war effort, Carrier was awarded the Army-Navy "E" award six times, a feat attained only by thirteen other companies. 

Upon winning the honor the third time, in 1942, H.A. Wiley, Admiral, USN (Ret.) Chairman, Navy Board for Production Awards, said, "By being selected for the honor a third time, you have demonstrated that yours is no half-hearted, flash-in-the-pan effort, but rather a solid determination to supply the Army and Navy with the materials they must have to carry the engagement to the enemy. That's the spirit that has made the nation what it is today. It is the spirit that will win this war." 

During World War II, there was a great need for air conditioning and refrigerating equipment capable of producing extremely low temperatures. At one time, it was necessary to remove Carrier heavy-duty centrifugals from great stores such as Tiffany and Company, Hudson's, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's for installation in war production plants! (they got their chillers back after the war). This equipment was needed for warships and cargo vessels, for munitions plants and for factories that produced vital war material such as bombsights and other precision instruments. The armed forces ordered thousands of walk-in coolers for food storage. Special portable coolers were made to allow the servicing of airplanes in hot climates. 

However, the work Carrier Corporation did during the war was not confined to products in its own field. This is probably one of the reasons it was a recipient of the "E" award so many times. The company manufactured airplane engine mounts, sight hoods for guns, tanks, adapters and other military and naval items. But its main project outside the air conditioning field was the redesign and exclusive production of the "Hedgehog," a device that discharged 24 anti-submarine bombs simultaneously in a prearranged pattern. 
However, perhaps Carrier's best contribution to the war effort was its work with the wind and icing tunnels designed for the organization now known as N.A.S.A., in Cleveland, Ohio. As a result of this development, planes were now able to fly in cold weather without the danger of freezing wings. Just prior to his death in 1950, Willis Carrier remarked that it was his most significant accomplishment. At the very least, this development helped shorten the war, but it is also an innovation we are very thankful for today.