FIVE LONG YEARS have passed since the United States began the mobilization of the greatest military force in the nation's history. During 44 months of that period, America has been engaged in global warfare. And since the beginning of defense mobilization in late 1940, more than 11,000,000 men and women have been processed through the Army's training camps, with a peak strength at one period of 8,300,000.
It has been the responsibility of the Quartermaster Corps over this period to feed, clothe, and provide general supplies and equipment for this huge force, including the gasoline and oils needed to move its tanks, trucks, jeeps, and other vehicular equipment. This mission imposed upon the Quartermaster Corps the most vital responsibility in the 170 years of its existence and the largest task, whether measured by quantity, toil, distance, toil, or blood.
Wherever went the combat troops went the Quartermaster Corps building its supply lines. In Africa, Europe, Asia, and on little-known Pacific islands, Quartermaster soldiers lie side by side with combat troops beneath the white crosses that mark our Army's passing. It was the price they paid for that never-ceasing flow of supplies which made victory possible.
There is little I can add to the praise already bestowed upon the personnel and achievements of the Quartermaster Corps by the theater commanders. I can say only that I am intensely proud to have had the command of the Quartermaster Corps with its hundreds of thousands of military and tens of thousands of civilian personnel throughout the world's greatest conflict. Each of you has had an important and vital part in adequately supplying our armed forces. And to each and every one of you, I offer my deepest thanks and congratulations for what we, working as one, have accomplished.
E.B. GREGORY
Lieutenant General
The Quartermaster General