Episode #16: World War II Motorcycles

In this episode of Army ArtiFACTS, Kathleen Lugarich (Army Historical Foundation) and Christopher Ripstein (Harley-Davidson Museum) talk about the Harley-Davidson WLA model motorcycle and its purpose in World War II. The WLA was not a cavalry vehicle and was instead used for scouting, supply, and courier missions. The model was based on the civilian model WL motorcycle but had several modifications to meet the Army's needs.
In addition to discussing the WLA, Lugarich and Ripstein also discuss what Harley-Davidson did on the homefront including providing jobs to the families of those drafted to help support them during the war and support the overall war effort.
4:15 - The WLA is NOT a cavalry vehicle
6:50 - The Liberator
7:50 - How the WLA differs from a civilian model motorcycle
11:00 - The Harley Davidson home front
12:00 - The Enthusiast magazine
For more information about the Army Historical Foundation, visit www.armyhistory.org.
#armyhistory #harleydavidson #ww2 #motorcycle #army #history #wla #worldwar #wwii #war #military #harleydavidsonmotorcompany #harleydavidsonmuseum #homefront #cavalry #family #enthusiast #enthusiastmagazine #missions #scouting #supplychain

[@mpista7182]

My uncle rode a Harley in WWII as an Army courier and MP in the Philippines. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

[@armyhistory]

If you'd like, you could add your Uncle's story to our Army registry where we are trying to create a database of all Soldiers, Army civilians, and Army animals. Once entered into the registry, it can be searched for online and at the electronic kiosks located inside the National Museum of the United States Army. Please visit the registry website for more information: support.armyhistory.org/armyhistory/get-involved/community/american-soldier

[@mpista7182]

Thank you on behalf of my Uncle ! I have several deceased relatives who fought in WWII including another Uncle who was an Army sniper in France whereupon he was shot through the head and survived with a Purple Heart