Findlay in Hancock County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hancock County Joins World War II
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 20, 2024
1. Hancock County Joins World War II Marker
In Findlay, economic progress was put on hold while the community concentrated on the war effort. More than 5,000 Findlay and Hancock County men and women served in WWII!
As soon as the announcement was made in 1945 that the conflict had ended, Main Street was mobbed with people laughing, yelling, and weeping. Confetti peppered the street and brightly colored streamers dangled from windows. Church bells rang out the good news.
Fast Facts:
The Hancock County Fair was canceled in 1942 because of the war, realizing that the conservation of labor, time, tires and gasoline was an important priority.
During World War II, Cooper Tire (then known as Master Tire) converted its "hard goods" department to wartime production: everything from camouflage items, to inflatable barges to life jackets, and, of course, tires. Decoy tanks and landing boats made by Cooper Tire were used in the Normandy Invasion and throughout the European campaign.
Donald A. Gary, a Findlay native, enlisted in the Navy in 1919. After a Japanese attack, he made three dangerous trips from the mess hall to the deck to rescue 300 men. For his heroic efforts that day, Lt. Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on January 23, 1946.
[Captions:]
1. Explosion on flight
this page online
Hancock County Fair cancelled because of World War II 1943
Lt. Donald A. Gary awarded the Medal 1946 of Honor by President Truman 1946
Erected by Hancock Historical Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1946.
Location. 41° 2.254′ N, 83° 35.609′ W. Marker is in Findlay, Ohio, in Hancock County. Marker is on County Route 236, 0.1 miles north of Carey Road (Ohio Route 568), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8884 Co Rd 236, Findlay OH 45840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Roaring 1920s (here, next to this marker); The Swingin' Sixties (here, next to this marker); The Great Black Swamp (a few steps from this marker); The Flood Of 1913 (a few steps from this marker); The Mighty Blanchard (a few steps from this marker); Fort Findlay
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 20, 2024
2. Hancock County Joins World War II Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 20, 2024
3. Hancock County Joins World War II Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 20, 2024
4. Hancock County Joins World War II Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 23, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
