This article from the Wichita Eagle addresses the immense importance of Wichita aircraft companies in supplying the U.S. air effort during World War II. More importantly, the article address the duties of Brigadier General Ray G. Harris who headed the U.S. Army's Midwest Procurement Center which was located in Wichita and responsible for acquiring many of the U.S. Army Air Force's airplanes during World War II.
Kansas Memory
Kansas Historical Society
Wichita is nerve center of huge aircraft production - 49