On Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was bombed, forcing the United States into World War II. Back on the mainland, the bombing had an immediate impact on the Walt Disney Company. Just one day after the attack, Walt Disney received an early morning call from his studio manager, advising him that the military wanted to move in. With that, 500 U.S. Army troops marched into the Disney Studio. Part of the force stationed in the hills around Los Angeles to protect aircraft factories. They repaired equipment in the large soundstage, stored ammunition in the parking sheds, and posted guards at all the entrances. They remained at the studio — the only Hollywood facility the military took over — for 8 months. Disney went on to play a large part in the production of training and educational films during the war, with over 90% of its employees devoted to it. In March 2023, the National World War II Museum opened a special exhibit, The Walt Disney Studios and World War II, which explores how the beloved entertainment company supported the war.
