Credit for this historic document goes to Bolling Smith of the Coast Defense Study Group. Thanks for sharing.
This document is the History of the Americanization of the BOFORS 40mm Automatic Anti-Aircraft Gun — the chronological record of procurement of manufacturing rights by the United States Government; of cooperation between the Army and Navy in purchasing it and then coordinating production for both services; of facilities chosen to make its components and their contributions toward its improvement; of its perfection under American mass production methods and of the numerous attempts — successes and failures — to adapt it to many combat uses. Appended are tables of production through 31 December 1943 and a table of price reductions on the gun's principal components.
⇓ History of the Americanization of the Bofors (PDF, 2 MB)
Moving a Bofors From Charleston, SC to Pearl Harbor
The following photos are from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, SC, home of the USS Yorktown — but here's a story you haven't heard.
Ford and his wife, Amie, were visiting Charleston and initiated what was to be the very rewarding experience of returning a Bofors to its original home. It started as a casual conversation in 2009 between David Clark, Dick Trammell (both of Patriots Point), Ford Murray, Docent from the USS Missouri, and Jeff Jacobs. Jeff and his wife met Ford when they toured the Missouri in 2008 and became fast friends.
In 2009, while Ford was in town touring Charleston, SC, David and Dick rolled out the red carpet and gave Ford, Jeff, and their wives a VIP tour of the USS Yorktown. ▶ See the separate page for more photos of that day.
Ford mentioned that the Missouri used to have Bofors mounted. Although they were removed for a refit, he said they'd sure like to have one to display. And so the idea was born from this conversation between these four men — to return one to its original ship, the Missouri. As it turned out, the Bofors at Patriots Point actually came from the Missouri, and through the kindness and cooperation of many people, including Dick and David, the Department of the Navy, and Pearl Harbor personnel, one of the Bofors from the USS Yorktown was returned to its original home on the USS Missouri, now in Pearl Harbor.
I am so saddened to report that our good friend, Ford Murray, passed on 3 October 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 55-plus years, Amie. I hope she takes comfort in knowing that Ford was most loved and respected by the countless people with whom he interacted during his lifetime. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
At the entrance to Patriots Point. While this is not the exact Bofors that was shipped to Pearl Harbor, it is certainly representative.
Here are some photos from the arrival at Pearl Harbor, after an over-5,000-mile journey — including 2,500-plus miles via truck across the US to Long Beach, California, and then aboard a Matson container ship for the trip to Honolulu. Imagine seeing this going down the interstate next to you.
Arriving at the Missouri
Great condition for its age
Ford and Missouri Sailor beam with pride (also great condition for their age)
20,000 pounds of guns in the air
Ford doesn't get much happier
On the dock waiting to go back aboard the Missouri
Good to be home
Mission Accomplished
The arrival of the Bofors in 2010 made a lot of people very happy. It will become an important part of the historic display for all visitors to enjoy, and I am sure Ford added this bit of background to his tour program.