Picture

1943

After a full year of war, the people of Kingman and the Army Air Force were making their best effort towards winning the war. The Kingman Flexible Gunnery School became Kingman Army Air Field. They help establish Yucca Army Air Field and Yuma Army Air Field. Yucca was just an auxiliary airfield turned into a mini airfield to help support the gunnery training activity on KAAF. KAAF was the parent airfield for Yuma Army Air Field. KAAF was growing very fast in training the gunnery troops for the European Theater Operations.

January

1--(a) The Base Post Office is opened. (b)Fire protection is provided by the Post Engineer's Office. There were two stations, one at Kingman & the other at Yucca. (C)The Property Office is functioning out of temporary quarters. (bh) The Provost-Marshall Frank Martin is promoted to Captain. Lieutenant Myrle Wilson is promoted to Captain and is part the Intelligence Department of the gunnery school. (mcm)

3--In a letter from Army Air Force Training Command, Ft. Worth, TX to Commanding General, Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command, Santa Ana, CA stated that school at Kingman would be 100% B-17 gunner training facility. Three hundred students would be in each class. (bh)

5--The first of the medical personnel had arrived on station to work in the base hospital. They came from Mather Field, CA. Four men from Synthetic Devices Department started building temporary .22 shooting range just east of BB Range #1. (bh)

6--In a telegram from Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ to Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Central Instructors School, Ft. Myers FL. In requesting a sighting stencil need to be sent to the school for training purposes. (bh)

7--Special Orders #6 activated 537th & 538th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron at the ArmyAirForcesAdvanceFlyingSchool, Williams Field, AZ. (bh)

10--A tailor shop was opened by the Post Exchange. (bh)

12--The 536th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was assigned to the school. They came from Williams Field, AZ. The second group of medical personnel came from Roswell, NM to work at the base hospital. A small engineering group came from Kirkland Field, NM. (bh)

14--Airport traffic control was set-up in a turret truck parked parallel to the runway. Radio personnel would move it to the active runway. (bh) A small corner headline informs the Kingman residents that the Gunnery School will open Monday the 18th. It is the six of it kind in the nation. The airfield may also become the largest. 'Bugs Bunny' became the base's official mascot, because of so many 'rabbits' in the area. Lieutenant William L. McCurdy got permission to use 'Bugs' from his producer Leon

Schlesinger. 'Bugs' held the rank of technical sergeant. The Camp & Hospital Council met at the Superior Court room to work on making the day rooms at base comfortable the cadets and other personnel. (mcm)

15--Detachment 25 of the 858th Signal Service Co. (AVN) was assigned to the base to take care of the telephones & telegraphs machines. The 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron arrived on base from Chino, CA. The Physical Training was started for gunnery students at the school. (bh)

The Girl & Boy Scouts along volunteers from base were out looking for useable furniture and other fixture for the day rooms. (mcm)

16--In a telegram from Commanding Officer, ArmyAirForcesFlexibleGunnerySchool, Kingman, AZ. to Commanding General, ArmyAirForcesWest CoastTrainingCenter, Santa Ana, CA stating the classes would start out smaller, because of the inadequate training equipment. The 763rd Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was begun at the school, under General Orders #97. The four "H" shaped classroom buildings were completed. These classrooms would be used for training in the turrets & contains three Sperry Upper Locals turrets. The Jam Handy is the only synthetic training equipment in operation. Also 41 were firing aircraft with no aircraft for towing targets. In the Quartermaster Shoe &

Clothing Repair Shop, the shoe repair was opened for business. (bh)

17--In a letter from Commanding Officer, Army Air Force Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ to Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center, Santa Ana, CA. stating that there were 49 instructors on station to start training the gunner cadets. (bh)

18--The first training class, Class 43-8 had begun training at the school. The majority of the class was bombardiers' & the class size was 40 students. (bh)

19--In a telegram from the Commanding General, Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, Ft. Worth, TX to Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ stating changes the requirements in student selections. These are outlined in Army Air Forces Regulation #35-17. (bh)

20--Exchange #3 was opened as Fountain Exchange. (bh)

21--Each of the line squadrons has 3 AT-6 & 1 AT-11 to maintain. (bh) The UnitedNationsFlightAcademy will keep training at Port Kingman until the February 12th. By then flight operation at the gunnery school will be in full action. When this happens Port Kingman will close as civilian airport. The flight academy has starting to move to Boulder City, NV. The high school woodworking class is making chairs for the gunnery school. (mcm)

22--The 32nd Sub-Depot was permanently moved to the southeast extremity of the base. (bh)

The Gunners' basketball team loses two games to the ArizonaStateTeachers College in Flagstaff, AZ. The Scores were first game: 36-29 & second game: 49-41. (mcm)

25--The specialized training for the B-17 would begin. The school was a 100% B-17 school. In a letter from the War Department, U. S. Engineer Office, Los Angeles, CA to Commanding Officer, ArmyAirForcesFlexibleGunnerySchool, Kingman, AZ was about the cost estimations for the underpass & the cost was at $44,269.76. The 684th Army Band (formally known as the 384th) was on the Base. The Clothing Repair section started operations. (bh)

27--In a telegram from Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ to Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center, Santa Ana, CA asking for more instructors. The 20 students would be retained after going thru the training, 10 would stay on the field & the other 10 would go to Central Instructor's School. This plan was implemented in Class 43-13. (bh)

The 1st gunnery school wedding is witnessed at a temporary chapel on the base. Staff Sergeant James V. Young marries Merilean L. Hopkins. William E. Walker performed the ceremony. (mcm)

28--William McCurdy is promoted to Captain. He is the special service officer at the school. The 760th has purchased war bonds; from the officer in charge to the last man has made the purchase for 100 %. (mcm)

30--The base theater was opened. It was showing two movies a night & two matinees a week. The first group of instructors came in from Las Vegas after completing CentralInstructorsSchool at Ft. Myers, FL under Special Orders #30. Exchange #4 opened for business as the Fountain & Merchandise Exchange for the black troops on the base. (bh)

February

1--The 1012th Quartermaster Platoon, Transportation, Air Base was assigned to the base. They were the drivers for the motor pool. The parachute department was opened for the safety business. The airfield's cold storage plant was now in operation, along with the Clothing & Equipage warehouse. The Color System of Target Location & Designation was used in a four hour course. (bh)

2--The Transient Alert Crew was in operation to handle transient aircraft. The first duty was to handle incoming assigned aircraft to the field. (bh)

3--The Aircraft Recognition & Sighting Department was in operations for training the students. Special Orders #34, put 20 instructors together with 59 instructors from Las Vegas who had not gone to CentralInstructorSchool. (bh)

5--In a telegram from Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center, Santa Ana, CA to Commandant, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ. telling to send a group of four instructors to Buckingham Field, FL for Waller Training instruction. The first service was held in one of the new chapels. (bh)

6--The Sperry Lower Ball Turret was installed at the school & became available for use. Three turrets came in from Las Vegas. One of the Sperry Lower Ball Turrets was mounted in an E-5 truck. (bh)

9--By Special Orders #34, the Detachment 2053rd Ordnance Co. Aviation (Serv.) would receive more men from Santa Ana Army Air Base, CA. The Disbursing Office opens as part of the Finance Department. A Training Memo #50-13-1 eliminated TrapFiringRange for the construction of a TurretShotgunRange. (bh)

10--A temporary wooden tower was used to control the air traffic. Army Air Forces Regulation #35-17 came out & gave information on how the students were selected for training. (bh)

12--The Jam Handy Trainers arrived at the school for installation. There are sixteen units for training. (bh) The MohaveCounty Livestock Growers Association voted to donate $50 for one of the day rooms at base. (mcm)

14--The MalfunctionRange is moved next to the west of MovingTargetRange #1 The Field's two chapels were officially dedicated. (bh) Captain Theodore R. Leen gave main address for the dedication of the chapels. (mcm)

15--The Commissary Sales Store started business. The first students use the .22 range. Only 5 AT-6s used for air-to-air firing & by this time eight AT-11s were on the field, there were equipped with Crocker Wheel Turrets & had .30 cal. guns. (bh)

18--One more Sperry Upper Local Turret was installed at the school. (bh) Major Frederick E. Edwards is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Colonel Edwards is the base executive & one of the members of the 1st Flying Class of the Air Corps. (mcm)

19--In a telegram from Commanding General, ArmyAirForcesWest CoastTrainingCenter, Santa Ana, CA to Commanding Officer, ArmyAirForcesFlexibleGunnerySchool, Kingman, AZ stated the students could only shoot 50% of shotgun shells. (bh)

20--In a telegram from Commanding Officer, ArmyAirForcesFlexibleGunnerySchool, Kingman, AZ to Commanding General, ArmyAirForcesWest CoastTrainingCenter, Santa Ana, CA stated that heavy rains caused a delay in construction in redoing the ground firing range. The range was not adequate for training. In another telegram, this time from the Project Manager, Office of Division Engineers, South Pacific Division, Phoenix, AZ to Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ stated the air firing ranges couldn't be used because there were not legally found, until this dated. The Base Photo Lab was in business in a building next to the flight line. Before this, they would send their photo work to Las Vegas by AT-6 twice a week. The Quartermaster Property warehouse for clothing was completed. (bh)

21--The first class in air-to-air firing began. This was for air-to-air firing at tow targets being pulled by AT-6s. By Special Orders #57, 2 men were sent to Lowry Field, Denver, CO for photographic training for 90 days. (bh)

22--Special Orders #52, 2 men will be sent to the Fairchild Aviation Corporation's school on Gun Cameras in March. (bh) There is a blackout test for MohaveCounty. It was to test the Civilian Defense Units of the thru out the county with the help of the Army Air Force station at Kingman. The blackout will begin at 7 P. M. & last till 7:10 P. M. (mcm)

22--A Training Memo #17 was issued. It gave procedures for the instructors to pick the 20 students to keep after graduation for new instructors. That was started with Class 43-13 & continued thru 43-22. Training Memo #18 stated the students would receive 3 hours of trap shooting training. (bh)

25--By General Orders #4, the Veterinary Detachment was activated. (bh) Major Sherer said that the blackout was 99% effective in Kingman. (mcm)

26--In a telegram from Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ to Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Command, Santa Ana, Ca requesting 31 more turrets specialist by February 28th. (bh)

27--The first classes graduated training. Class 43-8 was held over for a week because of facilities problems & graduated with 43-9. Major General Barton K. Yount made an inspection tour of the airfield. There were 159 instructors at the school. (bh) Staff Sergeant Carl A. Brown sets the record percentage of 31 for air-to-air firing. (mcm)

March

1--The aircraft count on the base was rising. By this time, there were 15 AT-6As, 21 AT-6Cs, AT-18, 4 AT-11s, 18 AT-23As, 14 AT-23Bs, 13 B-17Fs, L-1C, & 3 P-39s. A cafeteria opened for civilians to eat at. Air firing at the Yucca Range is in operation. The permanent trap range was open & two months later it was closed down. (bh) Lt. Col. William R. Huber, an Ordnance Officer of the Flying Training Command made an inspection of the base. He stated that Kingman has the "earmarks of developing into the best gunnery school in the country." (bh)(mcm)

2--The first issue of "THE CACTUS" was printed. The local American Legion helped in printing & selling ads for the paper. (bh) The Red Cross & Hospital Council met at the Court House and Mrs. Ned Robinson & Lunette Hicks told the council that the personnel at the gunnery school appreciation of the council work in helping the personnel feeling of home. The woman of Kingman, Chloride, Oatman & the airfield sewed 500 curtains for the day rooms at the base. (mcm)

3--The Waller Trainers arrived for installation. (bh)

4--Some two dozen sights were obtained for instructional use, duplicating various types. (bh)

5--Construction began on a housing project for civilian workers of the Sub-Depot of the airfield. (mcm)

6--Twenty officers earned their Gunner Wings. Lieutenant Cartwright earned the honor of getting the "Thunder Mug" for his lowest average score of 13%. (mcm)

8--The first gas station opened on the base. (bh)

10--The malfunctions range was put into operation in its permanent place. With new .50 cal., there were no bad parts, so they had bad ones shipped in from Las Vegas. (bh)

12--The Base Library opened up. It had 800 books on hand. For turret training, the AT-11 had the Crocker Wheeler Turrets & the AT-18 had Martin Turrets. The surface vessel recognition was eliminated under Training Memo #23. (bh)

13--The Base Butcher Shop opens for business. (bh) The Officer Club officially opens & 800 officers with their wife & formally invited guest jammed the O Club. (mcm)

14--The sheet range was finally opened for training. (bh)

15--Moving target range #1 was opened for Class 43-8& 43-9. This was the reason Class 43-8 was held over for a week. The air firing range at Yucca was put into operations. The Detachment from the 1st Weather Squadron were now stationed at the airfield, they were located at Port Kingman. The installation of interphone to Los Angeles, CA was for aircraft clearance to be relayed to Central Control. (bh)

16--The Recreation Hall Exchange opens for business. 104 enlisted men are promoted to Sergeant of higher. (mcm)

18--Lieutenant Robert Nue, the physical training department, is a former All-American basketball player of DePaulUniversity. He is the Gunner's coach & player. Robert H. Fraser is promoted to the rank of Captain & is the Ordnance Officer. Richard H. Lees, Jr. is promoted to the rank of Major & is the Operation Officer. (mcm)

19--There were 8 upper & lower turrets installed at the school. These turrets were placed in buildings: B, D, X, & Z. The base's Recreation Hall was opened for service for the men. They also used the high school gym for "G. I. Dances." The tower operators were transferred from Base Communications to Base Operations. The largest fountain is opened as Fountain Exchange #5 in the RecreationalBuilding. It takes up 1/3 of the building. (bh)

20th --The first two hundred student class started training. This class was Class 43-17. The 1120th FGTS became the Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, 328th Flexible Gunnery Training Group, under General Orders #29. The 1121st was redesigned as the 329th FGTG under he same orders. (bh)

22--Government wants to buy 12 gauge shotguns from the civilians who are willing to sell. The place for the locals to sell to Uncle Sam is Western Auto on Beale St. (mcm)

25--The MalfunctionRange already had 10 booths, by this time there were addition of 10 more. (bh)

Sergeant Dick L. Auslender of the 1120th F. G. T. S. bought his 5th $1000 war bond. He says he is doing his job. (mcm)

26--In a memo from the Training Department, Colonel Henry assigned the 1120th & 1121st to the 328th FGTS. There was a need for centralization of the Training Squadrons. (bh)

27--The 1st all military ball is held at the high school gym. The ball is sponsored by the Defense Recreation Committee. The ball was a success. Earlier that afternoon, there was a 1st gas alert at the airfield. Lieutenant Arthur D. MacFail the Chemical Warfare Officer said it was very successful & found no one not following the rules. (mcm)

April

1--In a letter from Headquarters, Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, Ft. Worth, TX to Commanding Officer, Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ stated an extension of the Flexible Gunnery Course to 6 weeks. The base dispatcher’s office began operations on the base. The 669th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was reorganized into a small unit. The majority of personnel went into other squadrons. The 1st gas station at Yucca Sub-base opens. The 1st group personnel from the 31st Altitude Training Unit arrived from Santa Ana, Ca. The arrival of the AT-18s, they began to land on the base. (bh) The Harvey House is set to become a Service Club. Major Arthur L. Knight, base special service officer, made the announcement about building. It will have a lounge, reading room, dance floor, pool room, confectionery booth & guest rooms for wives, mothers, & sweethearts. Trespassers are warned not to go to the ranges. (mcm)

3--This was the last day of 763rd FGTG as a line squadron. The Instructors were transferred to the 328th Flexible Gunnery Training Group. A few more aircraft were added to the Aircraft Recognition & Sighting Department. (bh)

5--The Range Estimation Trainer was completed. Higher Headquarters issued an order that no more teaching in actual aircraft identification. (bh)

6--The start of altitude training began at the school. (bh)

8--The base was requesting a recreation camp near Flagstaff, AZ. There is a former CCC camp that would be perfect for this type of activity. (mcm)

9--The number of training turrets had increased to 16 Sperry Upper Local & 6 Lower Ball Turrets. (bh)

10--Under Special Orders #100, this was the start of the base personnel reshuffling, to consolidated the units on the base. The 760th FGTS redesigned the 760th Mess Squadron. The 763rd FGTS was becoming a mess squadron, because its training personnel were transferred to other training units. By General Orders #7, the 31st Altitude Training Unit was activated. (bh)

11--The locals & personnel from the airfield participated in a big parade for the war bond effort. (mcm)

12--A new phone system was used for the 1st time. Field phones were replaced by desk & wall phones. (bh)

13--Headquarters, Santa Ana gave approval for an underpass for the KingmanSchool. The activation of the 31st Altitude Training Unit was official. (bh) Bob Hope and his troop of entertainers made a visit to the airfield. They will be here all day. Along with Bob are Frances Langford, Vera Leigh, Jerry Colonna, Martha Raye and Skinny Ennis & his band. (mcm)

15--The permanent metal air control tower was finished & put into operation. (bh) Another celebrity gunner cadet is Corporal Jack Moore a.k.a. Clayton Moore of future fame as the Lone Ranger. His wife, Sally Allen, stay with him in Kingman at the Joe Chambers Park Lane Trailer Court on Route 66. (mcm)

17--The arrival of Lt. Burton S. Miller from the AppliedTacticsSchool at Orlando, FL. (bh)

19--The 1st 300 student class started training. The class was Class 43-21. The training at Kingman was 6 weeks long. In a letter from Headquarters, Army Air Forces Training Command, Ft. Worth, TX to Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center, Santa Ana, CA stating the Clock System of Target Location & Designation would be used instead of the color system. (bh)

20--The 31st Altitude Training Unit was in full operations. (bh) Dr. Edward Liston is promoted to the rank of major. He is the base surgeon. (mcm)

22--The Air Inspector’s Office was activated, it watched over Administration, Communication, Technical, & Training. (bh) K. P. Duty is eliminated at the school, the personnel will come from the 760th & 763rd. (mcm)

23--With the lack of E-8 Spotlight Trainers, E-5 trainers were used along the flight line. So the students could track the landings & take-offs of the aircraft. (bh)

24--The Harvey House Service Club is formally opened. (mcm) A "G. I. Dance" is held at the high school gym & is sponsored by the American Legion. (mcm)

26--The 536th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was assigned to the Yucca Sub-base. (bh)

Lieutenant Jack G. Whiting breaks the record of the air-to-air firing with the score of 42.2% as he and his graduates from the gunnery school. (mcm)

28--Corporal Bernie Aarthun married Shirley Solberg at the chapel at Kingman Field. (mcm)

30--The Aircraft Recognition was ready to teach class but it was postpone for more necessary equipment. (bh)

31--The instructors had a 19 page syllabus for both turrets the end of the month. (bh)

May

1--The Link Trainer Department opened for training. It had 4 link trainers, is taught radio, instruments & navigation. The start of "Unofficial Experimental gun camera missions " at KAAF. (bh)

The 2nd military ball for the enlisted men is held. (mcm)

3--The Base Intelligence Office is assigned by an order to established a "War Room" at the school. (bh)

6--In an article in the Mohave Co. Miner, Major Edward Liston says that the base is looking for qualified dietitian for the base hospital. (mcm)

7--By the General Order #40, Army Air Forces West Coast School, The Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Kingman, AZ is redesignated without change of station or jurisdiction to Kingman Army Air Field, signed Colonel F. E. Edwards, Air Corps. (bh)

10--School Orders #35, would assign Lieutenant Miller as the Instructor Supervisor in Aircraft Recognition. The start of the installation of the semi permanent Night Lighting System. A hanger was turned over the Sub-Depot. (bh)

13--Private Charles A. DiGiorgio of the Ordnance Department is fatally injured in an accident at the airfield. (mcm)

15--The Publications Department moves to its air conditioned building on the flight line. They were getting more equipment, so they needed more room. (bh)

16--A simulated bombing run will drop cardboard bombs on Kingman, Chloride, & Oatman. This drill was done during the daylight hours. This is the 2nd drill in this year. Six planes flew over Kingman, they dropped seven bombs in critical location. (mcm)

18—Private First Class Woodrow W. Sells is found cut into on the eastbound tracks. (mcm)

19--New training standards arrived with major innovations. The sewage treatment plant was in operations. (bh) Kay Kyser performs for the troops & does radio show from the airfield. Lieutenant Richard M. Kronnawitter of KAAF was the speaker for the local Rotary program. (mcm)

20--The Malfunction Range added another 20 booths. Colonel Huglin sent a letter to Commanding General of the West CoastTrainingCenter asking for a gymnasium to be built at the base. (bh)

KAAF is looking for a few good pianos for their day rooms. (mcm)

22--Colonel Henry left Kingman to become the new Commander at Las VegasGunnerySchool. Lieutenant Colonel Huglin reassumes command of the base by General Orders #10. Major R. H. Lees, Jr. became Director of Training. All 5 firing ranges at Yucca were being used. (bh)

24--By School Orders #39, Major Hugh A. Sherer replaced Major Lees as Director of Training. (bh)

25--The S-1 office is nicknamed Rattlesnake Gulch, when Major Belliveau gives a formaldehyde rattler to Captain Wilson the S-1 officer. (mcm)

26--The 3rd gas alert on the airfield was a "gas house gang" attack. Tear gas was used to see if the personnel were ready and prepared. (mcm)

27--Colonel Huglin ordered tougher requirements in the curriculum. For the last 6 months there were not clear. (bh) A challenge for soldier-civilians matches in chess. This is issued by the personnel of KAAF. (mcm)

28--Seven enlisted men received their orders for OfficerCandidatesSchool. Staff Sergeant Robert E. Allen of the 328th, Sergeant James S. Ball of the 669th, & Private First Class James L. Gleaves of the 328th are going to Air Force Administration School at Miami, FL. Sergeant Arthur W. Brunn of the 1122nd is heading to InfantrySchool at Ft. Benning, GA. Staff Sergeant Phillip M. Ledergerg of the Medics Corps is attending Medical Administration at Camp Barkley, TX. Sergeant Paul Kleinties of the 328th will head to ArmyEngineeringSchool at Ft. Belvoir, VA. Private Connor F. Ryan of the 1100th Guard Squadron will attend the Anti-AircraftSchool at Camp Davis, NC. Lieutenant Colonel Huglin addresses the MohaveCo.UnionHigh School graduating class of 1942. (mcm)

29--The instructors on the field reached the quota of 384. (bh)

30--The VFW & American Legion hold a Sunday Memorial Day service at one of the Chapels at KAAF. (mcm)

31--Staff Sergeant Harvey P. Joyner received a Purple Heart for his actions in the Pacific in July 1942. He was wounded on a reconnaissance mission of the Solomon Is. (bh)

June

1--The Turret Shotgun Range was opened for training. The Sub-Depot machine shop was put into operation. They continue the "Unofficial Experimental Gun Camera Missions". (bh) Sgt. Charles B. Clark weds Elsie Redding at a 4:00 P. M. at the chapel on KAAF. (mcm)

4--The Range Estimation Trainers were used in training the gunner cadets. (bh)

5--The 1st Air Medal went to Mrs. Ollie Jones, because her husband became a POW in Germany. (bh)

The Three Stooges do a show on the airfield. (mcm)

6--The 669th FGTS was disbanded, the small unit went into the 460th Group. (bh) G. I. swimming is started at the downtown pool & the time period is 0900 to 1200. There is another pool for their use at the CCC camp, west of town. A big Flag Day service was held with a parade & other functions. (mcm)

8--In a telegram from Commanding General, Army Air Forces West Coast Training Center, Santa Ana, CA to the Commandant, Kingman Army Air Field that there would be an initiation of a new & revised training standard starting in June. (bh)

11--The Kingman Service Club is formally open downtown. (mcm)

14--The 1122nd FGTS was consolidated into the 1123rd FGTS, under Special Orders #165. The 537th & 538th FGTS were officially disbanded, the personnel were transferred to other organizations, under Special Orders #156. The .30 cal instructions were eliminated from training. (bh) Major W. W. Lovett, assistant executive officer of the Air Base Group, is transferred to Las Vegas Air Field, NV .(mcm)

15--The Aircraft Recognition Department received its equipment for teaching. There was a nine complete set of flash cards. (bh)

16--The Yucca Sub-Base changed it's to Yucca Army Air Field. This official change came from a War Department memo. An improved telephone system is in operation at Kingman. (bh)

17--The Official "Cactus" was printed, because it was printed on the base. It could not be an official paper unless it was printed on base. It was done by the Publication Department & funded by the Recreation Fund. The Aircraft Recognition Department started its 20 hour course. (bh) Captain Lawson Clary, Jr. is promoted to the rank Major & it makes him the youngest Major in country. Private David Michael, Jr. is fatally wounded by a gunshot fired by Private Robert L. Bennett. Michael is a prisoner at KAAF & Bennett is in the 1100th Guard Squadron. (mcm)

20--2 trucks are involved in an accident sending 4 soldiers & a civilian were injured. A construction dump truck reared ended a 1 & a half on Front St. between 1st & 2nd. (mcm)

21--The 329th FGTG was assigned to the 328th FGTG. (bh) Sergeant Allen Hawkes holds the record of 46.8% in the air-to-air firing as he graduates from KAAF. (mcm)

24--The 736th was combined with 760th Mess Squadron. (bh)

25--The 328th Signal Sub-Depot radio shop was formed. (bh)

27--A small satellite Exchange is opened for the Yucca Army Air Field. (bh)

28--The members of the NCO Club voted for the purchase of a swimming pool. The cost is $12,300 & will be done within 6 weeks. (mcm)

30--The Night Lighting System is completed. (bh) Staff Sergeant Harvey Joyner was on the radio show with Joel McCrea & Joan Blondell. The show was named "Soldiers with Wings". (mcm)

July

1--The 1st use of the AT-18 as an air firing platform & AT-6s would pull tow targets. With Special Orders #182, 1123rd would be the maintenance squadron on the airfield. The Base Photo Lab changed its title to the Combine Base Photographic Laboratory & Flexible Gunnery Photo Section. The Base Service Club opened for business. (bh)

2--The 537th & 538th were combined & reorganized into the 1123rd FGTS. (bh)

3--Fourth of July celebrations started with a dance at the high school gym. The "Fashionaires" are playing for the 9 o'clock dance. (mcm)

4--The Yucca Sub-Base was dedicated. (bh) KAAF Gunners meet the Yuma Airfield nine in double header starting at 1:30 P. M. Colonel Huglin will throw out the 1st ball. A water carnival is held at municipal swimming starting at 8 P. M. to concluded the day's activity. Also Colonel Huglin plays host to young men of the county as an open house for them. It is to show them how an airfield operates. (mcm)

5--The 1st aircraft accident on the airfield & took the life of the co-pilot, Benjamin O. Horsley. The AT-18 made a crash landing. This was caused by the pilot's error on the landing. Waller Trainers were ready for training use. (bh) A boxing exhibition is the final show for a great Fourth of July weekend. It starts at 8 P. M. at the high school gym with 7 bouts on the card. (mcm)

7--The 1st air firing begins at the Yucca Sub-Base. The AT-6s were used & 2 weeks later the AT-18s were used. (bh)

10--Lieutenant Colonel Huglin is promoted to Colonel. (mcm)

11--Flight Officer Kenneth A. Miller married Lora Lee Houston at the East Chapel at 9:15 in the morning. (mcm)

13--Major Robert K. Morgan & crew flew their famed "Memphis Belle" into Kingman for a 2 day stop. They were touring the country after completing their 25 missions into Germany. (bh)

14--The crew of the "Memphis Belle" is honored at a luncheon sponsored by Rotary & Lions Clubs. (mcm)

16--The KingmanCommunityServiceCenter entertained the troops with a game of bingo. (mcm)

17--The Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C. considered the underpass as essential to the War Effort. In his letter, he is quoted, "should place in line for early accomplishment." The quota of instructors reached 475, while still short of about 21 instructors. (bh)

19--An Air Inspector from the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command out Ft. Worth, TX came in to inspected the school. (bh)

21--Student started a 45 hour course & specializing in 1 type of turret. Their training consisted of mechanical & electrical systems adjustment, bore-sighting, guns with accessories & routine maintenance of the turret. Class 43-29 was the 1st class to go through revised course. (bh) Corporal Al Amador has entered middleweight class in the LA Times Boxing Tournament. He won in the preliminaries & now heading for the finals. (mcm)

22--The 1st "Official" gun camera missions is flown. The gun camera missions were declared a success & would be installed into the training program. The Air Inspector of the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command reviewed the training curriculum & found that 10 men were eliminated at the school. Well #3 is put into operation & new pumps being placed on Wells #1 & #2. (bh)

23--The turret trucks were used along the flight line to track take-offs & landings. This training practice was discontinued on or around this time. The .22 rifle range is turned over to the school. (bh)

The Masonic Lodge holds a dance & magic show. The dance lasted 2 hours & Mr. Atterbury was the magician. (mcm)

24--The Lions Club hosted a dance for the troops. (mcm)

25--Kingman municipal pool had 600 swimmers total for the day. KAAF personnel had 1st use of the pool that morning. (mcm)

27--The 1st major rain storm hits airfield & town. The measurement of the rain at the field was .53 inches. (mcm)

29--Banking on the base will be opening soon. Valley National Bank will open a branch on the base. (mcm

31--The 1st pool opens. This was the enlisted men's pool. There is 3 more pools being completed for Kingman & 1 for Yucca, they were finished in August & early September. (bh)

August

1--Weapons Department received 6 Plexiglas oil buffers units for training. The 1st B-17Es were flying in as part of the standard training equipment for the cadets. Turret Drill was set up as part the training course. (bh)

2--More B-17Es were flying into the field. (bh)

5--Earphones are used in ground-to-ground firing training. The Earphones have a dual purpose as noise reducer & hear instructions from the instructor. This was put into place a very short time ago. (mcm)

7--New guards were added to the 1100th Guard Squadron. There were 16 dogs transferred to the base from basic training. They had the nickname of the 1100th Beefeaters. (mcm)

10--The B-17 would be used as the training platform of choice. Prior to this, they were sent up in other aircraft at the school. (bh)

12--A Training Command Memo #50-13-1 came out with a revised training schedule of 32 hours of turret training. Also it issued that the skeet course would increase to 8 hours. (bh)

14--2 Waller Trainers of 8 were set up for training. (bh)

15--Kingman Army Air Field won the National Gunnery Meet. This was done by a blindfolded contestant being able to strip & assemble .50 cal. This was later put into practice, when the students had to do it as part of their training. (bh)

16--Valley National Bank opens its branch on the base. (mcm)

19--Colonel Huglin awards many of the personnel at the school with the Good Conduct Medal. (mcm)

22--The Communications Section of the Air Inspector's Office was activated. (bh)

23--A Training Command Memo was issued on chamber flights. (bh)

25--There were 25 Sperry Upper Local & Lower Ball turrets in use for training. (bh)

26--The USO building is under construction for the black personnel of the airfield. Lieutenant Joseph Couture has 8 brothers in the service. (mcm)

27--The 1st training flights of B-17s begins. (bh)

28--KAAF won the aerial shoot-out but lost the meet to Las Vegas Gunnery School. (mcm)

30--The .22 cal instruction course was discontinued & later removed from training. (bh)

31--By this time, Training Department established a monthly newspaper named "Turrettalk." It would include the wide scope of training & technical information, news bits & gossip. Another Training Command Memo #50-13-1A giving instructors more structure in teaching every phase of the turrets. (bh)

September

1--The 1st Waller Trainer is put into service. By the time, all the pools were completed & were built by Paddock Engineering of L. A., Ca. (bh) 2nd Lieutenant James W. Jacobs is accidentally shot in the abdomen on the firing range & he dies from the wound. (mcm)

2--The 1st of many visits by Brigadier General Marinus Stenseth, Commanding General of the 36th Flying Training Wing, Las Vegas, NV. He came here for inspections & presenting awards. (bh)

3--KAAF personnel participated in the local rodeo as specters & part of the parades for the rodeo & war bond drive. (mcm)

5--The start of the chamber flights at the school. (bh)

12&13--The Kingman took its 2nd straight win at Harlington Army Air Field, TX. If they win their 3rd straight gunnery competition, they will possess the cup. (bh)

14--By a directive, the Intelligence Office would be assigned to the task of writing the base history. (bh)

15--Major Arthur L. Knight & Lieutenant Alfred B. McCreary become the newest members of the Rotary Club. (mcm)

16--In a Training Group Memo #43-10-14, to assign men to a specific turret was due to physical qualifications & previous training. (bh)

17--Instructors came out on the safety factors with the use of the B-17 & the AT-6. (bh)

19--Bomber flight at 12 noon, it’s to help start mammoth military & motorized parade for the War Bond Drive in Kingman. (mcm)

22--Special Service Department of KAAF was part of a premiere movie at the State Theater. They did a vaudeville act as part of the entertainment. (mcm)

24--B Special Orders #267, 24 men were put on flying status for 2 weeks. (bh)

30--Captain Charles T. Wright retires after 33 years of service with the Army & Post Office. He retired on his 60th birthday. (mcm)

October

1--The K-3 & K-4 sights were placed on the Sperry turrets. (bh)

3--Special Orders #276 sent Lieutenants Norman Jacobs & Hurbert Kraft, along with Staff Sergeant Allen Marshall to CentralInstructorsSchool, Ft. Myers, FL for Position System of Firing. (bh)

4--There were 32 combat experienced instructors at the school. (bh)

7--Kingman gains another airfield out in the SacramentoValley. Port Kingman has been close for being within KAAF airspace. (mcm)

9 & 10--Student Squadron #6 went to Ft. Myers, FL for a gunnery competition. They took 1st place overall, but the team from Buckingham Army Air Field took home the cup. (bh)

13--Brigadier General L. V. Beau, the Commanding General of the San Bernardino, CA Sub-Depot made an inspection for the Kingman Army Air Field Sub-Depot. (bh)

15--Bids are opened for new KAAF housing project west of the Mohave County Hospital & in front of the State Highway Department buildings. (mcm)

16--Sergeant J. Z. Jones was presented the Soldier's Medal for heroism in helping in getting out the personnel of an aircraft that crashed at the airfield. (bh, mcm) The NCO Club held a big dance with Stan Kenton & his orchestra played. Stan Kenton is part of Bob Hope's radio show. (mcm)

18--Mr. G. L. McLane of the Arizona Highway Department wrote a letter to Colonel Huglin, addressing that the State nor Santa Fe were not in the position to maintain the underpass. (bh)

The 1st class of NCOs graduated from the base school. All future NCOs will go thru the training. (mcm)

21--KAAF is supporting a recruiting drive for WAC personnel. Hualapai Homes cafeteria has opened it doors. The KAAF Library has become a big attraction for the personnel. In March, 1603 personnel made a visit & in September there was 7392. (mcm)

22--Six Bendix Chin turrets were in place at the school for training. (bh)

25--Colonel Huglin wrote a letter to the Public Roads Administration a Federal Work Agency at Phoenix. He needed to know what federal agency or the Army would assume responsibility for the underpass. (bh)

27--Kingman Army Air Field became a 'parent' school for gunnery school at Yuma. Instructors are being picked to be assigned to Yuma. (bh)

29--Sergeant Charles Cook did the play-by-play for the Kingman-WilliamsHigh School Football game. Sergeant Cook workstation is the control tower at the gunnery school. (mcm)

30--Captain Charles C. Eberly weds Hazel Forbes at the Mohave Court House. Miss Forbers was Ziegfeld Follies girl. They met in Palm Springs, Ca in January, 1942. (mcm)

31--The Base Photo & Gun Camera Section were split in two. They became different section on the base. (bh)

November

1--The Gun Camera missions became part of the training at Kingman. The term "rads" was introduced into the curriculum as a form of measurement. (bh)

2--Authorization was granted to have gym be built on the base. (bh)

3--The Gasoline & Oil section began operations. (bh)

5--A 6-lane bowling alley was opened at Kingman. (bh)

7—Private First Class Stewart Browne & Private Julius Orlansky played at the Phoenix Tennis Club in exhibition play. In singles play they defeated their opponents & as a doubles team defeated Jimmy Cox & Jerry Marseilles. (mcm)

9--Lieutenant Colonel W. R. Anderson from the Statistical Control Unit, Santa Ana, CA made a visit to the base for an inspection. This lasted until the 12th. (bh)

10--Major Richard Lees speaks to the Rotary Club luncheon. (mcm)

11--KAAF civilians' homes at the Hualapai Homes were searched for KAAF equipment & other items. (mcm)

12--The KingmanServiceCenter was use for a dance hosted by the Altar Society of the Catholic Church. (mcm)

13--In a Memo from the Director of Training outlined the elimination policy for the school called "Statement of Hold-over Policy" at Kingman Army Air Field. In it, the average elimination was 10%. It broke down like this: 4% in air-to-air firing, 4% in ground-to ground firing, & 2% in the academics. (bh)

14--The MethodistChurch holds a community sing-along at the KingmanServiceCenter. A string band also played. (mcm)

15--A new course using 2 mil sight corrections was implemented. (bh)

20--Colonel Huglin presented an Air Medal to Staff Sergeant Lowell V. McMullen. McMullen was in 10 operational flights in the South Pacific during Oct. 18, 1942 to Feb. 24, 1943. (bh)

21--The string band was entertaining at the KingmanServiceCenter. (mcm)

22--The enlisted men wives met at the KingmanServiceCenter to form the EMW Club. Their 1st project was a Thanksgivings Day party at the center. Almost 300 personnel showed for the function. (mcm)

25--The 1st party of the EMW Club was held at the Kingman Service Center. (mcm)

26--A formal dance at the KingmanServiceCenter, Fashionaires played music & Antlers Lodge served the refreshments. (mcm)

28--The Catholic soldiers & civilians at the field attended mission at the West Chapel. The string band plays again at the KingmanServiceCenter. (mcm)

29--E. W. Duhame Co. has started construction for the new Federal Housing Project west of the MohaveCountyGeneralHospital. This housing project is for the civilians who work at the airfield. (mcm)

30--KAAF played host to 16 students. As part of recruiting for the Air Force, they met by Major Howell & shown the school in action. (mcm)

December

1--The 1st year of Kingman Army Air Field is celebrated. Forty-eight classes have gone thru the school. (mcm)

2—Technical Sergeant Thomas J. Walker is attending gunnery school. He graduated from MohaveCountyHigh School in 1939. He was stationed at Yucca Army Air Field as a flight line crew chief. Private Morton C. Warnow, son of the famous bandleader Mark Warnow, is here for gunnery training. (mcm)

3--The Eastern Star served refreshments at a dance at the Kingman Service Center. (mcm)

4—Private First ClassAddisonI. Sharpe is killed in rollover accident on the road to Yucca Army Air Field. He was a gunnery student heading there for Yucca for air-to-air firing. (mcm)

5--Corporals Chester D. Moden & John P. Branigan recapture 2 prisoners near Hackberry. After the prisoners made a jail break. (mcm)

9--The EMW Club host another party at the Kingman Service Center. KAAF railway office opens at the airfield. (mcm)

12--KAAF & people of Mohave Co. enjoy a special day called "Salute the WAC Day". There was a retreat parade at 1700 hours on the base. (mcm)

13--The "Cactus" has a special feature on George Grantham. Mr. Grantham is a local sports hero. (mcm)

15--By this time, there were 35 upper & lower turrets in training use. The turret manipulation course was lengthening to 12 hours. The Training Standards issued a new directive that the three mil will be used; this removed two mil that was being used at the time. An Exchange Photo Studio opens it door for business. (bh)

16--Major General R. P. Cousins, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command made a visit to the airfield on an formal inspection. New requirement for training was introduced that each student wear flying gloves while stripping down a .50 cal weapon blindfolded. (bh)

17--Special Orders #83 was issued for the instructors to prepare for the arrival of the Chinese Officers that would be training at the base. (bh) The black USO Club has informal opening. There was a nice crowd for the function. (mcm)

18--The BaseHospital's boiler explodes injuring 2 & causing $450 worth of damage. Sergeant Carleton W. Schorck & Corporal Richard G. Hanke were changing electric control switch when the boiler blew. (mcm)

22--The 1st instructor was killed by an exploding .50 cal on a B-17F. Private First Class Maurice Stephens died in the local gunnery training mission. (bh)

23--The EMW Club host a Christmas party at the KingmanServiceCenter. (mcm)

24 & 25--The War Department declares these days as legal holidays. (mcm)

28--A simplex teletypewriter circuit was installed between the Kingman & Yucca. (bh)

29-- Brigadier General Stenseth made his last visit of the year. (bh)

31--The Aircraft Accident Committee looked into 34 ground loops, 16 taxi accidents, five wheels-ups landings, five forced landings, five collisions/crashes, one nose-up landings, one low-flying accident's & one jeep/aircraft mishap. The Fire Department has three Class 500 Pumpers, one Class 525 Pumper, one Class 110 Crash Truck, two Class 125 Crash Trucks, & two Class 135 Crash Truck. (bh) The Assembly of God is holding a Night Watch Service. The KAAF gospel team was invited for this event. (mcm)

 

© 1990-2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Rob Chilcoat

 

History of Kingman Army Air Field & Storage Depot 41