1944
After a full year of operation, KAAF was becoming an Army Air Force gunnery school. The school was exceeding in many ways. The GunnerySchool was the primary concern. They added a program in Co-Pilot Transition. They also had two WASP classes at the airfield. They also added some Chinese Gunnery Students to the school. 1944 was a big year for KAAF.
January
1—(a) The first installment of the base’s history was completed. It starts at the end of 1942 and proceeds to January, 1944. (b) The Four Engine Transition Group (Co-Pilot) program was established. (c) The 382nd Sub-Depot was now under the supervision of the Post Commander. (bh)
2—A B-17 from Kingman Field, disintegrated in mid-flight over McClellan Field, CA. This flight cost the lives of 13 Army Air Force personnel and eleven of which were station at KAAF. There was a lone survivor, Major James H. Wergen from KAAF. (bh)
3—A nine hour preflight course was initiated. (bh)
4—Sergeant Dennis R. Pitman was found at the bottom of the colored swimming pool. He was in charge of the black personnel of the Production Line Maintenance. (bh)
6—On a somber night, a tragic accident took the lives of 28 men. A bus crossing the railroad tracks at the main gate, when they were slammed into by an oncoming train with full force. There were a few survivors from this accident. The bus was carrying gunnery cadets from ground training exercises. (bh)
(a) KAAF has discharged close to 300 men. (b) Marguerite Chapman, a Hollywood actress, made a visit to KAAF, to cheer up the troops. (mcm)
8—Women’s Army Crops LieutenantEvelynI. Biggs marries Lieutenant E. J. Ward. (mcm)
10—Gun camera films were being shown at the Jam Handy building #4. It was soundproof; this helped the instructors to teach better. (bh) The KAAF basketball league got under way with 19 teams to play 180 games. (mcm)
13—The Number 34; Waller Trainer was completed. The Director of Synthetic Training accepted on this date. Numbers 36 and 48 were installed later. (bh) MohaveCounty Chamber of Commerce invited Colonel Huglin and Lieutenant Alfred B. McCreary (Public Relations Officer) for a discussion on better cooperation between the military and civilians. (mcm)
14—(a) The H. L. Royden Construction Company has won the bid to construct an underpass at the airfield. The price tag is $29,379.78. They have to be finished by March 31. (b) Erwin Rudolph, five times billiards champion, made a visit to the base to show off his wizardry in four demonstrations. KAAF was his 287 military post visit. (mcm)
15—(a) The office of the Director of Supply & Maintenance is moving from the Production Line Maintenance hanger to the Base Operations building. (b) Brigadier General Martinus Stenseth, Commanding General of the 82nd Flying Training Wing made a visit to KAAF to awarded two sergeants in heroism. They were Staff Sergeant Jerome St. John and Sergeant Walter W. Pharr. The rescued fellow crew members when a plane crashed on the field. (bh)
20—Thomas Walker, a former student at MohaveCountyHigh School, recently graduated from KAAF as a gunner cadet. The Robert J. Curran Post #3516 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars awarded Lieutenant H. L. Conrad the Cross of Malta. He was stationed at Hickman Field, HI during the attack of Pearl Harbor. Now he is a pilot at KAAF. (mcm)
21—A contract that was worth $29,379.78, the H. L. Royden Construction Company out of Phoenix, AZ has been awarded the bid to constructed a under pass at the airfield. This money came from the Arizona Highway Commission by the request of the Public Roads Administration. The plans for this under pass were already approved in December, 1943 and authorization came a few days after the bus crash. (bh)
22—One of the black soldiers was killed by a freight train in an apparent suicide. (mcm)
24—Essay contest begins on “Why Buy Bonds” for the 4th War Bond Drive being conducted by the staff of the “Cactus” base paper. (mcm)
26—The Gunners Basketball teams lost a close on the boys based at BoulderCity, 38-35 was the final score. (mcm)
27—Corporal George Carlson of the 460th Headquarters & Air Base Squadron became the first winner of the essay contest. He was awarded $25 for his efforts. (mcm)
28—Foster Field, TX transferred two P-39 to KAAF. (mcm)
31—The 384th Army Air Force Band was transferred to the 684th Army Band. The 684th was assigned to the Adjutant General’s Department. (bh)
February
3—Lieutenant Charles A. Nogal was killed in a crash of his P-39 at Foster Field, TX. (mcm)
4—The 4th War Bond Drive starts its entertainment show. (mcm)
5—(a) The “Desert Battalion” makes a visit to KAAF, hundred twenty young ladies are part of the revue. It is part of the 4th War Bond Drive. (b) Captain John Knox, gun camera officer, was killed in a B-17 crash near Winslow, AZ. (mcm)
7—(a) Foster Field, TX sent two more P-39 to KAAF. (b) The permanent runway lighting system is started by a civilian contractor. (c) The 684th forms a drum and bugle corps for retreat ceremonies. (bh)
8—The Air-to-Air Firing Department completes reorganization with Non-Commission Officer-in-Charge for each group of instructors. This will cover Kingman and Yucca Fields. (bh)
15—The 4th War Bond Drive has boxing card as part of the entertainment series. (mcm)
18—Major General P. T. Mow, Deputy Director of the Aeronautical Commission of the Chinese Air Force from Washington, D. C. made a visit to KAAF. He was here inspecting the training facilities. He found the conditions to be satisfactory. Brigadier General M. F. Scanlon, Wing Commander of the 36th Flying Training Wing, had made the visit with the Chinese General. (bh)
19—The new Post Office wing was opened for business. The Post Engineer did the construction. (bh)
22—B-17s returned for duty a Tyndall Field, FL. There were eleven aircraft returning. (bh)
23—Special Services lost the Personal Affairs Section. Personal Affairs became its own section at the Post Headquarters. (bh) Stan Kenton & his Orchestra played for the troops and were hooked in by national radio. (mcm)
28—Colonel Huglin made three appointments to OfficersCandidatesSchool at Miami, FL. The three men from the 460th and their names are Sergeants Jerome Hogan, Donald Auer, and Corporal Robert Bell. (mcm)
March
1—(a) A program was set up to bring some of the members of the 334th Aviation Squadron into flight line operations. They were training small groups of the squadron. (b) The new Motor Pool building and house was ready for occupancy. (bh)
2—The “Cactus” base newspaper celebrates its 1st year at KAAF. (mcm)
4—Lieutenant Bernard Briggs was killed in an AT-6 on a routine flight. (mcm)
8—Chinese Army Air Force Captain Chin spoke to the local Rotary Club on the communication system in the Chinese Army. (mcm)
10 & 11—Reporters and photographers from INS, UP, AP, and Time Magazine were invited to tour the school. Brigadier General Stenseth awarded four medals to four more heroes. Staff Sergeant William J. Goyno received the Distinguished Flying Cross for North Africa, Technical Sergeant Tim Touchin was given Oak Leaf Cluster of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Technical Sergeant Cy Brendenoen earned on Oak Leaf Cluster for the Air Medal, both men flew over Germany, Technical Sergeant Carl B. Olson picked up the Air Medal for North Africa and Europe. (bh)
15—The 684th Army Band was redesignated as the 684th Army Air Force Band. They were starting to practice playing Captain Glenn Miller arrangements. (bh)
The Civilian Cafeteria opens its doors after being remodeled. (mcm)
23—There was problems with the upcoming construction of the underpass. The original estimated cost of $29,379.78 was up to $40,000, because the underpass was being moved thousand feet west of the original crossing. The work got started around late April. There was also a underpass built for Yucca AAF. (bh)
24—Phelman James Cordell and Morris Elton Brewer broke into the Post Office at Chloride, AZ. They were arrested soon after the break in. They were civilian barbers at KAAF. (mcm)
27—A new and centrally located Merchandise Exchange opened its doors. Those improvements were done by the Post Exchange. (bh) Cordell and Brewer were questioned about the burglary and moved to Prescott, AZ. (mcm)
28—Sergeant Hiram P. Venus, instructor, collapsed at the athletic area and shortly died after. (mcm)
April
1—(a) The travel restrictions of the war were lifted for all athletic functions. (b) The 1100th Guard Squadron and 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron were transferred to 460th Base Headquarters. (c) The Parachute Shop broke new for new additions on their building. (bh)
2—The Civilian Cafeteria reopened after some remodeling. It looks more like a civilian eatery than the prior military style. (bh)
4—Post Exchange setup a small exchange at Site Six. Orders were shipped in by air. (bh) Private Luis G. Martinez of the 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was found dead in bed from a brain hemorrhage. (mcm)
10—KAAF has become an Air Transport Command authorized intermediate stop effectively. (mcm)
15 & 16—(a) This weekend was another gunnery meet at Yuma AAF, both instructors and students took 2nd place. (b) The Site Six rest camp was opened. It had swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. (bh)
17—KAAF graduates earned honors in the 8th Air Force. Each man earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. Staff Sergeant Alois Mayernik was from Class43-14 and Staff Sergeants John Lopes, Jr. and Leslie Thibudeau are from Class 43-17. (mcm)
19—Staff Sergeant Floyd Ledbetter passed away after being injured in a car accident last Saturday. The accident happens on U. S. Route 93, few outside of Kingman. (mcm)
20—The pipeline from Hackberry to KAAF was completed. This was to become a distribution system. With all wells and reservoirs, the base would have a supply of 500,000 gallons available per day. (bh)
21—The Base Alert Crew was now servicing every aircraft with fuel and oil. With the addition of 15 fuel personnel and equipment became part of the Alert Crew. They would handle station and incoming aircraft. (bh)
The local USO Club observed its 3rd anniversary. (mcm)
22—A General Order came from the Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command giving KAAF the designation of Army Air Force Base Unit 3018 and Yucca became 3019. This would be effective on 1st of May. (bh)
25—KAAF is investigating the mysterious dead of Corporal Hayden Johnson. His body was found wrapped up in a parachute in southern Arizona. (mcm)
29—Troop 59, USO Camp Shows, Inc. made a visit to the troops at Yucca AAF. They will leave the area at noon on Monday. (mcm)
30—The 460th Base Headquarters & Air Base Squadron and 684th AAF Band were disbanded and became Section A or 3018 Army Air Force Base Unit. Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, 328th Flexible Gunnery Training Group were disbanded and change to Section B. The 1123rd FGTG, Detachment 25 of the 858th Signal Service Company (Aviation), 909 Quartermasters Company, Detachment 14 became Section C. Detachment 2053 Ordnance Company Aviation (Service) was formed into Section D. The 31st Altitude Training Unit was transferred into Section E. The 1012th Quartermaster Platoon, Transportation, Air Base and 334th Aviation Squadron were placed in Section F. The 536th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was disbanded and was assigned as the 3019 AAFBU at Yucca AAF. (bh)
May
1—The first day of the new 3018 AAFBU at KAAF and 3019 AAFBU at Yucca AAF. (bh)
2—Softball begins on the field with intramural activity. (bh)
3—Sergeant Edward Hall was fatally injured when he was working on an AT-23. He fell into a propeller when fire broke out on one of the engines. (mcm)
5—A new building was opened with three different departments: retail meats, fresh fruits and vegetables. It was a modern cold storage warehouse with fully equipped refrigerators. (bh) The “Cactus” base newspaper staff was entertained by a banquet that was arranged by Dr. W. J. Richards and here at the El Trovatore. (mcm)
11—Staff Sergeant Edward J. Dunstedler, aerial gunnery instructor, was appointed to OfficercandidateSchool. (mcm)
13 & 14—The 334th were entertained with a dance and social events for the weekend. (mcm)
16—(a) An InstructorSchool was established at the KAAF. It was to train graduate students in how to become instructors. (b) The Exchange #3 was opened for business without food and fountain service. (bh)
17—Exchange #5 was put into service with no food and fountain service. (bh) Major Arthur L. Knight gave a demonstration in hypnosis to the Local Rotary Club. (mcm)
19—The announcement of a Mess Council forming for the enlisted personnel. (mcm)
20—The baseball Gunners opened season with two games with Las Vegas AAF. (mcm)
22—Dale Roe from the Red Cross will be teaching first aid at KAAF during the day and Kingman in the evening. (mcm)
25—(a) Bob Schwarzrock kills a rabbit on the skeet range with a rock. Because regulations will not allow cadet to fire live weapons at wildlife. If he gets four more, he will become an ace. (b)Private LeRoy Williams, a motor pool driver, was driving a trash truck notice some papers were on fire went straight to the fire house to have it put out. (mcm)
26—This was the completion of training by the Red Cross for the swimming pools. (bh)
29—Officers from KAAF and the Mohave County Sheriff went to investigate a plane crash on a rancher’s land. Marine Crops 2nd Lieutenant Norman Arendt was killed in the crash. He went missing on 27th January, 1944. (mcm)
June
1 & 2—The 82nd Wing Boxing Tournament is cancelled at the KingmanHigh School gym. The boxers came from KAAF, Las Vegas, Yuma AAF, and Indian Springs AAF, NV. (mcm)
8—Cordell and Brewer were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for the burglary of the Chloride Post Office. This took place at Tucson, AZ. (mcm)
11—The P-39s were used for simulated attack type missions. This was in addition to regular transition flying schedule. (bh)
12—(a) The experimental high altitude towing was performed. (b) The “Cactus Room” was opened. (bh)
14—The high altitude towing became part of the training. (bh)
15—Colonel Donald B. Phillips took over command of the school from Colonel Huglin. (bh)
16—Hobbs Field, NM sent four B-17Fs to KAAF and this bring to total to 55. (bh)
17—The Patio was opened. (bh)
19—A new 37 hour course would take effect. (bh)
21—Arizona Senator Carl Hayden spoke to a gathering at the 5th War Bond Drive at the high school. Colonel Phillips and Brigadier Generals Stenseth and Lyons were there with other ranking officers of KAAF. (mcm)
24 & 25—Las Vegas hosted the national gunnery meet. The schools involved in this meet are the home team of Las Vegas, KAAF, Yuma AAF, Harlingen Field, TX, Buckingham and Tyndall Fields, FL. (mcm)
25—The traffic control board was completed and put into place for station-to-station activity. (bh)
26—The second Exchange #6 was opened at Yucca AAF. (bh)
27—The Base Communications helped in rescue operation for the Grand Canyon. Crewmen from a B-24 from Nevada dropped safely into canyon. (bh)
30—The night lighting system was completed and would be maintained by the Night Lighting Department. The Night Lighting Crew would only handle the obstruction lights. (bh) The crewmen were rescued from the Grand Canyon. (mcm)
July
1—The Post Exchange started its 2nd mobile unit to serve the various ranges. They also took over the Service Club Cafeteria and Snack Bar. (bh)
7—The Lions and Rotary Clubs were invited by Colonel Phillips to have dinner at KAAF. Mohave County officials, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railroads and the ArizonaState Taxpayers Association were invited along for the event. (mcm)
8—A group of 30 enlisted guests, 10 permanent party personnel and an officer went to the Grand Canyon for the opening of the Rest Camp. (bh) Lieutenant Hugo J. Gehling marries Lieutenant Eleanor Bode in Las Vegas, NV. (mcm)
8 & 9—As part of the 5th War Bond Drive with the cooperation of KAAF, there was jeep rides for anyone who purchases a war bond. (mcm)
10—A few of the Co-Pilot graduates received orders for First Pilot Training. (bh) Captain Howard Brady’s body was examed after being founded out in the desert. He was heading toward Site Six in a car and got lost. He was the supply officer of Site Six. (mcm)
12—The Production Line Maintenance inspection system was introduced in the Motor Pool Garage. (bh)
18—The new under pass and access road was completed and turned over to the Post Engineers. (bh)
19—The new under pass was opened for use. (bh)
20—Staff Sergeant Collie D. Hooper went thru new Centralized Meat Cutting and Fat Conservation course. (mcm)
22—The Post Library moved to the southwest wing of the RecreationBuilding. It was air conditioned and 5591 books are on the shelves. (bh) Major General Ralph P. Cousins visited KAAF and help pin medals on three heroes. Technical Sergeant Victor R. Combs earned an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Staff Sergeant William J. Gonyo received an Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Harold O. Christensen collected a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. (mcm)
23—Major General Ralph P. Cousins of the AAF Western Flying Training Command spoke at a briefing on how he taught. KAAF is one of the top schools in the Army Air Force. (mcm)
22 & 23—KAAF instructors took 1st place in the 82nd Flying Training Wing Gunnery Meet at the school. The students took 2nd place. (mcm)
27—The Quartermaster Department initiated the new Post Ice Plant. Ice went to the Mess Halls and alike. (bh)
29—The landscaping and building improvements were complete on the Single Engine Section. (bh)
31—Staff Sergeant Sherman A. Clay retires from the military after 32 years of service. He entered the service in 1912. He was assigned to Yucca AAF. (mcm)
August
1—Second Lieutenant Leslie E. Cannon was killed in a P-39 at Amarillo Army Air Field, TX. He was one mile from the airfield when his aircraft went into a spin and crashed. (mcm)
2—KAAF helps celebrate the Army Air Force 35th Anniversary with an open house and invited the MohaveCounty citizens. There was a large crowd for the event. (mcm)
5—The local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have a celebration for Colonel Phillips. (mcm)
7—The PreventiveMaintenanceRange was put into use with only being partly operational. (bh)
9—Colonel Donald B. Phillips made a presentation to the Rotary Club and also his guests were Colonel Leroy A. Rainey and Lieutenant Harold V. Klare. (mcm)
10—The trail of Cordell and Brewer for the burglary in Chloride. They were found guilty after seven and half hours of deliberation. (mcm)
11—Mrs. Donald Phillips starts a Cadets Wives’ Club. (mcm)
14—Corporal George Carlson was transferred to overseas duty. Carlson had been station here for 17 months. (mcm)
15, 16, & 17—KAAF’s seventeen piece Dance Band performed at the Hollywood Canteen. The 15th, they played from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. On the 16th & 17th, they played from 10 P. M. till midnight. (mcm)
16—The Director of Flying received a wire from Santa Ana, CA. This was to informed KAAF to establish a Women Air Service Pilot Training Program. (bh)
18—Majors Clary and Lees along with Lieutenant Davidson attended a conference Yuma AAF, AZ about the WASP Training Program. (bh)
19 & 20—The instructors and students won the moving base competition at Yuma AAF. But fell behind in the overall standing of the competition. (mcm)
20—(a) There were problems with the main power cables on the lower ball turret. The cables were shorting out causing the insulation to burn and there was also a cable shortage, so all cables were repaired. (b) The P-63 aircraft was to replace the P-39 in the gunnery training program. (c) The ArtDepartment was move into the Publication Department. (bh)
21—The first of the WASP classes has begun. They would be trained for the TB-26 Co-PilotSchool. (bh) Staff Sergeant Paul H. Hines of the “Cactus” base paper was transferred to Marfa AAF, TX to work on the base paper there. Sgt. Hines is the associate editor since the inception of the paper. (mcm)
23—Colonel Phillips gave out two medals to more heroes. Sergeants Ralph I. Martin received Distinguished Flying Cross and Howard V. Wilbur earned the Air Medal with two silver oak leaf clusters. (mcm)
24—Major John D. Elland was assigned to the post of Assistant Deputy for Training & Operation. His brother, Sergeant William B. Elland is also station here to and works in the turret maintenance section. (b) KAAF awarded 4 civilians for their suggestions as part of the National Ideas for Victory. James S. Weaver and Charles H. Smith won $50 each, Frank W. Ferguson received $35 and James Chamberlain earned $30. (mcm)
25—The control tower replaced its old 24 volt battery with a 110 volt power unit on the high frequency transmitter. (bh)
28—KAAF gains three more Captains. 1st Lieutenants Clifford E. Hane, Chaplains Cecil F. Petrie and Arthur B. Mercer are earning their double silver bars. (mcm)
September
6—The Photo Studio was closed. (bh)
8—(a) The local Elks Lodge initiated new members from KAAF. (b) Yucca AAF met the softball team from St. Mary’s for the championship. St. Mary took the championship. (mcm)
9—The Elks hosted a dance for its newest members from KAAF. (mcm)
11—KAAF has a new champion B-17 to set the record on original flying hours before on overhaul. The B-17 with the tail number 42399931 had 978 hours and 5 minutes. The crew chief of the aircraft is Sergeant Carl V. Youts of Section C. (mcm)
15—The tower personnel were transferred to the base communication from base operation. (bh)
16 & 17—KAAF wins the students competition and the instructors placed sixth. This is the 3rd National Gunnery Meet. Private First Class Herbert H. Barr won the overall student competition. (mcm)
17—The Rosh Hashanah services are being held at the East Chapel. It runs till Tuesday. (mcm)
18—The next WASP training class is started. (bh) Private First Class Roy L. Duncan died from head injuries from an AT-6. It crashed as it was taking off. (mcm)
19—A B-17 from KAAF crashed on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, AZ. All on board were killed. (mcm)
20—The first class of WASPs leaves KAAF. (bh) The KAAF Women’s Club gave a dance at the Kingman Service Club. (mcm)
22—The radio range station was shut downed and moved to Prescott, AZ. This was due to the realignment of airways from Needles, CA to Winslow, AZ. (bh)
24—Site Six Post Exchange was closed. Site Six personnel was becoming skeleton crew of permanent party. (bh)
25—Aviation Cadet Cecil C. Harrison is killed in a motorcycle crash resulting for chasing two young boys, who stole a car in Kingman. (mcm)
27—The first detachment of Women Army Crops arrived at the field. They would be part of the Office of the Quartermaster. Section D was used for the new WAC personnel. (bh)
28—(a) An AT-23 crashes south of the runway and kills two crew members and injures two others. (b) Corporal James L. Arnold becomes the 1st black gunnery student to finish the gunnery training program. (mcm)
30—(a) A fire at the Salvage and Reclamation burn a good portion of baled used paper. (b) Marana Field, AZ sent 29 BT-13As to the Single Engine Shop. (bh)
October
3—The Canvas & Webbing Repair Section was moved to the Sub-Depot area. (bh) (a) KAAF received 60 more WACs. (b) The KAAF Bowling League starts up for the season. (mcm)
5—The National Association of Air Force Women Chapter at KAAF elected officers. Mrs. Donald Phillips is the honorary president. (mcm)
6—Technical Sergeants John O. Roberts and Peter P. Cardaro meet at KAAF for a refresher course. The two men had trained here before going overseas. (mcm)
7—The Non-Commission Officers Club holds its first Formal Dance. (mcm)
9—Fourteen members of the Parachute Department jumped without a mishap. The ladies in the department got a box of candy. (bh) KAAF sent ten officers to Santa Ana, CA for supervisory training. The training lasted for a week. (mcm)
10—Sergeant Amos O. Strawder dies from his injuries, he received from a motorcycle crash with Cadet Harrison on 25th of September. (mcm)
12—The Army Air Force Aid Society is now part of KAAF. (mcm)
15—The 2nd class of WASP was sent to their next duty stations. During this training session, a wire was received from Santa Ana, CA to discontinue the WASP Training at KAAF. (bh)
17—The Aircraft Recognition Training was terminated and personnel were transferred to other sections. (bh)
19—The Civilian Personnel Offices moved to building H134 from A104. (bh)
21—Deming Field, NM sent 2 AT-11 to KAAF. (bh)
21 & 22—KAAF visits Las Vegas for the 82nd Flying Training Wing Gunnery Meet. (mcm)
25—The last issue of “The Cactus” was printed by the Publication Department. The department had been printing the paper since April, 1943. The MohaveCounty Miner paper would do the printing of the future issues. (bh)
26—The Ground Safety Officer is informing the base personnel to obey all traffic rules to help reduce “Time Lost” accidents. (mcm)
31—Hundred fifty students arrived from Luke Field, AZ. They came into be trained in Co-Pilot Transition Course. (bh) (a) Special Services Office started to hold weekly at the airfield’s Little Theater. (b) Major Arthur L. Knight entertained the folks at the Lions Club Halloween party. (mcm)
November
1—(a) The last of the WASP cadets are no longer at KAAF. There is no more WASP Training for the future. (b) The Winslow Ferry Station, AZ is place under the budget controls of KAAF. Winslow has come to KAAF for supplies and funds. (bh)
2—Section C is separated into five flights for better coordination. (bh)
3—A tragic mid-air collision of a B-17 and a P-39, this took place during a morning training flight. The accident kills 15 men. (mcm)
9—The Upholstery Shop at the Motor Pool opens for business. (bh)
10—the Post Bakery was opened for business. (bh)
13—A new nursery had begun at the BaseHospital. (bh)
14—Sergeant John B. Handford is transferred to Atlantic City Rehabilitation Station Public Relation Office. Sgt. Handford was part of “The Cactus” paper and the Public Relation Office at KAAF. (mcm)
20—The 1st class of newly commissioned officers graduates from KAAF. (mcm)
24—Staff Sergeant Robert Horste returns as a gunnery instructor after flying 25 sorties as a ball turret gunner. He was here as an instructor from March, 1943 to January, 1944. (mcm)
27—ON THE LINE Training Detachment has been activated. This training section contained students waiting for Pre-FlightSchool. (bh)
28—Staff Sergeant John D. Fulton returns as an instructor after a year and half and 30 missions later. He graduated in July, 1943 from KAAF. (mcm)
December
1—(a) This marked the 2nd anniversary of the Personnel Section on the airfield. Only five members are still here. (b) The Publications department moves to K101 from Building 20. A message center was set up to deliver documents. (bh)
7—KAAF is given an “Excellent” rating in an overall inspection done by the 82nd Flying Training Wing. (mcm)
11—The basketball league season begins. (bh)
17—(a) Hundred twenty-nine men arrived at the field from LockheedAircraftFactorySchool of Burbank, CA. They were assigned to the On-the-Line Training Detachment. (b) The Post Exchange #4 was close for 10 days for repairs. (bh) The first WAC/GI wedding was held at the base. Staff Sergeant Maggie Hogan and Private William Thompson were married at the East Chapel. (mcm)
20—The gunnery school held a Christmas Party for the kids of the base personnel. (mcm)
21—The TB-26 Martin Marauder with affection is known as “761” has been flown for over 900 hours on the same engines without an overhaul. The “761” is one of the tow target aircraft of the early days. (mcm)
25—With Christmas declared as a legal holiday by the War Department. So the base had a USO Camp Show called “Monkey Shines” and a Christmas Dinner. There also was a free G. I. Dance. (mcm)
© 1990-2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Rob Chilcoat
January
1—(a) The first installment of the base’s history was completed. It starts at the end of 1942 and proceeds to January, 1944. (b) The Four Engine Transition Group (Co-Pilot) program was established. (c) The 382nd Sub-Depot was now under the supervision of the Post Commander. (bh)
2—A B-17 from Kingman Field, disintegrated in mid-flight over McClellan Field, CA. This flight cost the lives of 13 Army Air Force personnel and eleven of which were station at KAAF. There was a lone survivor, Major James H. Wergen from KAAF. (bh)
3—A nine hour preflight course was initiated. (bh)
4—Sergeant Dennis R. Pitman was found at the bottom of the colored swimming pool. He was in charge of the black personnel of the Production Line Maintenance. (bh)
6—On a somber night, a tragic accident took the lives of 28 men. A bus crossing the railroad tracks at the main gate, when they were slammed into by an oncoming train with full force. There were a few survivors from this accident. The bus was carrying gunnery cadets from ground training exercises. (bh)
(a) KAAF has discharged close to 300 men. (b) Marguerite Chapman, a Hollywood actress, made a visit to KAAF, to cheer up the troops. (mcm)
8—Women’s Army Crops LieutenantEvelynI. Biggs marries Lieutenant E. J. Ward. (mcm)
10—Gun camera films were being shown at the Jam Handy building #4. It was soundproof; this helped the instructors to teach better. (bh) The KAAF basketball league got under way with 19 teams to play 180 games. (mcm)
13—The Number 34; Waller Trainer was completed. The Director of Synthetic Training accepted on this date. Numbers 36 and 48 were installed later. (bh) MohaveCounty Chamber of Commerce invited Colonel Huglin and Lieutenant Alfred B. McCreary (Public Relations Officer) for a discussion on better cooperation between the military and civilians. (mcm)
14—(a) The H. L. Royden Construction Company has won the bid to construct an underpass at the airfield. The price tag is $29,379.78. They have to be finished by March 31. (b) Erwin Rudolph, five times billiards champion, made a visit to the base to show off his wizardry in four demonstrations. KAAF was his 287 military post visit. (mcm)
15—(a) The office of the Director of Supply & Maintenance is moving from the Production Line Maintenance hanger to the Base Operations building. (b) Brigadier General Martinus Stenseth, Commanding General of the 82nd Flying Training Wing made a visit to KAAF to awarded two sergeants in heroism. They were Staff Sergeant Jerome St. John and Sergeant Walter W. Pharr. The rescued fellow crew members when a plane crashed on the field. (bh)
20—Thomas Walker, a former student at MohaveCountyHigh School, recently graduated from KAAF as a gunner cadet. The Robert J. Curran Post #3516 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars awarded Lieutenant H. L. Conrad the Cross of Malta. He was stationed at Hickman Field, HI during the attack of Pearl Harbor. Now he is a pilot at KAAF. (mcm)
21—A contract that was worth $29,379.78, the H. L. Royden Construction Company out of Phoenix, AZ has been awarded the bid to constructed a under pass at the airfield. This money came from the Arizona Highway Commission by the request of the Public Roads Administration. The plans for this under pass were already approved in December, 1943 and authorization came a few days after the bus crash. (bh)
22—One of the black soldiers was killed by a freight train in an apparent suicide. (mcm)
24—Essay contest begins on “Why Buy Bonds” for the 4th War Bond Drive being conducted by the staff of the “Cactus” base paper. (mcm)
26—The Gunners Basketball teams lost a close on the boys based at BoulderCity, 38-35 was the final score. (mcm)
27—Corporal George Carlson of the 460th Headquarters & Air Base Squadron became the first winner of the essay contest. He was awarded $25 for his efforts. (mcm)
28—Foster Field, TX transferred two P-39 to KAAF. (mcm)
31—The 384th Army Air Force Band was transferred to the 684th Army Band. The 684th was assigned to the Adjutant General’s Department. (bh)
February
3—Lieutenant Charles A. Nogal was killed in a crash of his P-39 at Foster Field, TX. (mcm)
4—The 4th War Bond Drive starts its entertainment show. (mcm)
5—(a) The “Desert Battalion” makes a visit to KAAF, hundred twenty young ladies are part of the revue. It is part of the 4th War Bond Drive. (b) Captain John Knox, gun camera officer, was killed in a B-17 crash near Winslow, AZ. (mcm)
7—(a) Foster Field, TX sent two more P-39 to KAAF. (b) The permanent runway lighting system is started by a civilian contractor. (c) The 684th forms a drum and bugle corps for retreat ceremonies. (bh)
8—The Air-to-Air Firing Department completes reorganization with Non-Commission Officer-in-Charge for each group of instructors. This will cover Kingman and Yucca Fields. (bh)
15—The 4th War Bond Drive has boxing card as part of the entertainment series. (mcm)
18—Major General P. T. Mow, Deputy Director of the Aeronautical Commission of the Chinese Air Force from Washington, D. C. made a visit to KAAF. He was here inspecting the training facilities. He found the conditions to be satisfactory. Brigadier General M. F. Scanlon, Wing Commander of the 36th Flying Training Wing, had made the visit with the Chinese General. (bh)
19—The new Post Office wing was opened for business. The Post Engineer did the construction. (bh)
22—B-17s returned for duty a Tyndall Field, FL. There were eleven aircraft returning. (bh)
23—Special Services lost the Personal Affairs Section. Personal Affairs became its own section at the Post Headquarters. (bh) Stan Kenton & his Orchestra played for the troops and were hooked in by national radio. (mcm)
28—Colonel Huglin made three appointments to OfficersCandidatesSchool at Miami, FL. The three men from the 460th and their names are Sergeants Jerome Hogan, Donald Auer, and Corporal Robert Bell. (mcm)
March
1—(a) A program was set up to bring some of the members of the 334th Aviation Squadron into flight line operations. They were training small groups of the squadron. (b) The new Motor Pool building and house was ready for occupancy. (bh)
2—The “Cactus” base newspaper celebrates its 1st year at KAAF. (mcm)
4—Lieutenant Bernard Briggs was killed in an AT-6 on a routine flight. (mcm)
8—Chinese Army Air Force Captain Chin spoke to the local Rotary Club on the communication system in the Chinese Army. (mcm)
10 & 11—Reporters and photographers from INS, UP, AP, and Time Magazine were invited to tour the school. Brigadier General Stenseth awarded four medals to four more heroes. Staff Sergeant William J. Goyno received the Distinguished Flying Cross for North Africa, Technical Sergeant Tim Touchin was given Oak Leaf Cluster of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Technical Sergeant Cy Brendenoen earned on Oak Leaf Cluster for the Air Medal, both men flew over Germany, Technical Sergeant Carl B. Olson picked up the Air Medal for North Africa and Europe. (bh)
15—The 684th Army Band was redesignated as the 684th Army Air Force Band. They were starting to practice playing Captain Glenn Miller arrangements. (bh)
The Civilian Cafeteria opens its doors after being remodeled. (mcm)
23—There was problems with the upcoming construction of the underpass. The original estimated cost of $29,379.78 was up to $40,000, because the underpass was being moved thousand feet west of the original crossing. The work got started around late April. There was also a underpass built for Yucca AAF. (bh)
24—Phelman James Cordell and Morris Elton Brewer broke into the Post Office at Chloride, AZ. They were arrested soon after the break in. They were civilian barbers at KAAF. (mcm)
27—A new and centrally located Merchandise Exchange opened its doors. Those improvements were done by the Post Exchange. (bh) Cordell and Brewer were questioned about the burglary and moved to Prescott, AZ. (mcm)
28—Sergeant Hiram P. Venus, instructor, collapsed at the athletic area and shortly died after. (mcm)
April
1—(a) The travel restrictions of the war were lifted for all athletic functions. (b) The 1100th Guard Squadron and 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron were transferred to 460th Base Headquarters. (c) The Parachute Shop broke new for new additions on their building. (bh)
2—The Civilian Cafeteria reopened after some remodeling. It looks more like a civilian eatery than the prior military style. (bh)
4—Post Exchange setup a small exchange at Site Six. Orders were shipped in by air. (bh) Private Luis G. Martinez of the 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was found dead in bed from a brain hemorrhage. (mcm)
10—KAAF has become an Air Transport Command authorized intermediate stop effectively. (mcm)
15 & 16—(a) This weekend was another gunnery meet at Yuma AAF, both instructors and students took 2nd place. (b) The Site Six rest camp was opened. It had swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. (bh)
17—KAAF graduates earned honors in the 8th Air Force. Each man earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. Staff Sergeant Alois Mayernik was from Class43-14 and Staff Sergeants John Lopes, Jr. and Leslie Thibudeau are from Class 43-17. (mcm)
19—Staff Sergeant Floyd Ledbetter passed away after being injured in a car accident last Saturday. The accident happens on U. S. Route 93, few outside of Kingman. (mcm)
20—The pipeline from Hackberry to KAAF was completed. This was to become a distribution system. With all wells and reservoirs, the base would have a supply of 500,000 gallons available per day. (bh)
21—The Base Alert Crew was now servicing every aircraft with fuel and oil. With the addition of 15 fuel personnel and equipment became part of the Alert Crew. They would handle station and incoming aircraft. (bh)
The local USO Club observed its 3rd anniversary. (mcm)
22—A General Order came from the Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command giving KAAF the designation of Army Air Force Base Unit 3018 and Yucca became 3019. This would be effective on 1st of May. (bh)
25—KAAF is investigating the mysterious dead of Corporal Hayden Johnson. His body was found wrapped up in a parachute in southern Arizona. (mcm)
29—Troop 59, USO Camp Shows, Inc. made a visit to the troops at Yucca AAF. They will leave the area at noon on Monday. (mcm)
30—The 460th Base Headquarters & Air Base Squadron and 684th AAF Band were disbanded and became Section A or 3018 Army Air Force Base Unit. Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, 328th Flexible Gunnery Training Group were disbanded and change to Section B. The 1123rd FGTG, Detachment 25 of the 858th Signal Service Company (Aviation), 909 Quartermasters Company, Detachment 14 became Section C. Detachment 2053 Ordnance Company Aviation (Service) was formed into Section D. The 31st Altitude Training Unit was transferred into Section E. The 1012th Quartermaster Platoon, Transportation, Air Base and 334th Aviation Squadron were placed in Section F. The 536th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron was disbanded and was assigned as the 3019 AAFBU at Yucca AAF. (bh)
May
1—The first day of the new 3018 AAFBU at KAAF and 3019 AAFBU at Yucca AAF. (bh)
2—Softball begins on the field with intramural activity. (bh)
3—Sergeant Edward Hall was fatally injured when he was working on an AT-23. He fell into a propeller when fire broke out on one of the engines. (mcm)
5—A new building was opened with three different departments: retail meats, fresh fruits and vegetables. It was a modern cold storage warehouse with fully equipped refrigerators. (bh) The “Cactus” base newspaper staff was entertained by a banquet that was arranged by Dr. W. J. Richards and here at the El Trovatore. (mcm)
11—Staff Sergeant Edward J. Dunstedler, aerial gunnery instructor, was appointed to OfficercandidateSchool. (mcm)
13 & 14—The 334th were entertained with a dance and social events for the weekend. (mcm)
16—(a) An InstructorSchool was established at the KAAF. It was to train graduate students in how to become instructors. (b) The Exchange #3 was opened for business without food and fountain service. (bh)
17—Exchange #5 was put into service with no food and fountain service. (bh) Major Arthur L. Knight gave a demonstration in hypnosis to the Local Rotary Club. (mcm)
19—The announcement of a Mess Council forming for the enlisted personnel. (mcm)
20—The baseball Gunners opened season with two games with Las Vegas AAF. (mcm)
22—Dale Roe from the Red Cross will be teaching first aid at KAAF during the day and Kingman in the evening. (mcm)
25—(a) Bob Schwarzrock kills a rabbit on the skeet range with a rock. Because regulations will not allow cadet to fire live weapons at wildlife. If he gets four more, he will become an ace. (b)Private LeRoy Williams, a motor pool driver, was driving a trash truck notice some papers were on fire went straight to the fire house to have it put out. (mcm)
26—This was the completion of training by the Red Cross for the swimming pools. (bh)
29—Officers from KAAF and the Mohave County Sheriff went to investigate a plane crash on a rancher’s land. Marine Crops 2nd Lieutenant Norman Arendt was killed in the crash. He went missing on 27th January, 1944. (mcm)
June
1 & 2—The 82nd Wing Boxing Tournament is cancelled at the KingmanHigh School gym. The boxers came from KAAF, Las Vegas, Yuma AAF, and Indian Springs AAF, NV. (mcm)
8—Cordell and Brewer were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for the burglary of the Chloride Post Office. This took place at Tucson, AZ. (mcm)
11—The P-39s were used for simulated attack type missions. This was in addition to regular transition flying schedule. (bh)
12—(a) The experimental high altitude towing was performed. (b) The “Cactus Room” was opened. (bh)
14—The high altitude towing became part of the training. (bh)
15—Colonel Donald B. Phillips took over command of the school from Colonel Huglin. (bh)
16—Hobbs Field, NM sent four B-17Fs to KAAF and this bring to total to 55. (bh)
17—The Patio was opened. (bh)
19—A new 37 hour course would take effect. (bh)
21—Arizona Senator Carl Hayden spoke to a gathering at the 5th War Bond Drive at the high school. Colonel Phillips and Brigadier Generals Stenseth and Lyons were there with other ranking officers of KAAF. (mcm)
24 & 25—Las Vegas hosted the national gunnery meet. The schools involved in this meet are the home team of Las Vegas, KAAF, Yuma AAF, Harlingen Field, TX, Buckingham and Tyndall Fields, FL. (mcm)
25—The traffic control board was completed and put into place for station-to-station activity. (bh)
26—The second Exchange #6 was opened at Yucca AAF. (bh)
27—The Base Communications helped in rescue operation for the Grand Canyon. Crewmen from a B-24 from Nevada dropped safely into canyon. (bh)
30—The night lighting system was completed and would be maintained by the Night Lighting Department. The Night Lighting Crew would only handle the obstruction lights. (bh) The crewmen were rescued from the Grand Canyon. (mcm)
July
1—The Post Exchange started its 2nd mobile unit to serve the various ranges. They also took over the Service Club Cafeteria and Snack Bar. (bh)
7—The Lions and Rotary Clubs were invited by Colonel Phillips to have dinner at KAAF. Mohave County officials, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railroads and the ArizonaState Taxpayers Association were invited along for the event. (mcm)
8—A group of 30 enlisted guests, 10 permanent party personnel and an officer went to the Grand Canyon for the opening of the Rest Camp. (bh) Lieutenant Hugo J. Gehling marries Lieutenant Eleanor Bode in Las Vegas, NV. (mcm)
8 & 9—As part of the 5th War Bond Drive with the cooperation of KAAF, there was jeep rides for anyone who purchases a war bond. (mcm)
10—A few of the Co-Pilot graduates received orders for First Pilot Training. (bh) Captain Howard Brady’s body was examed after being founded out in the desert. He was heading toward Site Six in a car and got lost. He was the supply officer of Site Six. (mcm)
12—The Production Line Maintenance inspection system was introduced in the Motor Pool Garage. (bh)
18—The new under pass and access road was completed and turned over to the Post Engineers. (bh)
19—The new under pass was opened for use. (bh)
20—Staff Sergeant Collie D. Hooper went thru new Centralized Meat Cutting and Fat Conservation course. (mcm)
22—The Post Library moved to the southwest wing of the RecreationBuilding. It was air conditioned and 5591 books are on the shelves. (bh) Major General Ralph P. Cousins visited KAAF and help pin medals on three heroes. Technical Sergeant Victor R. Combs earned an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Staff Sergeant William J. Gonyo received an Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Sergeant Harold O. Christensen collected a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. (mcm)
23—Major General Ralph P. Cousins of the AAF Western Flying Training Command spoke at a briefing on how he taught. KAAF is one of the top schools in the Army Air Force. (mcm)
22 & 23—KAAF instructors took 1st place in the 82nd Flying Training Wing Gunnery Meet at the school. The students took 2nd place. (mcm)
27—The Quartermaster Department initiated the new Post Ice Plant. Ice went to the Mess Halls and alike. (bh)
29—The landscaping and building improvements were complete on the Single Engine Section. (bh)
31—Staff Sergeant Sherman A. Clay retires from the military after 32 years of service. He entered the service in 1912. He was assigned to Yucca AAF. (mcm)
August
1—Second Lieutenant Leslie E. Cannon was killed in a P-39 at Amarillo Army Air Field, TX. He was one mile from the airfield when his aircraft went into a spin and crashed. (mcm)
2—KAAF helps celebrate the Army Air Force 35th Anniversary with an open house and invited the MohaveCounty citizens. There was a large crowd for the event. (mcm)
5—The local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have a celebration for Colonel Phillips. (mcm)
7—The PreventiveMaintenanceRange was put into use with only being partly operational. (bh)
9—Colonel Donald B. Phillips made a presentation to the Rotary Club and also his guests were Colonel Leroy A. Rainey and Lieutenant Harold V. Klare. (mcm)
10—The trail of Cordell and Brewer for the burglary in Chloride. They were found guilty after seven and half hours of deliberation. (mcm)
11—Mrs. Donald Phillips starts a Cadets Wives’ Club. (mcm)
14—Corporal George Carlson was transferred to overseas duty. Carlson had been station here for 17 months. (mcm)
15, 16, & 17—KAAF’s seventeen piece Dance Band performed at the Hollywood Canteen. The 15th, they played from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. On the 16th & 17th, they played from 10 P. M. till midnight. (mcm)
16—The Director of Flying received a wire from Santa Ana, CA. This was to informed KAAF to establish a Women Air Service Pilot Training Program. (bh)
18—Majors Clary and Lees along with Lieutenant Davidson attended a conference Yuma AAF, AZ about the WASP Training Program. (bh)
19 & 20—The instructors and students won the moving base competition at Yuma AAF. But fell behind in the overall standing of the competition. (mcm)
20—(a) There were problems with the main power cables on the lower ball turret. The cables were shorting out causing the insulation to burn and there was also a cable shortage, so all cables were repaired. (b) The P-63 aircraft was to replace the P-39 in the gunnery training program. (c) The ArtDepartment was move into the Publication Department. (bh)
21—The first of the WASP classes has begun. They would be trained for the TB-26 Co-PilotSchool. (bh) Staff Sergeant Paul H. Hines of the “Cactus” base paper was transferred to Marfa AAF, TX to work on the base paper there. Sgt. Hines is the associate editor since the inception of the paper. (mcm)
23—Colonel Phillips gave out two medals to more heroes. Sergeants Ralph I. Martin received Distinguished Flying Cross and Howard V. Wilbur earned the Air Medal with two silver oak leaf clusters. (mcm)
24—Major John D. Elland was assigned to the post of Assistant Deputy for Training & Operation. His brother, Sergeant William B. Elland is also station here to and works in the turret maintenance section. (b) KAAF awarded 4 civilians for their suggestions as part of the National Ideas for Victory. James S. Weaver and Charles H. Smith won $50 each, Frank W. Ferguson received $35 and James Chamberlain earned $30. (mcm)
25—The control tower replaced its old 24 volt battery with a 110 volt power unit on the high frequency transmitter. (bh)
28—KAAF gains three more Captains. 1st Lieutenants Clifford E. Hane, Chaplains Cecil F. Petrie and Arthur B. Mercer are earning their double silver bars. (mcm)
September
6—The Photo Studio was closed. (bh)
8—(a) The local Elks Lodge initiated new members from KAAF. (b) Yucca AAF met the softball team from St. Mary’s for the championship. St. Mary took the championship. (mcm)
9—The Elks hosted a dance for its newest members from KAAF. (mcm)
11—KAAF has a new champion B-17 to set the record on original flying hours before on overhaul. The B-17 with the tail number 42399931 had 978 hours and 5 minutes. The crew chief of the aircraft is Sergeant Carl V. Youts of Section C. (mcm)
15—The tower personnel were transferred to the base communication from base operation. (bh)
16 & 17—KAAF wins the students competition and the instructors placed sixth. This is the 3rd National Gunnery Meet. Private First Class Herbert H. Barr won the overall student competition. (mcm)
17—The Rosh Hashanah services are being held at the East Chapel. It runs till Tuesday. (mcm)
18—The next WASP training class is started. (bh) Private First Class Roy L. Duncan died from head injuries from an AT-6. It crashed as it was taking off. (mcm)
19—A B-17 from KAAF crashed on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, AZ. All on board were killed. (mcm)
20—The first class of WASPs leaves KAAF. (bh) The KAAF Women’s Club gave a dance at the Kingman Service Club. (mcm)
22—The radio range station was shut downed and moved to Prescott, AZ. This was due to the realignment of airways from Needles, CA to Winslow, AZ. (bh)
24—Site Six Post Exchange was closed. Site Six personnel was becoming skeleton crew of permanent party. (bh)
25—Aviation Cadet Cecil C. Harrison is killed in a motorcycle crash resulting for chasing two young boys, who stole a car in Kingman. (mcm)
27—The first detachment of Women Army Crops arrived at the field. They would be part of the Office of the Quartermaster. Section D was used for the new WAC personnel. (bh)
28—(a) An AT-23 crashes south of the runway and kills two crew members and injures two others. (b) Corporal James L. Arnold becomes the 1st black gunnery student to finish the gunnery training program. (mcm)
30—(a) A fire at the Salvage and Reclamation burn a good portion of baled used paper. (b) Marana Field, AZ sent 29 BT-13As to the Single Engine Shop. (bh)
October
3—The Canvas & Webbing Repair Section was moved to the Sub-Depot area. (bh) (a) KAAF received 60 more WACs. (b) The KAAF Bowling League starts up for the season. (mcm)
5—The National Association of Air Force Women Chapter at KAAF elected officers. Mrs. Donald Phillips is the honorary president. (mcm)
6—Technical Sergeants John O. Roberts and Peter P. Cardaro meet at KAAF for a refresher course. The two men had trained here before going overseas. (mcm)
7—The Non-Commission Officers Club holds its first Formal Dance. (mcm)
9—Fourteen members of the Parachute Department jumped without a mishap. The ladies in the department got a box of candy. (bh) KAAF sent ten officers to Santa Ana, CA for supervisory training. The training lasted for a week. (mcm)
10—Sergeant Amos O. Strawder dies from his injuries, he received from a motorcycle crash with Cadet Harrison on 25th of September. (mcm)
12—The Army Air Force Aid Society is now part of KAAF. (mcm)
15—The 2nd class of WASP was sent to their next duty stations. During this training session, a wire was received from Santa Ana, CA to discontinue the WASP Training at KAAF. (bh)
17—The Aircraft Recognition Training was terminated and personnel were transferred to other sections. (bh)
19—The Civilian Personnel Offices moved to building H134 from A104. (bh)
21—Deming Field, NM sent 2 AT-11 to KAAF. (bh)
21 & 22—KAAF visits Las Vegas for the 82nd Flying Training Wing Gunnery Meet. (mcm)
25—The last issue of “The Cactus” was printed by the Publication Department. The department had been printing the paper since April, 1943. The MohaveCounty Miner paper would do the printing of the future issues. (bh)
26—The Ground Safety Officer is informing the base personnel to obey all traffic rules to help reduce “Time Lost” accidents. (mcm)
31—Hundred fifty students arrived from Luke Field, AZ. They came into be trained in Co-Pilot Transition Course. (bh) (a) Special Services Office started to hold weekly at the airfield’s Little Theater. (b) Major Arthur L. Knight entertained the folks at the Lions Club Halloween party. (mcm)
November
1—(a) The last of the WASP cadets are no longer at KAAF. There is no more WASP Training for the future. (b) The Winslow Ferry Station, AZ is place under the budget controls of KAAF. Winslow has come to KAAF for supplies and funds. (bh)
2—Section C is separated into five flights for better coordination. (bh)
3—A tragic mid-air collision of a B-17 and a P-39, this took place during a morning training flight. The accident kills 15 men. (mcm)
9—The Upholstery Shop at the Motor Pool opens for business. (bh)
10—the Post Bakery was opened for business. (bh)
13—A new nursery had begun at the BaseHospital. (bh)
14—Sergeant John B. Handford is transferred to Atlantic City Rehabilitation Station Public Relation Office. Sgt. Handford was part of “The Cactus” paper and the Public Relation Office at KAAF. (mcm)
20—The 1st class of newly commissioned officers graduates from KAAF. (mcm)
24—Staff Sergeant Robert Horste returns as a gunnery instructor after flying 25 sorties as a ball turret gunner. He was here as an instructor from March, 1943 to January, 1944. (mcm)
27—ON THE LINE Training Detachment has been activated. This training section contained students waiting for Pre-FlightSchool. (bh)
28—Staff Sergeant John D. Fulton returns as an instructor after a year and half and 30 missions later. He graduated in July, 1943 from KAAF. (mcm)
December
1—(a) This marked the 2nd anniversary of the Personnel Section on the airfield. Only five members are still here. (b) The Publications department moves to K101 from Building 20. A message center was set up to deliver documents. (bh)
7—KAAF is given an “Excellent” rating in an overall inspection done by the 82nd Flying Training Wing. (mcm)
11—The basketball league season begins. (bh)
17—(a) Hundred twenty-nine men arrived at the field from LockheedAircraftFactorySchool of Burbank, CA. They were assigned to the On-the-Line Training Detachment. (b) The Post Exchange #4 was close for 10 days for repairs. (bh) The first WAC/GI wedding was held at the base. Staff Sergeant Maggie Hogan and Private William Thompson were married at the East Chapel. (mcm)
20—The gunnery school held a Christmas Party for the kids of the base personnel. (mcm)
21—The TB-26 Martin Marauder with affection is known as “761” has been flown for over 900 hours on the same engines without an overhaul. The “761” is one of the tow target aircraft of the early days. (mcm)
25—With Christmas declared as a legal holiday by the War Department. So the base had a USO Camp Show called “Monkey Shines” and a Christmas Dinner. There also was a free G. I. Dance. (mcm)
© 1990-2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Rob Chilcoat
