| Brazil, Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu — Alberto Santos-Dumont Memorial — Parque Nacional do Iguaçu — Patrimonio Natural da Humanidade |
| | As alturas não me intimidam. —Santos-Dumont, Foz do Iguaçu, 24 Abril 1916.
Posso dizer-ihe, Frederico Engel, que estas maravilhas em torno das cataratas não podem continuar a pertencer a um particular (Santos–Dumont) Foz, 25 de Abril de 1916.
Com esta estátua o sonho de Elfrida E. N. Rios, pioneira da cidade, tornou-se realidade. —Foz, 25 de Abril de 1979.
(English translation) “Heights do not intimidate me.” . . . — Map (db m26178) HM |
| Nova Scotia (Halifax Regional Municipality), Peggys Cove — Swissair Flight 111 Memorial — Whalesback |
| | English text only shown
The communities of Peggys Cove and Blandford were central to the recovery operation following the crash of Swissair Flight 111. The Whalesback and Bayswater Beach sites were chosen for their proximity to those communities because they have view lines to the crash site and each other. The three sites combined - Whalesback, Bayswater, and the actual crash site - make a triangular shape, which is reflected in the design of the memorials. Whalesback is at the . . . — Map (db m45717) HM |
| Ontario, Toronto — Canadian Airmen Monument |
| | Panel 1:
Per Arua Ad Astra
In Memory of our Canadian
Airmen who fought in the
Skies to preserve freedom
and order in the world.
Panel 2:
Canadian Airmen Awarded the Victoria Cross
World War I:
William Avery Bishop
Alan Arnett McLeod
William George Barker
World War II:
Andrew Charles Mynarski
David Ernest Hornell
Ian Willoughby Bazalgette
Robert Hampton Gray
Panel 3:
This Monument was dedicated by
Her Majesty Queen . . . — Map (db m57901) HM |
| Ontario (Toronto), Toronto — Little Norway — Lille Norge |
| | [First Panel:] 9 April 1940 Norway was attacked by overwhelming forces. King Haakon VII, Crown Prince Olav and the government left Tromso 7 June for Great Britain in order to continue the fight for freedom in exile. Negotiations had started 2 June and a base for training air force personnel was erected in Toronto using Island Airport. A camp was built on the harbour front and officially opened 10 November 1940.
The national emblems of Canada and Norway have been flying side by side . . . — Map (db m20989) HM |
| France, Haute-Normandie (Seine-Maritime Départment), Étretat — Nungesser and Coli's 1927 Flight |
| | Ce monument consacré à la mémoire de Nungesser et Coli, héros de la guerre 1914-1918, et destiné à rappeler que leur "Oiseau Blanc" quitta le sol de France, pour la première liaison aérienne transatlantique, à Étretat le 8 mai 1927, a été détruit en 1942 par l'armée allemande d'occupation. (English translation):
This monument, dedicated to the memory of Nungesser and Coli, heroes of the war of 1914-1918, and intended to recall that their “White Bird” left the soil of . . . — Map (db m36513) HM |
| Ireland, Connacht (County Mayo), Murrisk — Squadron Leader R. F. C. Garvey |
| |
In loving memory of
Squadron Leader
R.F.C. Garvey D.F.C. & Bar
Only son of J.C. & Gladys Garvey
Born at Murrisk Abbey 11th July 1918
Killed in a flying accident
at Shawbury, England,
on 14th January 1948 & buried there
Dearly loved — Map (db m28259) HM |
| Ireland, Leinster (County Fingal), Portmarnock — The Southern Cross Monument — By Rachel Joynt & Remco DeFouw |
| | This sculpture celebrates Portmarnock's unique role in world aviation history. This beach, known as the Velvet Strand, was used as a runway for the first successful East-West Transatlantic flight, on 24th June 1930.
After a gruelling 33 hours the ‘Southern Cross’ landed at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. It was the final leg of the first circumnavigation of the globe by aircraft. The pilot was Australian Aviator Sir Charles Kingford Smith, Co-pilot Evert Van Dyk, Irish Navigator Capt. Paddy . . . — Map (db m25788) HM |
| Ireland, Leinster (County Fingal), Portmarnock — The Velvet Strand / An Trá Chaoin — Portmarnock / Port Mearnóg |
| | What's in a name?
Portmarnock is names after St Marnock, a prominent missionary who founded a church in the area.
The Velvet Strand and Aviation History
It was from the Velvet Strand, on 24th of June 1930, that the famous Australian aircraft Southern Cross departed on a pioneering Atlantic flight to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, where it landed safely some 31.5 hours later. The plane was piloted by the legendary Charles Kingsford Smith and navigated by Dubliner Captain . . . — Map (db m25663) HM |
| Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand TurkCockburn Town — Splashdown Grand Turk |
| |
[Exhibit #1 and #2]
Replica of Friendship 7 capsule that carried John Glenn on his historic orbital flight of Feb. 20, 1962. The capsule was 9 feet long and 6 feet across at its base. At reentry it weighed about 3,000 pounds. Space inside was very tight, with room for only one man.
[Exhibit #3]
America's First Spacecraft
The bell-shaped capsule was about 9 feet high and 6 feet across at the base. It was made of resin and fiberglass, with and outer shell of . . . — Map (db m61948) HM |
| United Kingdom, Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland), Portpatrick — Z4 |
| | In grateful appreciation for their rescue and recovery of the 301 TCS aircrew and their passengers, we thank the local community and all those who have memorialized our fallen brothers
Dedicated 5 June 2007
By the 301st Aircraft Squadron
Travis AFB, CA — Map (db m34061) HM |
| United Kingdom, Kent, Dover — Blériot's 1909 Landing Site |
| | After making the first Channel flight by aeroplane Louis Blériot landed at this spot on Sunday 25th July 1909. — Map (db m23521) HM |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Birmingham — CDR "Snuffy" Smith — Navy Light Attack Aircraft A-7 Corsair II |
| | (First Plaque): Navy pilots typically had their names painted on the side and just below the cockpit of one of the squadron aircraft. Most also had "Call Signs." Some of which because the nickname of the pilot. On the display aircraft this tradition is represented by the name "Snuffy." Admiral Leighton W. Smith (A.K.A. "SNUFFY") grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He attended the U.S. naval Academy, graduating in 1962. Earning his Naval wings in 1964 he joined the light attack community, where . . . — Map (db m52226) HM |
| Alabama (Jefferson County), Birmingham — History of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing |
| | January 1922 Federal Recognition 135th Observation Squadron
May 1923 Redesignated 114th Observation Squadron
January 1924 Redesignated 106th Observation Squadron
October 1943 Redesignated 100th Bombardment Squadron
November 1946 Federally Recognized 106th Bombardment Squadron
February 1951 Redesignated 106th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
May 1960 Assigned to 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing — Map (db m27388) HM |
| Alabama (Lauderdale County), Florence — Lt. Col. R. Edward Yeilding |
| | After flying more than 90 worldwide reconnaissance missions, in 1990 Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding set a coast to coast aircraft speed record of 67 minuets 54 seconds flying an SR-71 spy plane, which is now at the Smithsonian.
Inducted 2007 — Map (db m29101) HM |
| Alabama (Lauderdale County), Florence — Ronnie Gene Flippo |
| | In his 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives (1977-1991), Ronnie Flippo held such important post as the chairmanship of the Space Science Subcommittee during the development of the space shuttle, Columbia.
Inducted 2007
City of Florence Walk of Honor — Map (db m29098) HM |
| Alabama (Limestone County), Ardmore — The Saturn Legacy |
| | The 224 -foot Saturn IB Rocket displayed here is one of three launched vehicles in the Saturn family of rockets developed in Huntsville. The Saturn IB rocket had more power than the earlier Saturn I- enough for orbital mission with the Apollo spacecraft and lunar module- but it was the 363- foot Saturn V rocket that ultimately took American astronauts to the moon. One of the three remaining Saturn Vs can be seen at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. — Map (db m52445) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — A Bit to Eat |
| |
Known as the Tea Room, this small lunchroom was built during the initial expansion phase of Moton Field in 1942 and 1943, when amenities such as offices and bathrooms not built into the original hangar were added. Here, personnel stationed at Moton Field could get a bite to eat. Cadets ate at Tuskegee Institute, but they could also buy a snack in the Tea Room if they had the time.
. . . cadets, instructors, and people in the area. . . come and have a snack, a bit to eat, because . . . — Map (db m64362) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — A Typical Day |
| |
Try to imagine how Moton Field looked and sounded when the cadets trained here. Compare the scene today to the photograph below, taken from your vantage point around 1944. As the pace of training accelerated during the war, Moton Field became a very busy place.
Between the two hangars, aircraft were refueled from one of six fuel tanks, which remain in the ground near where you are standing. Planes in need of maintenance taxied to the hangar. Everywhere, there were flight instructors, . . . — Map (db m64366) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — Bath and Locker House |
| |
This building was completed in 1941 as a restroom, shower, and locker room for administrative and support personnel. It had facilities for both men and women. Both black and white may have used the building. If so, it almost certainly would have been the only integrated facility of its kind in the South at that time.
The Bath and Locker House was probably not used by cadets, since they were at Moton field only a few hours a day. But mechanics, such as the one shown in this photo, needed . . . — Map (db m64361) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — Hangar No. 1 |
| |
In Hangar No. 1 flying became real for the aviation cadet. The hangar housed the main activities of the airfield, including flight debriefings, flight record-keeping, aircraft maintenance, and military and civilian management. Several smaller rooms surrounding the original space were added as the program grew.
The door to your left originally led to the Machine Shop where metal parts for aircraft were repaired. Through those doors you will now find an orientation and information area, . . . — Map (db m64365) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — The Control Tower |
| |
From Moton Field’s Control Tower, controllers directed flight operations and signaled landing instructions to pilots through a system of flashing colored lights. Dispatchers called cadets for their flights. The tower overlooked the busy – and noisy – flow of aircraft, pedestrian, and vehicle traffic between two hangars.
The tower was where the dispatcher would look out on the field and call the cadets over the loudspeaker to tell them about their flight assignments. Also . . . — Map (db m64363) HM |
| Alabama (Macon County), Tuskegee Institute — The Tuskegee Airmen's Plaza |
| | This plaza is dedicated to the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen, including General Daniel "Chappie" James, whose training at Tuskegee University and the Tuskegee Army Air Field enabled them to prove for all time the competence and bravery of Black Americans in the U.S. Air Force.
This plaza commemorates their courageous service in the air and on the ground--both women and men--in defense of the United States of America. Without their commitment and daring, America's victories over her enemies would have been much more difficult. — Map (db m20076) HM |
| Alabama (Madison County), Huntsville — Formation of the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center |
| | On September 8, 1960, President Dwight Eisenhower formally dedicated the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, as a new field installation of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) organization that had resulted from the Army transfer of 4,670 civil service employees and 1,840 acres of Redstone Arsenal property and facilities worth $100 million. The new NASA center was named for the late General George C. Marshall. Mrs. Marshall was among those who . . . — Map (db m50147) HM |
| Alabama (Madison County), Huntsville — Hermes Guided Missile |
| | First American-made guided missile put on public display. First showing was May 14, 1953 at Huntsville, home of the world's largest rocket and guided missile research and development center, Redstone Arsenal. — Map (db m34957) HM |
| Alabama (Madison County), Huntsville — Major General H.N. Toftoy, USA. |
| | This plaque was placed here by
Citizens of Huntsville and
Madison County, Alabama,
In Honor Of
Major General H.N. Toftoy, USA.
Who was Commanding General
of Redstone Arsenal
from September 1, 1954, to March 31, 1958.
It was unveiled here on August 1, 1958,
on the occasion of his transfer to the
command of Aberdeen Proving Ground.
General Toftoy
during his stay at Redstone
made a significant contribution
to this community,
and he will forever be enshrined
in the hearts of local people as
"Mr. Missile." — Map (db m27906) HM |
| Alabama (Madison County), New Market — Site of Quick Airplane — Construction And Flight |
| | On this site, inventor and early aviation pioneer William Lafayette Quick and his sons designed and built the first airplane to be flown in the State of Alabama. Construction began in 1900. Awaiting an engine, it took nearly eight years to complete. Quick’s “Flying Machine” was among the first monoplanes to be flown in the United States When it went airborne on its first and only flight in April, 1908, in a pasture ½ mile northwest of here, across the Flint River. Restored, it . . . — Map (db m32370) HM |
| Alabama (Mobile County), Mobile — B-52D "Stratofortress" |
| | Plans for the B-52 began as early as 1945, but the first flight of a B52D was not until June 4, 1956. The operational life of the B-52 spans the period from 1957 to the present, and included the most critical phase of the war in Vietnam.
The Aircraft you see here was among 170 B52Ds manufactured by Boeing Airplane Company, and was equipped exclusively for long-range bombing missions. "Calamity Jane," as she is called, has been demilitarized, but remains in the night camouflage used during . . . — Map (db m50424) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — 1Lt Karl W. Richter — Killed in Action July 28, 1967, North Vietnam — Of The Warrior Breed |
| |
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?...
Here am I. Send me."
Isaiah 6:8
"Here dead lie we because we did not choose to live and shame the land from which we sprung. Life to be sure is nothing much to lose, but young men think it is, and we were young."
A.E. Housman
[Unveiled 13 June 1992] — Map (db m64566) HM WM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Air University / Maxwell Air Force Base |
| |
(Side A)
Air University
The Air Corps Tactical School moved to Maxwell in 1931. Brilliant young officers like Chennault, Eaker, Fairchild, Hansell, Kuter, LeMay, Quesada, and Vandenberg formulated the aerial strategies and tactics employed in World War II. In 1940, Maxwell became the home of HQ Southeast Air Corps Training Center responsible for pilot, Navigator and bombardier training, producing over 100,000 aviation cadets. Air University was established in 1946 as the USAF . . . — Map (db m64437) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Air University Commanders |
| |
Maj Gen Muir S. Fairchild
February 1946 – May 1948
Maj Gen Robert W. Harper
May 1948 – October 1948
Gen George C. Kenney
November 1948 – July 1951
Lt Gen Idwal H. Edwards
August 1951 – February 1953
Lt Gen Laurence S. Kuter
April 1953 – May 1955
Lt Gen Dean G. Strother
May 1955 – Jun 1958
Lt Gen Walter E. Todd
August 1958 – July 1961
Lt Gen Troup Miller, Jr.
August 1961 – . . . — Map (db m64368) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — AU "Thinks War" |
| |
Post-Vietnam Era marked a turning point for AU. Lt Gen Furlong, AU commander, launched a three year campaign to overhaul the curriculum which became known as “Putting the ‘War’ back into War College.” Between 1975 and 1976 AU gained five new functions, greatly expanding its mission.
”Air University epitomizes all that we have fought for in our efforts to build a strong defense structure that will always meet the requirements of the hour.”
Honorable Lister Hill, Alabama Senator, 2 Sep 1947 — Map (db m64375) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Boeing B-52D "Stratofortress" |
| |
Remaining in operation longer than any bomber in U.S. military history, the B-52 was the Strategic Air Command's principal long-range heavy bomber from the time it became operational in 1955. Affectionately known as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow), it first flew on April 15, 1952. Nearly 750 B-52s (170 of them B-52Ds) had been built when production ended in October 1962. The B-52Ds were modified to carry the largest conventional bomb load of any in the series and due to the "Big Belly" and . . . — Map (db m64474) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — British and Commonwealth Pilots Trained in the U.S.A. |
| |
In 1941, before Pearl Harbour, President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed with Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, to provide flight training for British and Commonwealth pilots in the U.S.A. by the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Over 4,000 pilots were trained, some of them at this airfield, and many of them lost their lives in air operations against our common enemies.
This plaque is placed in remembrance by those who by the grace of God survived.
September 1996 — Map (db m64476) HM WM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Cessna T-41A "Mescalero" |
| |
The Cessna T-41 was derived from a standard Cessna Model 172 light aviation aircraft. Between 1965 and 1969 the USAF purchased 211 T-41A variants "off the shelf" for the preliminary flight screening of pilot candidates; another 52 T-41C variants were obtained in 1968-69 for use by the Air Force Academy. The T-41 also saw service in the U.S. Army, and large numbers were exported to friendly nations under the Military Assistance Program.
This T-41A aircraft (AF Ser. 67-14977) was built in . . . — Map (db m64482) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Changing Roles of AU |
| |
Charged with developing doctrines and concepts for the employment of air power, AU produced the first basic doctrine manuals for the Air Force. AU also gained notoriety with projects such as Corona Harvest, which studied and developed lessons learned during the Vietnam Conflict – the first time a study was conducted while a conflict was in progress.
”We must not only be prepared for the peace to come, we must be prepared to preserve it.”
General Hap Arnold, 1 Aug 1945 — Map (db m64374) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Chennault Circle |
| |
To accommodate expansion of programs, a five million dollar construction project began in 1954 to give AU a modern, integrated academic center with a collegiate atmosphere and facilities in keeping with its educational mission.
We’re entrusting to General Kuter the future of the Air Force for it is here at Air University that we either make or break the Air Force.”
General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, 28 Feb 1953 — Map (db m64372) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Establishment of Air University 1946 |
| |
The Army Air Forces school was assigned its first commander, Major General Muir S. Fairchild, in February 1946, and renamed Air University in March. The dedication ceremony occurred 3 Sep 1946. The first classes at the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff School began 4 Sep 1946.
”We conceive it to be the high and noble goal of Air University to educate and to aid in producing the planners and future leaders of that Air Force.”
General Muir S. Fairchild, 3 Sep 1946 — Map (db m64370) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Expansion of Air University |
| |
During the early 1950’s, Air Force leaders decided to consolidate and relocate professional military and continuing education activities, as well as commissioning and specialized schools to Maxwell and Gunter Air Force Bases.
”(Air University’s) anticipated influence is measured only by the reach of Air Power. Its horizon is unlimited.”
General Carl Spaatz, 3 Sep 1946 — Map (db m64371) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — General Larry D. Welch — 12th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force — Served 1951 - 1990, Aviation Cadet 1953 |
| |
General (ret) Welch was born in 1934 in Guymon, Okla., and graduated from Liberal (Kan.) High School in 1952. He enlisted in the Kansas National Guard in October 1951, serving with the 161st Armored Field Artillery until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. In November 1953, he entered the aviation cadet program and subsequently received his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant. He served initially as a flight instructor until his assignment in July 1958 to Headquarters, Air . . . — Map (db m64500) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Joint Programs |
| |
Air University began new Air War College and Air Command and Staff College programs in 1987 which met newly mandated “Joint” education requirements. These programs emphasized joint war fighting.
”The basic reason for the essentiality of Air University lies in the fact that it trains, prepares, and inspires the future leaders of all our commands.”
Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker, 17 Mar 1961 — Map (db m64378) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Lt. William C. Maxwell / Air Force ROTC |
| |
Lt. William C. Maxwell (Side A)
William Calvin Maxwell was born Nov. 9, 1892 in Natchez, Ala. An Army ROTC student at the University of Alabama, he left in 1917 to enlist in the Army. He received his commission in April 1918, after completing flight training at Kelly Field, Texas. In 1919, he was assigned to 3rd Aero Squadron, Philippines. On August 12, 1920, engine trouble forced Lt. Maxwell to attempt to land his DH-4 in a sugarcane field. Maneuvering to avoid a group of children . . . — Map (db m64367) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — McDonnell Douglas F-4D "Phantom II" |
| |
First flown in May 1958, the Phantom II originally was developed for U.S. Navy fleet defense and entered service in 1961. The USAF evaluated it for close air support, interdiction, and counter-air operations and, in 1962, approved a USAF version. The USAF's Phantom II, designated F-4C, made its first flight in November 1963. The F-4D was an improved F-4C and made its first flight on December 9, 1965. The F-4D offered an improved bombing and air-to-air capability. The USAF credited F-4D . . . — Map (db m64504) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — McDonnell RF-101C "Voodoo" |
| |
Ordered in 1951 by the Strategic Air command as a long-range escort fighter, the F-101 lineage included several versions: Low-altitude fighter-bomber; photo-reconnaissance; two-seat interceptor; and transition trainer. To accelerate production, no prototypes were built and the first Voodoo, an F-101A, made its initial flight on September 29, 1954. When production ended in March 1961, nearly 800 Voodoos had been built. Development of the unarmed RF-101, the world's first supersonic . . . — Map (db m64503) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Monument to Powered Flight |
| |
In tribute to the perseverance and achievements of the Wright Brothers and the leadership and foresight of the Citizens of Montgomery, Alabama. Together they established the nation's first school of civil aviation in March, 1910, launching America on her journey to the stars.
18 September 1985 — Map (db m64567) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — North American B-25 Mitchell |
| |
The North American B-25 Mitchell, named after America's greatest military martyr (Gen Billy Mitchell), made its maiden flight on 19 August 1940 and was ordered in large numbers straight off the drawing board by the Army Air Corps. Internal improvements, armament innovations, and engine changes resulted in several variants, including the B-25G which was armed with a 75mm cannon in the nose - the largest gun ever carried in an aircraft up to that time. The most lethal of all versions was the . . . — Map (db m64449) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — North American F-100D "Super Sabre" |
| |
Developed as a follow-on to the F-86 Sabrejet used in the Korean Conflict, the F-100 was the world's first production airplane capable of flying faster than the speed of sound in level flight (760 mph). The prototype, the YF-100A, made its first flight on May 25, 1953, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Of the 2,294 F-100s built before production ended in 1959, 1,274 were F-100Ds, more than all other series combined. The F-100D, which made its first flight on January 24, 1956, was the . . . — Map (db m64553) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — North American F-86A "Sabre" |
| |
The F-86, the USAF's first swept-wing jet fighter, made its initial flight on October 1, 1947. The first production mode flew on May 20, 1948, and on September 15, 1948, an F-86A set a new world speed record of 670.9 mph. Originally designed as a high-altitude day fighter, it was subsequently redesigned into an all-weather interceptor (F-86D) and a fighter-bomber (F-86H).
As a day fighter, the airplane saw service in Korea in three successive series (F-86A, E, and F), where it engaged . . . — Map (db m64586) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Northrop T-38A "Talon" |
| |
In the mid-1950s, the USAF required a trainer with higher performance than the T-33 to better prepare student pilots for the latest tactical aircraft that were then coming into service. The aircraft chosen was the T-38A which offered high performance with low maintenance and operating costs. Destined to become the USAF's first supersonic trainer, the T-38A prototype first flew on April 10, 1959, and production continued until 1972. A total of 1,189 T-38As were built. Some were later . . . — Map (db m64433) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Reorganization |
| |
During the late 1950’s three courses at Air Command and Staff College: the Weapons course, the Squadron Officer course, and the Academic Instructor course, became separate schools under the AU umbrella.
”…It is regrettable that what is being done at the Air University is not known by the millions of our citizens; they would worry less and sleep better.”
Lieutenant General Harold L. George, 5 Feb 1954 — Map (db m64373) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Reorganization |
| |
HQ USAF realigned AU under Air Training Command (ATC) in 1978. For five years AU remained a part of ATC. On 1 July 1983, AU regained its major command status. ROTC was reassigned to ATC. The College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education, was born to research and analyze current and future issues of concern to the USAF.
”Air University turns out tomorrow’s leaders.”
Army Times Headlines, 1 Mar 1947 — Map (db m64376) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Republic F-105D "Thunderchief" |
| |
In 1951, Republic Aviation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The result was the F-105 "Thunderchief," later affectionately nicknamed the "Thud." The prototype YF-105A first flew on October 22, 1955, but the first F-105D did not fly until June 9, 1959. F-105s were produced in the single-seat F-105B and F-105D series, and in the two-seat F-105F model. Later, some F-105Fs were modified to become F-105Gs. A total of 833 Thunderchiefs of all . . . — Map (db m64505) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Sikorsky MH-53M 'Pave Low IV' Helicopter |
| |
The Sikorsky MH-53 is a variant of the USAF's HH-53 'Super Jolly Green Giant' air rescue helicopter, which was developed in turn from the US Navy's CH-53 'Sea Stallion' heavy lift helicopter. The MH-53 has been optimized for long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in darkness or marginal weather flying conditions. The USAF began using early models of this helicopter for special operations missions in the late 1960s, and later versions continued to . . . — Map (db m64451) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — The Air Power Legacy |
| |
In 1931 Maxwell Field began its mission to educate Army Air Corps officers in strategy, tactics, and techniques of air power. Many early Air Force leaders attended Air Corps Tactical School here including Generals Vandenberg, Twining, White, and LeMay.
”If we should have to fight, we should be prepared to do so from the neck up instead of the neck down.”
General Jimmy Doolittle — Map (db m64369) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — The Next Fifty Years |
| |
The tradition of excellence established by Air University pioneers will continue throughout the next fifty years… AU’s ability to educate people and develop critical thinkers is a mission that continues today. Now, more than ever, the United States needs dedicated leaders and visionaries to guide us successfully through an uncertain future. Air University has always produced such men and women and will continue to do so well into the twenty-first century.
The founding of Air . . . — Map (db m64427) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — The Thunderbirds — The Epitome of Teamwork |
| |
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful, yet, for those who are trained by it, afterwards, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Hebrews 4:11
Maj. Norman L. Lowry III
Capt. Willie T. Mays
Capt. Joseph "Pete" Peterson
Capt. Mark E. Melancon
We salute your commitment to duty, honor, and country. — Map (db m64484) WM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — William R. Lawley, Jr. — Colonel USAF (Ret) — 1920 - 1999 |
| |
Recipient of the
Medal of Honor
for
Conspicuous Gallantry
and
Intrepidity in Action
20 February 1944
Mission on 20 February 1944
Target: Leipzig, Germany
1st. Lt. William R. Lawley, Jr. & Crew
305th Bomb Group 8th Air Force
United States Army Air Corps
European Theater of Operations
[Dedicated 3 November 2000] — Map (db m64450) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Maxwell Air Force Base — Year of Training |
| |
Deva vu, once again, 1993, AU was aligned with ATC but this time to form Air Education and Training Command. Enlisted professional military education was consolidated, Officers Training School moved to Maxwell, and ROTC and CCAF were again part of AU. Warfighting courses for flag officers and staff officers increased and mandatory commanders courses began.
”Smart systems, smaller forces, and an uncertain future require Brilliant Warriors.”
Lieutenant General Jay Kelley, 16 Aug 96 — Map (db m64425) HM |
| Alabama (Montgomery County), Montgomery — Thunderbird Park |
| |
Dedicated by the people of Montgomery to the skilled pilots -- past, present and Future -- who risk and give their lives to demonstrate the capabilities of air power to the American people. The Thunderbirds: the Air Force's Ambassadors in Blue
February 1, 1982
Emory Folmar, Mayor — Map (db m64429) HM |
| Alabama (Tuscaloosa County), Tuscaloosa — Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) |
| | Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft
Engine: Lycoming T-53-L13 single turbine
Type: Utility
Length: 41’ - 10.5’
Gross weight: 9,500 lbs
Cruise speed: 127 mph
Range: 318 miles
Crew: 3
Armament: two M-60D 7.62 mm door mounted machine guns
The UH-1, or Huey, is one of the most recognized aircraft of the Vietnam era. This chopper had a wide variety of uses ranging from medical evacuation to troop transport to gunship. The UH-1H which is displayed went into service in September 1967. . . . — Map (db m35480) HM |
| Alabama (Tuscaloosa County), Tuscaloosa — Vought A-7E Corsair II |
| | Manufactured by LTV Corporation
Type: Carrier-based attack-bomber
Crew: Pilot only
Maximum Speed: 693 mph
Power Plant: One 14,250 lb S.T. Allison TF41-A-2 turbofan
Weight: 21 tons
Tactical Range: 490 miles
Armament: One 20mm M61-A1 multi-barrel gun, two mounts for sidewinder AAM’s, 6 wing stations for 10,000 lbs of bombs or AGM’s
LTV corporation was contracted in March 1964 to manufacture the Corsair II, and the first A-7A flew on September 27, 1965, VA-147 was . . . — Map (db m35514) HM |
| Arizona (Cochise County), Douglas — Douglas International Airport |
| | At this location on June 5, 1933, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, dedicated Douglas International Airport as the first international airport in the United States.
Designed by J. P. Sexton as the first and only truly international airport in the America's, Douglas International Airport began operations in 1929. The Douglas airfield was connected with the Auga Prieta, Mexico, airport by a common north-south runway.
Early air travel between the . . . — Map (db m28357) HM |
| Arizona (Cochise County), Sierra Vista — RC – 12G Crazyhorse |
| | The Crazyhorse system was fielded in 1985 to meet the need for a capability to locate unique electronic emissions in Central America. It consisted of three RC – 12G airframes converted from C – 12D aircraft by Sanders Associates, Inc. It was deployed to Honduras in 1986 to support U. S. Southern Command and Task Force BRAVO in counterinsurgency and counterdrug operations for the next nine years. The system was retired from service in 1998. — Map (db m29587) HM |
| Arizona (Cochise County), Sierra Vista — U. S. Army Mohawk (OV -1D) |
| | The Mohawk is a high-performance, two-seat, observation aircraft made by the Grumman Corporation. The first model flew in 1959 and the last came off the production line in 1970. First deployed in 1968, it became the mainstay of Army aerial surveillance during the Vietnam War. Since then, it has always been at the forward borders with East Germany, Czechoslovakia, North Korea, and other danger spots in the world. During the 1991 Gulf War, Mohawks were credited with location and maintaining watch over Iraq's elite forces. — Map (db m29588) HM |
| Arizona (Cochise County), Willcox — In Memory of Lt. Robert G. Westlund — United States Air Force |
| | On 30 December, 1951, during a routine training flight from Merced, California, to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Lt. Robert G. Westlund lost his life when his F-51 "Mustang" fighter plane crashed near Sunset Peak in the Galiuro Mountains northwest of Wilcox.
A combat veteran of the European theatre of Would War II, Lt. Westlund was dedicated officer and a decorated fighter pilot. The wreckage was removed from the mountainside in 1991, one day another "Mustang" will take to the skies. . . . — Map (db m28414) HM |
| Arizona (Maricopa County), Mesa — A Tribute to the B-29 Super Fortress "FIFI" |
| | This propeller, one of four, was installed on a B-29 Super Fortress. The B-29 was the largest and deadliest American heavy bomber of WWII. It is the aircraft that effectively ended WWII by delivering atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Interestingly, two of the four blades of this particular propeller were installed on "FIFI", the commemorative Air Force's air worthy B-29. The only super fortress in the world still flying. — Map (db m49868) HM |
| Arizona (Maricopa County), Mesa — Per Ardua Ad Astra — No. 4 British Flying Training School |
| | On June 12th, 1982, this plaque was unveiled to commemorate the years 1941 to 1945 when Falcon Field was established as No. 4 British Flying Training School.
To this airfield came many air cadets of the British Royal Air Force, British Commonwealth Air Forces, and the United States Army Air Forces of whom 1380 British and 116 American pilots gained their wings before proceeding to flying duties in the Armed Services of their countries.
On behalf of all those who trained at Falcon . . . — Map (db m49869) HM |
| Arizona (Pima County), Green Valley — Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Museum |
| |
Tucson Air Museum Foundation
of Pima County
Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Museum
Established May 8, 1986
571st SMS, 390th SMW
Davis-Monthan AFB
Strategic Alert July 1963 – November 1982
National Historic Landmark
April 6, 1994
Dedicated
October 14, 1994 — Map (db m26926) HM |
| Arizona (Pima County), Tucson — Bicentennial Moon Tree |
| | This seeding was grown from the very seeds that journeyed to the moon and back on board Apollo 14. It symbolizes the major role forests played in developing our American Heritage and the vital role forests have in our future.
This planting made possible by:
State Forester of Arizona,
U.S. forest Service and NASA — Map (db m43302) HM |
| Arizona (Pima County), Tucson — First Municipal Airport in the United States — Arizona Historic Site |
| |
[Marker Front:]
This ground was the location
of the
First Municipal Airport
in the
United States
The Tucson City Council approved the
financing for the airport, July 21, 1919
and
the City of Tucson in cooperation
with the Tucson Chamber of Commerce
established and constructed
the airport.
The first plane landed Nov. 20, 1919
Swede Myerhofer, Pilot
[Marker Rear:]
Upon receipt of an official letter from Brig. Gen. “Billy” . . . — Map (db m8432) HM |
| Arizona (Yuma County), Yuma — Robert G. Fowler — 1883 – 1966 |
| | On October 25, 1911, pioneer aviator Robert Grant Fowler touched down on this site, becoming the first person to land an airplane in Arizona under its own power. A native Californian, he had departed Los Angles October 19, and completed aviation history's first west to east transcontinental flight when he reached San Pable Beach, Florida, February 17, 1912. He flew a Wright Model B, purchased from Orville and Wilbur Wright who taught him to fly. Fowler had given up driving race cars to pursue a . . . — Map (db m29018) HM |
| Arizona (Yuma County), Yuma — Robert G. Fowler |
| |
Robert G. Fowler Alighted on this spot
October 25,1911
Marking first airplane flight
over Arizona soil
en route on first flight
Pacific to Atlantic Ocean.
Dedicated by Rotary Club Yuma Arizona. October 29, 1938. — Map (db m29046) HM |
| Arkansas (Benton County), Rogers — All Vietnam Veterans Memorial — In Memory Of |
| | This memorial was erected in memory of the young individuals who went to war as kids and lost their youthful dreams, and some their lives, for a cause - freedom and honor - and came back as men with the horrors of war instilled in every fiber of their being and were never given the respect and honor they so dearly deserved from the public or United States government.
God will one day judge our actions. Until then, He will shine on the lives of each veteran now and forever more because He . . . — Map (db m62588) HM |
| Arkansas (Benton County), Rogers — F-101B Voodoo |
| |
USAF Century Series aircraft flown by active interceptor squadrons, the Air Defense Command, and the Air National Guard from 1959 - 1983.
The Voodoo is well known for its NATO role as a nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
The RF-101 variant is famous for performing reconnaissance missions in Cuba during the 1962 Missile Crisis and in Southeast Asia.
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
Designer and builder of over 800 F-101s
12 July 1991 — Map (db m62520) HM |
| California (Alameda County), Alameda — 968 — Pan Am China Clipper |
| | Pan American World Airways fabled China Clipper (Martin M/130 Flying Boat) left Alameda Marina on November 22, 1935 under the command of Captain Edwin G. Musick. The flight would reach Manila via Honolulu, Midway, Wake, and Guam. The inauguration of ocean airmail service and commercial airflight across the Pacific was a significant event for both California and the world.
California Registered Historical
Landmark No. 968 — Map (db m31409) HM |
| California (Alameda County), Livermore — Tolliver Airship |
| | Eight miles southwest of this location, in the Spring of 1904, Charles Tolliver built an airship.
With an aluminum superstructure covered with 6,000 yards of rongee silk, the craft was to be 250 feet long, 40 feet wide and 44 feet high. Four gasoline powered engines and six propellers - two on each side, one in the front, one rear. There was no need for rudders with this type of construction.
Mrs. Phoebe Hearst was the main financial backer, contributing 72,000 dollars to the project. . . . — Map (db m19968) HM |
| California (Butte County), Oroville — Oroville Municipal Airport |
| | The City of Oroville
built the
Oroville Municipal Airport
in 1933 and it
proudly served as a
WW II Training Base
Mural circa 1942
Dedicated 1996 — Map (db m61601) HM |
| California (Kern County), Arvin — Arvin-Sierra Glider Port — 1937-1941 |
| | Located on the hills in front of you, on the historic Tejon Ranch, the Arvin-Sierra Glider Port was the site for the West Coast Soaring Championships. Many of America’s famous glider pilots made record flights from here, soaring over the mountains and into the desert. The contests were popular events to pilots and public alike and the site became the most important glider port in California. When World War II shut down activity here, those star pilots became key to the war effort — as . . . — Map (db m51677) HM |
| California (Kern County), Cantil — Florence "Pancho" Barnes |
| | Florence Leontine Lowe was born July 29, 1901 in Pasadena. Through an arranged marriage in 1921, she became the wife of a minister, Rankin Barnes. She ended her relationship with him a few years after bearing a son, Billy.
Florence acquired the nickname "Pancho" on a trip to Mexico in 1927 and returned to purchase her first airplane after her solo flight in 1928. She began performing stunts in airshows and movies. Soon she was winning races and toppling speed records. Pancho formed the . . . — Map (db m51666) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards — Bell XP-59A Jet Aircraft |
| | On Oct. 2, 1942, a Bell XP-59A Aircraft powered by Twin General Electric Type 1-A Engines introduced Jet Flight to America. This new age began here at Edwards Air Force Base as the XP-59A lifted from Rogers Dry Lake with Bell Test Pilot Robert M. Stanley at the controls. Later the same day, Col.L.C. Craigie became the first American military pilot to the fly the aircraft.
This Memorial is Dedicated
To all those who contributed to these first flights and is presented in conjunction . . . — Map (db m53125) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards — First Flight to Break the Sound Barrier — X-1 Loading Pit |
| | The Bell X-1 was loaded into its B-29 Launch Aircraft from this Pit on
October 14, 1947
Captain Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager
Piloted the Airplane to Mach 1.06 (700 mph) — Map (db m52545) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards — Sound Barrier Cracked |
| | On October 14, 1947 42,000 feet above this
monument, Captain Chuck Yeager, USAF, piloting a Bell X-1 rocket airplane named Glamour Glennis, became the first person to exceed Mach 1. With this flight, the era of supersonic aviation was born.
This monument honors that flight, the aircraft, a loyal ground crew, and its valiant pilot. — Map (db m52625) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — Boeing B-52D - “Stratofortress” |
| | The first prototye B-52 took to the air on 15 April 1952. Nearly 750 B-52’s were eventually built, of which 170 were –Ds. Records set by B-52s included the world’s first non-stop round-the-world flight by a jet aircraft and the first hydrogen bomb drop. B-52s began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia (SEA) in June 1965. By August 1973, they had flown 126,615 combat sorties with 17 B-52s lost to enemy action.
The aircraft on display flew combat missions in SEA while assigned to . . . — Map (db m64590) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — CT-39A - "Sabreliner" — North American |
| | Originally developed as a private venture to meet a USAF requirement for a twin jet utility trainer, the prototype T-39 made its first flight on 16 September 1958. In all, 143 T-39A’s and six T-39B’s were built for the USAF. Another 62 T-39’s were produced for the Navy. Sabreliners began flight testing at Edwards in 1959 and, as of 2020, still operate here fulfilling a variety of test support roles. A commercial Sabreliner Model 40 version of the aircraft has been very successful.
The . . . — Map (db m64619) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-101B • “Voodoo” — McDonnell |
| | Originally developed from the McDonnell XF-88 penetration fighter, the F-101 was designed as a long-range bomber escort for the Strategic Air Command. The prototype made its first flight at Edwards AFB in September 1954. When high-speed, high-altitude jet bombers such as the B-52 entered active service, escort fighters were not needed. Therefore, before production began, the F-101’s design was changed to fill both tactical and air defense roles. First flown on 27 Mar 57, 480 of the two-seat, . . . — Map (db m62135) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-104A • “Starfighter” — Lockheed |
| | The first XF-104 made its initial flight here at Edwards AFB in February 1954. In May 1958, a YF-104A set a world speed record of 1,404.19 mph over Edwards, and in December 1959, an F-104C set a world altitude record of 103, 395 feet here. The Starfighter was the first aircraft to hold simultaneous official world records for speed, altitude and time-to-climb, most of which were established at Edwards AFB. The USAF procured about 300 Starfighters in one-and two-seat versions and another 1700 . . . — Map (db m62133) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-105D • “Thunderchief” — Republic |
| | The YF-105 completed its maiden flight at Edwards AFB in October 1955, easily exceeding Mach One, even though it was powered by a J57 engine - much less powerful than its projected power plant, the J75. The D-model “Thud” added water injection to the J75 engine, along with updated avionics, attack equipment, and improved refueling features. It first flew in June 1959. A total of 833 Thunderchiefs of all types were built, including 610 F-105Ds. All models of the F-105 were flight . . . — Map (db m62132) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-106B • “Delta Dart” — Convair |
| | The F-106 Delta Dart had a long and illustrious career at Edwards AFB. The prototype A-model made its first flight here on 26 Dec 56. On 15 Dec 59, Col Joe Rogers piloted as F-106 A to a world speed record of 1,525.695 mph (Mach 2.41) here. In Apr 58, the first two-seat F-106B completed its maiden flight here and later served as an ejection seat test vehicle at the AFFTC’s 6511th Test Group at El Centro NAS, Ca. During the 1960s, F-106s were stationed at Edwards as a detachment of the 329th . . . — Map (db m62130) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-111A - "Aardvark" — General Dynamics |
| | The F-111A was the world’s first production variable-sweep wing fighter. It completed its maiden flight on 21 December 1964, at Carswell AFB, Texas. The aircraft could exceed twice the speed of sound (Mach 2) by sweeping its wings rearward while in flight. The wings were swept forward for takeoffs, landing, or slow speed flight. Flight test programs were carried out at Edwards AFB on nearly every model of the F-111 series almost continuously from 1965 to 1990.
The aircraft on display was . . . — Map (db m64615) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-16B — "Fighting Falcon" |
| | When first flown at Edwards AFB on January 20, 1974, the YF-16 was the most advance fighter in the world. The F-16B is a combat-capable two-seat version of the production F-16A. To date, over 4,000 F-16s have been manufactured worldwide and 122 B models were delivered to the USAF. Just under 200 F-16Bs are in service with foreign countries, many of them build on foreign assembly lines.
This particular airplane was flown extensively in the test support role while assigned to the Test Wing. . . . — Map (db m63609) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-84F - "Thunderstreak" — Republic |
| | The Republic YF-84F prototype (a modified F-84E straight-wing officially designated YF-96A) completed its hour-long first flight at Edwards in June 1950. The first flight of the revised F-model prototype, with its distinctly deeper fuselage profile, took place at Edwards in February 1951. More than 2700 Thunderstreaks were produced, 237 of them under license by General Motors (including this aircraft) at their St. Louis Buick factory. This F-84 was rescued from a back yard in the Midwest-after . . . — Map (db m64620) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — F-86F — "Sabre" |
| | The F-86, the Nation’s first swept-wing jet fighter, made its initial flight at what is now Edwards AFB on October 1, 1947. The first production model flew on May 20, 1948 and on September 15, 1948 an F-86A streaked to a world-record 670.9 mph.
The Sabre saw combat in Korea in three successive series (F-86A, E, and F) to counter the Russian-built MiG-15. By the end of hostilites, Air Force fighter pilots flying their Sabres into “MiG Alley” had shot down 792 MiGs at a loss of . . . — Map (db m63607) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — HL-10 — Lifting Body |
| | Flown 37 times by Nasa's Flight Research Center,
Edwards Air Force Base, California
First Flight December 22, 1966
Final Flight July 17,1970
Maxium Speed and Altitude Records for
Lifting Bodies Held By The HL-10:
Mach 1.86 (1228 M.P.H.) and 90,300 Feet
Pilots
Bruce A. Peterson • John A. Manke • Peter C. Hoag
• Jerauld R. Gentry • William H. Dana
The HL-10 was part of a program that investigated blunt-shaped vehicles, called lifting bodies, which led to the selection . . . — Map (db m64025) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — Leaps in Technology |
| | The United States Air Force has always relied upon the application of leading-edge technologies to fulfill its mission of airpower projection. From the XP-59 of 1942 to the B-2, C-17, and F-22 of today, the Flight Test Center has been essential to the USAF strategy of developing and deploying the worlds’ most advanced and effective military aircraft. The F-86 and F-16 (displayed here) represent stellar milestones in this technological continuum and share many similarities. Both were . . . — Map (db m63608) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — N.F.-11 (T.T.-20) - “Meteor” — Gloster Aircraft |
| | The Meteor was Britain’s first operational jet aircraft and the only operational Allied jet to see service in World War II. The prototype, designated G.41, completed its first flight in March 1943 under the power of two de Havilland H-1 turbojets. The United States evaluated the Meteor at Edwards AFB (then Muroc AAFB) after WWII. The N.F.11 was a two-seat night-fighter version of the Meteor with upgraded Rolls-Royce Derwent engines and a lengthened nose to house a larger radar. Developed under . . . — Map (db m64595) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — NF-4C - "Phantom II" — McDonnell |
| | The Phantom II, first flown in May 1958, was developed as a fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy. After entering Navy service in 1961, the USAF evaluated it at Edwards AFB to fill a fighter-bomber requirement. In 1963 production F-4Cs began operational service. It could carry twice the normal bomb load of a B-17 from World War II.
Phantoms have also served with the U.S. Marine Corps and many foreign nations such as Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and Israel. Over 5,000 had been built . . . — Map (db m64623) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — PGM-17A • "Thor" — Douglas Aircraft |
| | Thor was the free world’s first operational intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). It was 65 feet long, 8 feet in diameter and weighed 105,000 pounds. Douglas Aircraft was the prime contractor. The missile utilized a single stage North American Rocketdyne LR-79 liquid oxygen rocket motor, which provided 150,000 lbs of static thrust. This gave the Thor of range of 2,000 miles. Development of the system was rapid. Thor’s first successful launch was made on 20 Sep 57 and it entered active . . . — Map (db m64589) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — T-28B - "Trojan" — North American |
| | The T-28B was originally developed as a U.S. Navy basic trainer and completed its maiden flight on 6 April 1953. Nearly 500 were built. Early models of the Trojan were tested at Edwards beginning shortly after the plane’s first flight in 1949. A later version – the YAT-28-powered by a turbo-prop engine, was tested at Edwards in the early 1960s. In 1966, the U.S. Army brought four T-28B’s to Edwards AFB to serve as chase planes for the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne helicopter test program. . . . — Map (db m64596) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — T-33A “Shooting Star” — Lockheed |
| | The two-seat T-33 was developed from the single-seat F-80 fighter by lengthening the fuselage slightly more than three feet to accommodate a second cockpit. It was originally designated TF-80C and made its first flight in March 1948. It quickly became the centerpiece of USAF flight training. Over 5000 “T-Birds” were manufactured by Lockheed with more than 1000 eventually transferred to foreign countries. It was also built under license in Canada and Japan. T-33s were flight tested . . . — Map (db m64593) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — TF-102A • “Delta Dagger” — Convair |
| | The F-102 was developed from the Convair XF-92 delta wing research aircraft of the late 1940s and the prototype made its initial flight in October 1953 at Edwards AFB. It became operational with the Air Defense Command in 1956. At the peak of deployment in the late 1950s, F-102s equipped more than 25 ADC squadrons. Convair built 1,000 F-102s, 889 of which were F-102As. The USAF also bought 111 TF-102As as combat trainers with side-by-side seating. The TF-102A completed its maiden flight at . . . — Map (db m62134) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — UC-45J - "Expeditor" — Beech |
| | The Beech C-45 was the Army Air Force version of the Beech Aircraft Corporation’s Model B-18S commercial transport. The popular “Beech 18” also appeared as the AT-7 and AT-11 bombing and navigation trainers (Navy designation SNB-1/SNB-2), and the F-2 photo-reconnaissance type. More than 4,000 variants were built during World War II. In the early 1950’s, surviving C-45s were rebuilt by Beech and designated C-45G or C-45H.
The aircraft began life as a Navy SNB-2, was rebuilt as an . . . — Map (db m64592) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — YA-10B Prototype number 73-1664 — Fairchild Republic |
| | Only two-seat A-10 made
Fairchild Republic Company’s two-place night/adverse weather A-10 began flight tests at Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB in May 1979. It was converted by Fairchild from one of six pre-production single place A-10s built in 1975. It was a two seat adverse-weather configuration. The pilot was assisted by a weapons officer in the back seat.
Key features
• Low Altitude navigation
• Accurate visual weapons delivery at night and in adverse weather
• . . . — Map (db m64624) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — YA-7D - "Corsair II" — Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) |
| | The Corsair II was designed to meet a 1963 Navy requirement for a light attack plane to replace the A-4. The Navy’s A-7A made its first flight in September 1965. Two months later, the Air Force settled on the A-7 as a low-cost way to provide specialized, close–air support to the Army. Over 450 A-7Ds were eventually delivered to the USAF. A-7Ds flew 12,928 sorties during the Vietnam War, including the last air strike into Cambodia. The last A-7Ds in combat were flown by Air National Guard . . . — Map (db m64614) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — YC-15 — McDonnell Douglas |
| | Two built by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) as Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) with Short Take Off and Landing ability.
First flight 26 Aug 1975, landing at Edwards AFB. Pioneered supercritical wing on large aircraft; advanced airlift state of the art; could carry outsized vehicles; lift 27,000-lb. payload from 2,000-ft. runway. Prototype adapted DC-10 cockpit, DC-8 nosewheel, C-141 main landing gear. Display is first aircraft, number 70-1875, later fitted with larger wing. Though not . . . — Map (db m62137) HM |
| California (Kern County), Edwards AFB — YF-100A “Super Sabre” — North American |
| | The F-100 was the USAF’s first operational aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound (760 mph) in level flight. The prototype YF-100A made its initial flight on 25 May 1953 and the first production aircraft was completed on October 1953. Several world records for speed were set by F-100s flying from Edwards AFB. In October 1953, the prototype set a world speed record of 755 mph at low altitude and in 1955 an F-100C set a high altitude world speed record of 822.135 mph. Designed . . . — Map (db m62136) HM |
| California (Kern County), Johannesburg — Major Michael Adams, USAF — The First In-Flight Fatality of the American Space Program |
| | In memory of
his contribution:
Major Michael Adams, USAF,
The First In-Flight Fatality
of the American Space Program
On November 15, 1967 Adams conducted a sub-orbital space flight with the mission of performing six scientific experiments. This was the 191st overall flight, and the 9th space flight of the X-15 program. During ascent, Major Adams encountered problems that resulted in a loss of control during reentry. Major Adams and his X-15 crashed here in the Mojave Desert. . . . — Map (db m51664) HM |
| California (Kern County), Mojave — Mojave Air & Spaceport |
| | The Mojave Airport was created in 1935 as part of the Kern County Airport System. The fledgling airport was built to serve gold mines near Mojave. At the outset of World War Two, the airport became a Marine Corps Air Station that trained Marine Aviators in gunnery, producing the most productive aerial gunners in the Pacific War.
Following the war the airport was designed as a Naval Air Station that supported some of the first flight tests of what are now known as unmanned aerial vehicles. . . . — Map (db m53126) HM |
| California (Kern County), Mojave — Rotary Rocket Roton ATV — First Rocket Powered Vehicle to Fly At Mojave Spaceport — 1999 A.D. |
| | Far better it is to dare mighty thinkigs...even through checkered by failure, than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Chief Designer: Bevin McKinney
ATV Chief Engineer & Test Pilot: Marti Sarigul-Klijn
Director of Flight Test & Co-Pilot: Brian Binnie — Map (db m53128) HM |
| California (Kern County), Mojave — Voyager Aircraft / SpaceShipOne Replica |
| | Left Plaque:
The 1/5 scale flying model of Voyager was built by Glenn Dunlap of Cincinnati, Ohio, and donated to the Mojave Transportation Museum Foundation in 2009.
The original Voyager, designed by Burt Rutan and built at Mojave Airport, hangs in the National Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C.
Voyager and its crew of Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, took-off from Edwards Air Force Base at 8:01 a.m. December 14, 1986, and flew west 26,366 statue miles.
On December 23, . . . — Map (db m53127) HM |
| California (Kern County), Shafter — 923 — Site Of The Flight Of The Gossamer Condor |
| | This plaque at Shafter Airport commemorates the world's first man-powered flight to complete the Kremer Circuit, August 23, 1977. The circuit, a figure eight around two pylons one-half mile apart, was completed in six minutes, twenty-two seconds. The plane was designed by Dr. Paul MacCready, Jr. and flown by Bryan Allen. A cash prize of 50,000 pounds was awarded by the Royal Aeronautical Society, London, England. — Map (db m52057) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Compton — 718 — First United States Air Meet |
| | About one half mile southeast of this spot, on Dominguez Hill in historic Rancho San Pedro, the first Air Meet in the United States was held during January 10-20, 1910. Subsequently, this area has evolved into one of the world's leading aviation-industrial centers. — Map (db m50979) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Lancaster — F/A, NASA Tail Number 842 |
| | This F/A-18 Hornet (bureau Number 161214) is a pre-production A-Model airplane whose first prototype rolled out of the McDonnell Douglas Plant on September 13, 1978. The Carrier-based Navel strike fighter did not become operational for several years after that. Derived from the Northrop YF-17, the Hornet was developed and produced jointly by Northrop and McDonnell Douglas. The particular F-18 served initially as a test aircraft for the U.S. Navy at Patuxent River, Maryland, before coming to the . . . — Map (db m52887) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Lancaster — F-4 Phantom II — Boeing Plaza - Aerospace Walk of Honor |
| | Panel 1: On loan from the United States Air Force, this F-4 Phantom II was acquired on November 7, 2001 from Edwards Air Force Base and transported to the Boeing Company facility at USAF Plant 42. Boeing volunteers worked many hours to restore the fighter to its original condition. In the early morning hours of September 21, 2002, the F-4 was transported here to Boeing plaza, where it proudly flies today.
Built by McDonnell Douglas [formerly McDonnell] in St. Louis, Missouri, the . . . — Map (db m51280) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Lancaster — Tuskegee Airmen |
| | "....the privileges of being an American" belong to those brave enough to fight for them."
Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
In our tradition of honoring American aviators who have flown into the pages of history, the City of Lancaster dedicates this monument to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, America's first black fighter pilots. The sacrifices and triumphs of the "Red Tailed Angels" proved not only that they were worthy of their wings, but that the human spirit cannot be bound by . . . — Map (db m53030) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), North Hollywood — 980000246 — Portal of the Folded Wing — Shrine to Aviation |
| |
Dedicated To The Honored Dead Of American Aviation On
The 50th Anniversary Of Powered Flight, Dec. 17, 1953,
By Lt. Gen. Ira C. Eaker USAF (Ret.)
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Beneath The Memorial tablets in this sacred portal
rest the cremated remains of famous flyers who
contributed so much to the history and development
of aviation. The bronze plaques upon the marble walls
memorialize beloved Americans who devoted their lives
to the advancement of the air age. Administered . . . — Map (db m29365) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — A.W. "Tony" LeVier 1913-1998 |
| | Born in Duluth, Minnesota, on February 14th, 1913. In the 1930s he won the junior pilot aerobatic meet, barnstormed the country, operated two flying schools and competed in air races. In 1941 he joined the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation and tested the P-38 Lighting, XP-80A jet fighter and the XP-80 Shooting Star. Authored "Pilots Report on Supersonic Flight."
Flight tested the XF-104 Starfighter, the T-33 trainer, and the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and made several safety improvements to . . . — Map (db m64621) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — B-2 Spirit — Nicknamed "Stealth Bomber" — General Information |
| | Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Production Period: 1993 to 1997
Number Produced: 21
Production Series: Production Blocks 10, 20, and 30
Roles: Originally designed as a land-based all-weather intercontinental heavy-bomber for the US Air Force for nuclear weapons delivery, able to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses with its low-observable (stealth) characteristics for the Cold War; later modified to also deliver conventional and guided weapons. . . . — Map (db m47722) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — Blackbird Air Park — Air Force Plant 42 |
| | [Panel #1]
Blackbird Wind Tunnel Model
(One-Twelfth Scale)
Aircraft models such as this are used in high-speed wind tunnels to test aerodynamic shapes, stresses, and temperatures. This particular model was used for testing all three versions of the Blackbird--the A-12, YF-12, and SR-71--through the use of different nose sections. It is displayed with an SR-71 nose section installed. The nose section on the left is a YF-12 and the one on the right is an A-12.
[Panel . . . — Map (db m51182) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — F-86F-30 |
| | [Right Panel:]
F-86F-30
A/C SN: 23231
Construction #1021
FAA Registration N91FS
Date Acquired: August, 1998
From: Own, donated by Tractor Corp
Displayed: October, 1998
23 April 54 - First Flight
11 May 54 - Assigned to the RCAF and assigned to 421 Sq, RCAF at Grostenquin, France
1960 - Assigned to Maritime Aircraft Repair and Overhaul, Moncton, Canada
1972 - Sold to Bankers Leasing Inc, Washington DC and registered as N231X
1978 - Sold to Ronald . . . — Map (db m47721) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — James J. Stegman 1920 - 2009 / A-4C Skyhawk |
| | James J. Stegman
1920 - 2009
Born Aug 23, 1920, in Offerle, Kansas. He was the 6th son of 18 children. In 1940, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a Private. As he worked up in rank to Sergeant, he also was sent to pilot school. He received his wings in 1943. A few months later, he was sent to the South Pacific for 14 months duty in World War II flying dive bombers. In 1951, he was recalled to active duty in Korea where he flew missions in jets for 10 months and attained the rank of . . . — Map (db m47729) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — Stanley P Butchart 1928 - 2008 / C-140 Jetstar |
| | Stanley P Butchart
1928 - 2008
After receiving primary and secondary civilian pilot training. Butchart enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1942. Upon his completion of flight training at Corpus Christi, Tex., he joined torpedo-bomber Air Group VT-51 and flew the Grumman-General Motors TBM Avenger from the aircraft carrier San Jacinto in South Pacific during World War II. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Presidential Unit Citation among other service medals. While continuing . . . — Map (db m47723) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), Palmdale — The Aerospace Valley — They All Had The Right Stuff |
| | With more than 150 "First Flight" records and numerous milestone in flight, the Antelope Valley has been home to Aerospace throughout the century. These numerous accomplishments include:
-Air Force Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager's breaking of the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 in 1947.
-Air Force Maj. Arthur "Kitt" Murray becoming the First Man to see the curvature of the earth in the Bell X-1A in 1954.
-Air Force Maj. William J. "Pete" Knight's record as the "Fastest Man Alive" flying . . . — Map (db m55372) HM |
| California (Los Angeles County), San Pedro — Anna Lee Fisher - Astronaut — Los Angeles Maritme Museum |
| | San Pedro’s
First Woman in Space
Aboard Space Shuttle Discovery
Nov. 8, 1984
Presented by an Admiring Community
Dec. 11, 1984 — Map (db m52529) HM |
| California (Mono County), Lee Vining — Navy Beach |
| | During the Cold War, Mono County was home to one of many remote facilities used by the US Military to test new weapons and weapons systems. A "secret military installation" operated by the US Navy was located along the south shoreline of Mono Lake.
During the 1950's and 1960's several branches of the US Armed Forces utilized this test facility to conduct various research. Numerous top-secret exercises were actually performed here during what was called "seismic testing." However with the . . . — Map (db m20739) HM |
| California (Mono County), Walker — The C-130 Crew — Lost During the Cannon Fire - June 17, 2002 |
| | In Loving and Grateful Memory of
The C-130 Crew
Steve Wass, Craig Labare and Mike Davis
Who gave their lives to save
our community on June 17, 2002 — Map (db m23036) HM |
| California (Nevada County), Grass Valley — Lyman Gilmore, Jr. — 1874 – 1951 |
| | Lyman Gilmore, Jr. established the first commercial airport on this site in 1907. To him and his memory the people of this community dedicate this school as the:
Lyman Gilmore School
Grass Valley School District
Board of Trustees
Brian A. Bennallack - President • Dr. Robert L. Ross, Jr.- Clerk • Harrel W. Ammon Mrs. Lou Kennedy • Jack Montre
Vernon C. Bond – Superintendent
George C. Higgins and Associates – Architect
Joe W. Ruess – Landscape Architect
Dorville, . . . — Map (db m13289) HM |
| California (Orange County), Costa Mesa — 16 — Santa Ana Army Air Base Site — Memorial Garden — Established 1954 |
| | The Air Base was one of the largest of its kind in the nation. It was activated in February of 1942. Pilots trained here for Europe and the Pacific during World War II. — Map (db m58598) HM |
| California (Orange County), Fountain Valley — 27 — Helicopter Landing Pad |
| | Navy purchased the land in 1943. Fixed wing planes used the airstrip into the 1950's. In 1952 Marine Helicopter pilots practiced take-offs and landings at this site up through the Vietnam era. — Map (db m59761) HM |
| California (Orange County), Newport Beach — 775 — First Water-to-Water Flight |
| | Glen L. Martin flew his own plane, built in Santa Ana, from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa to Catalina Island, May 10, 1912. This was the first water-to-water flight and the longest and fastest over-water flight to that date. Martin, on his return to the mainland, carried the day's mail from Catalina--another first. — Map (db m50334) HM |
| California (Placer County), Colfax — Robert G. Fowler - Colfax — Sept. 13 - 23 — 1911 |
| | Near this site, the shattered remains of Robert G. Fowler’s Wright Model B biplane was rebuilt following a crash near Alta on the second day of his west to east flight. The ten-day rebuilding effort, which took place alongside the railroad track in the center of Colfax, was sponsored by the members of the Colfax Rod & Gun Club and other community leaders. — Map (db m45157) HM |
| California (Riverside County), Blythe — 69 — 390th Bomb Group (H) — Activated at Blythe Army Air Base |
| | Blythe Army Air Base was constructed during 1942 to train heavy bomber crews.
127 officers and men recevied orders in February 1943, to form 4 squadrons of the 390th Bombardment Group (H).
The 390th B-17s joined the 8th Air Force in England and completed 301 bombing missions over Europe--August 1943 to May 1945.
The 390th Group received 2 presidential citations & 6 battle streamers for combat against Nazi targets.
Ground crews maintained 75 aircraft at peak strength. 390th gunners . . . — Map (db m50715) HM |
| California (Riverside County), Chiriaco Summit — 101 — Camp Young Airstrip — Camp Young - Headquarters — Desert Training Center California-Arizona Maneuver Area |
| | The Camp Young Airstrip was established at this site in March 1942 by order of General George S. Patton. It was used to provide Camp Young with supplies and other essential material. It supported air transportation for the command staff of the Desert Training Center. General Patton also had his personal airplane stationed here. The field was 6000' long and 300' wide. It was capable of handling C-47 Skytrains, C-46 Air Commandos, and C-54 Skymasters. The general service agency deeded the strip . . . — Map (db m50767) HM |
| California (Riverside County), San Jacinto — 989 — Soviet Transpolar Landing Site |
| | Three miles west of this site, on July 14, 1937, three Soviet aviators completed a transpolar flight from Moscow in 62 hours, 17 minutes, establishing a new world's nonstop distance record of 6,305 miles. The huge single-engine aircraft, an ANT-25 military reconnaissance monoplane, was shipped back to the Soviet Union and placed in a museum. Aircraft Commander Mikhail Gromov, Co-Pilot Andrei Yumashev and Navigator Sergei Danilin became Generals in World War II. — Map (db m50706) HM |
| California (Riverside County), San Jacinto — 43 — Transpolar Record Flight Site |
| | Near this site on July 14, 1937, three Russian aviators completed a transpolar flight from Moscow in 62 hrs, 17 min establishing a new world's nonstop distance record of 6,305 miles. The huge single-engine aircraft, an ANT-25 military reconnaissance monoplane, was shipped back to Russia and placed in a museum. Aircraft commander Mikhail Gromov, co-pilot Andre Ymashev, and navigator Sergei Danilin became generals in World War II. — Map (db m50681) HM |
| California (Sacramento County), Mather — F-105G “Wild Weasel” |
| | Wing Span 34 ft. 11 inches •
Length 67 ft. •
Height 20 ft. •
Speed 831 MPH •
Cruising 596 MPH •
Weight 11 Tons
First aircraft retrofitted to destroy surface-to-air missles in North Vietnam. The valiant airmen who flew these dangerous missions typified the courage of the Vietnam Veteran. In honor of those who served, we dedicate this memorial 24 May 2000. — Map (db m888) HM |
| California (Sacramento County), Mather — Mather Field |
| | Named for 2Lt C. S. Mather killed in 1918.
• 1918–Pilot Training School.
• 1930’s–Supply Depot.
• 1940’s–Pilot and Nav School.
• 1950’s–Nav School.
• 1960’s–SAC Bomb Wing and AF Nav/EWO Schools.
• 1993–Based closed.
• 1998–VA Clinic Started. — Map (db m889) HM |
| California (Sacramento County), Rancho Cordova — Mather Air Force Base Navigators Monument |
| | [Marker 1:]
In Dedication to the Men and Women
of Mather AFB
For 75 years of service to the
nation and the community.
[Marker 2:]
In Tribute to the Navigators
Who Trained at Mather AFB
To their skill to set the course
to their duty to complete the mission.
To their dedication to bring their crew
home safe again — Map (db m57287) HM |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — McClellan Air Force Base |
| |
[Panel 1a:]
The 1930s
With war clouds gathering over the Pacific, in 1936 Congress authorized the construction of the Sacramento Air Depot. The Army Air Corp envisioned that the new depot would support operations on the West Coast, as well as provide a staging area for aircraft and material bound for the Pacific.
Built under the supervision of the Army Quartermaster Corps, construction of the Sacramento Air Depot began in late 1936. The depot took shape rapidly, and the . . . — Map (db m57199) WM |
| California (San Bernardino County), Fort Irwin — Deep Space Station - 14 — Commemorating 40 Years of Service to the Deep Space Network — 1966 - 2006 |
| | As a communication platform: Supporting space exploration beginning with the Mariner 4 mission to Mars, and through the years providing a vital link to NASA's robot explorers across the solar system, including Voyager, Mars Exploration Rovers, Casini and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
As a radio/radar telescope: Studying the nearest asteroids and planets to the distant quasars and objects in the universe.
"From the Desert to the Stars...Exploring our Solar System and Beyond" — Map (db m50371) HM |
| California (San Diego County), Coronado — 818 — First Military Flying School — (U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island) |
| | The flat lands beyond have been a part of aviation history since Glenn Curtis founded the first military flying school in America here on January 17, 1911. The Army operated Rockwell Field until January 31, 1939; the Navy commissioned the present air station on November 8, 1917. — Map (db m61548) HM |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — Clifton A. F. Sprague, Vice Admiral, USN — Born 8 January 1896 - Died 11 April 1955 |
| | [Front]:
Awards
Navy Cross for the 25 October 1944 action off Samar. Admiral Sprague was aboard the escort carrier, USS Fanshaw Bay during this engagement.
Legion of Merit Medal for his command of the USS Wasp.
Gold Star in lieu of second Legion of Merit for the Morotai landings.
Gold Star in lieu of third Legion of Merit for the Iwo Jima and Okinawa operaitons.
Gold Star in lieu of fourth Legion of Merit for Operation Crossroads.
Presidential Unit Citation to Task Unit . . . — Map (db m8521) HM |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — 711 — Montgomery Memorial |
| | John J. Montgomery made mans
first controlled winged flight
from this hilltop in August 1883.
He opened for all mankind the "great highway of the sky" — Map (db m51097) HM |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — Point Loma |
| | [Marker #1]
In commemoration of the early aviation pioneers that flew American designed and manufactured sailplanes in San Diego. These aviators are remembered by those who flew after them and the citizens of San Diego.
John C. Barstow •
William Beuby •
William Hawley Bowlus •
Lowell E. Bullen •
Alan R. Essery •
Albert E. Hastings •
Forrest H. Hieatt •
I.N. Lawson •
Anne Lindbergh •
Charles A. Lindbergh •
Earle R. Mitchell •
Adolph R. "Bud" Perl •
Allison . . . — Map (db m51788) HM |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — United States Aircraft Carrier Memorial |
| | West face:
[Seals of the Department of the Navy: U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps]
“The air fleet of an enemy will never get within striking distance of our coast as long as our aircraft carriers are able to carry the preponderance of airpower to sea," Rear Admiral W. A. Moffett, USN, 1922
The advent of the aircraft carrier revolutionized modern naval warfare. This memorial was conceived by aircraft carrier veterans to honor this nation’s carriers and the . . . — Map (db m61543) HM WM |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — USS Gambier Bay CVE 73 and Composite Squadron VC-10 — United States Navy — In Memory of the Men Lost in Action |
| | [Panel 1]:
Eternal God who alone spreads out the heavens and rules the raging seas, may this memorial bring continued remembrance to the one hundred and thirty seven men who died defending their country in time of danger, and whose bodies found their last resting place in the waters of the Pacific. May it call to mind that they were called by their nation to defend liberty and preserve unity.
We do not what those who died in air and sea battles, often against hopeless odds, to . . . — Map (db m8480) HM |
| California (San Mateo County), San Bruno — First Shipboard Landing |
| | On 18 January 1911, EUGENE ELY flew a Curtis Pusher biplane from this location, Tanforan Park, and landed on a wooden platform constructed aboard the Navy Cruiser USS Pennsylvania anchored in the San Francisco Bay. The first shipboard landing, an event of international impact, contributed significantly to the development of Naval aviation. — Map (db m18414) HM |
| California (Santa Barbara County), Vandenberg AFB — The Curtis P-40 |
| | This aircraft is dedicated to all Past, Present, and Future "Flying Tigers" those who blazed a path of glory in the China Skies in World War II, and those who blaze a path of glory into space.
The Curtis P-40 saw action on every front throughout WWII but gained lasting fame through the exploits of Claire Lee Chennault's American Volunteer Group (AVG) - The "Flying Tigers."
As inheritors of the flying legacy, Fourteenth Air Force fighter crews adopted the famous Tiger Shark mouth motif . . . — Map (db m50512) HM |
| California (Santa Clara County), San Jose — 813 — Montgomery Hill |
| | Three-quarters of a mile northeast is Montgomery Hill, site of the 55 successful flights of the “aeroplane” of John Joseph Montgomery which demonstrated aerodynamic developments still indispensable to modern aircraft. Here the basic principles of aerodynamics discovered by Montgomery were combined by his engineering skill and technology to produce a heavier-than-air flying machine which had complete control: the cambered wing, rear stabilizer, flexible wingtips, and the wing-warping aileron. — Map (db m7127) HM |
| California (Trinity County), Trinity Center — “Jim Swett Field” |
| | Name amended 1997by resolution
to honor Trinity County Resident
Colonel James E. Swett – USMC Ret.
A World War II Marine Aviator
who on April 7th 1943 was awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor,
our Nations highest award, for Bravery
above and beyond the call of duty during
air combat in the Pacific Theater. — Map (db m56237) HM |
| California (Trinity County), Weaverville — Race Track – Airport – Golf Course |
| | Once known as China Graveyard Ridge, by late August, 1871, Alex Love developed a racetrack on this site 550 yards in length. This popular quarter mile track saw the names of horses like “Hayfork Kitty” and “Hollywood” owned by John Van Matre. Mart Van Matre was famous on this track with his winning horses. Charlie Daniels, a local Indian, was popular with his palomino. Horse fanciers and enthusiasts came out for decades to watch the races. By the 1920’s racing had been . . . — Map (db m56190) HM |
| Colorado (El Paso County), Colorado Springs — B-52D Stratofortress — "Diamond Lil" — 1957 - 1983 |
| | Dedicated to the men and women of the
Strategic Air Command who flew and maintained
the B-52D throughout its 26-year history in the
command. Aircraft 55-083, with over 15,000 flying
hours, is one of two B-52Ds credited with a
confirmed MIG kill during the Vietnam Conflict.
Flying out of U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in
Southern Thailand, the crew of “Diamond Lil” shot
down a MIG northeast of Hanoi during
“Linebacker II” action on Christmas Eve, 1972. — Map (db m43208) HM |
| Colorado (El Paso County), Colorado Springs — The United States Air Force Academy |
| | Directly in front of you is the Academy which is dedicated to producing highly qualified and motivated officers for your U.S. Air Force. Its four year program combines Military and academic instruction and athletic competition. The airfield in the foreground is a focal point for soaring, parachuting and powered flight activities. To your right at the foot of the mountains is the Cadet area where 4,400
men and women Cadets live and study. The Academy welcomes visitors daily from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.
The entrance is Two miles ahead. — Map (db m4884) HM |
| Connecticut (Hartford County), New Britain — Charles K. Hamilton |
| | Charles K. Hamilton
From This Area
July 2, 1910
Flew the First Airplane
In Connecticut
Erected 1970
by
New Britain Herald
Chamber of Commerce
New Britain Lodge of Elks 957
In Memory Of
Brother Charles K. Hamilton
Paul I. Manafort, Mayor
Wm. J. Humason, Chairman — Map (db m41438) HM |
| Delaware (Kent County), Dover — Commemoration Park |
| | Dedicated on
13 September 1997
Constucted by
436th Civil Engineering Squadron — Map (db m51022) HM |
| Delaware (Kent County), Dover — KC-86 — Former Site of ILC Dover — Makers of the Apollo Moonsuit |
| | In 1947 the International Latex Corporation established a specialty products division and chose this site for its location. The company’s rise to prominence as a supplier of aeronautic and aerospace equipment began in 1952 when it was contracted to produce high altitude pressure helmets for the military. By the late 1950s the plant was producing pressure suits and developing prototype helmets for the space program. In 1962 the company was contracted to supply space suits for NASA’s Apollo Lunar . . . — Map (db m39062) HM |
| Delaware (Kent County), Dover — KC-68 — Hangar 1301 |
| | Constructed in 1944, Hangar 1301 served as the headquarters and engineering facility for the 4146th Base Unit from 1944 to 1946. Highly secret testing and development work was done here on air-launched rocket weapons. Aircraft used in testing ranged from P-47 Thunderbolts to four-engine bombers including B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators. Even single engine light planes were outfitted with multiple rocket launchers to test the feasibility of providing additional firepower for all types . . . — Map (db m50623) HM |
| Delaware (Kent County), Dover — T-33A Shooting Star |
| | The two-seater T-33 was developed as a variant of Lockheed's P-80 fighter which had a high accident rate until more training with an onboard instructor reversed that trend. In service for over 50 years, the T-33, known as the Shooting Star of T-Bird, was used by the U.S. Air Force to train pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft and as an advanced trainer.
In the early 1960s, the T-33 was replaced by the T-37 and T-38 Talon in the USAF's undergraduate pilot training . . . — Map (db m50626) HM |
| Delaware (New Castle County), New Castle — NC-134 — Site of Bellanca Airfield |
| | An airfield, aircraft plant, and service hangar were built here in 1928 by Giuseppe Mario Bellanca and Henry B. duPont. An aviation pioneer, Bellanca immigrated from Italy in 1912. His plane Columbia was Charles Lindbergh's choice for a Trans-Atlantic crossing, but he was unable to secure its use. Two weeks after Lindbergh's flight Columbia was flown non-stop to Berlin, a world record 3,911 miles. Bellanca's Miss Veedol flew the first Trans-Pacific flight in 1931. Over the . . . — Map (db m14133) HM |
| Delaware (New Castle County), Wilmington — NC-127 — Site of DuPont Airfield |
| | In 1924, a private airfield was established here by Henry B. duPont. Charles Lindbergh landed here in October 1927. With Richard duPont’s purchase of controlling interest in All-American Aviation, and Henry duPont’s establishment of Atlantic Aviation in 1938, the airfield was expanded, becoming one of the most modern privately owned public-use facilities in the country. Though civil flights were restricted during World War II, the DuPont Airfield continued to prosper as a flight training site . . . — Map (db m43757) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling [JBAB] — Bolling Air Force Base |
| | [Panel 1]:
Old Bolling Field
1917 - Survey for the site of a military flying field to be used for defense of Washington and for proficiency flying. Captain William "Billy" Mitchell, commander of Army Signal Corps Aeronautics Division urges purchase of a tract of land near the Potomac.
1918 - Bolling Field is established just north of the present Bolling Air Force Base site - named for Colonel Raynal C. Bolling, Assistant Chief of Air Service. Colonel Bolling was the first . . . — Map (db m63896) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling [JBAB] — In Memory of Col. Raynal C. Bolling |
| | [Panel No. 1]:
"Whatever happens to me will be the result of action, not inaction or drift."
Bolling
[Panel No. 2]:
On April 7, 1917, the day after President Wilson's war message to Congress, Major Raynal Cawthorne Bolling of the Air Service Reserve requested continuous active duty and reported to Mineola Field, Long Island to await orders.
As a citizen-soldier in the New York National Guard, he had helped . . . — Map (db m63899) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling [JBAB] — Republic F-105D Thunderchief |
| | This aircraft, of a type used extensively in Southeast Asia air operations, is dedicated to all the courageous airmen who gave their lives in honor during that conflict. — Map (db m63898) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling [JBAB] — T-28 Trojan |
| | Dedicated to Pilots, Crew, and Maintenance Personnel who served at
Anacostia Naval Air Station — Map (db m63900) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), The Mall — T.S.C. Lowe's Observation Flight |
| | On June 18, 1861, T.S.C. Lowe made a tethered observation flight with his gas-filled balloon Enterprise from a spot on the National Mall in front of where the National Air and Space Museum now stands. During this flight, he sent the first telegram ever dispatched from the air to President Lincoln in the White House, describing what could be seen from an altitude of 500 feet. The ascent marked the beginning of an observation balloon corps for the U.S. Army, the first American military . . . — Map (db m43353) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Washington Navy Yard — U.S. Experimental Model Basin |
| | Site of U.S. Experimental Model Basin 1898-1955
Founded by Rear Admiral David Watson Taylor who was the Director until 1914.
Here the Navy laid the foundations for research in ship and aircraft design with the establishment of a 470 foot towing tank in 1898 and an 8-by 8-foot closed circuit wind tunnel in 1914, both of which were first in the United States. Structural research on naval ships was begun in 1922. To those pioneers in naval science, whose work is being continued and extended . . . — Map (db m10456) HM |
| District of Columbia (Washington), West Potomac Park — Air Mail |
| | The world's first airplane mail to be operated as a continuously scheduled public service started from this field May 15, 1918.
The route connected Washington, Philadelphia and New York. Curtiss JN 4-H airplanes with a capacity of 150 pounds of mail flew the 230 miles in about three hours.
The service was inaugurated by the Post Office Department in cooperation with the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps of the U. S. Army. On August 12, 1918, the service was taken over in its entirety by the Post Office Department. — Map (db m17619) HM |
| Florida (Bay County), Panama City — F-154 — Panama City Airport |
| | Established 1945 on Fannin Field Panama City-Bay County Airport 1964 Panama City-Bay County Airport and Industrial District 1967 Developed and controlled by Representative Airport Authorities in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Agency Control Tower erected by Federal Aviation Agency 1967 — Map (db m8150) HM |
| Florida (Brevard County), Cape Canaveral — Complex 14 |
| | Vc = Ro SQRT(g/Ro+h)
"… one of the most complex tasks ever presented to man in this country -- the achievement of manned flight in orbit around the earth." - John F. Kenedy
Thirty-Fifth President of the United States
This marker commemorates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Project Mercury, which first put free men into space. The four manned orbital capsules were boosted into space by Atlas rockets, which were launched by the United States Air Force from Complex . . . — Map (db m64804) HM |
| Florida (Brevard County), Cocoa Beach — I Dream of Jeannie |
| | I Dream of Jeannie was part of Cocoa Beach when a television sitcom ran from 1965 to 1979 starring Barbara Eden as a 2000 year old female genie and Larry Hagman as an astronaut. The TV series was set in and around Cocoa Beach. Barbara Eden visited Cocoa Beach in 1969 when the “I Dream of Jeannie” street sign was placed at Lori Wilson Park. — Map (db m58754) HM |
| Florida (Brevard County), Melbourne — Site of the B-24 Crash During W.W. II |
| | On the night of March 26, 1944, three B-24 aircraft were flying loose formation from Chatham field in Savannah, Georgia on a training flight. Somewhere over the Atlantic ocean, two of the planes went down without even giving a distress signal. The third B-24 developed engine trouble, losing power in three engines. As the fourth engine began to fail, the crew tried to land at Melbourne Naval Air Station (Melbourne International Airport). The aircraft crashed just west of the Florida East Coast . . . — Map (db m48979) HM |
| Florida (Brevard County), Merritt Island — SATAN Tracking Antenna |
| | The primary function of the SATAN tracking antenna was to receive radio signals in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range of 136 to 137 megahertz from orbiting unmanned spacecraft.
In service from 1964 until 1979 the SATAN Antenna supported the tracking of over sixty weather or scientific satellites.
These satellites resulted in our present understanding of weather, earth resources, planetary and interplanetary phenomena. — Map (db m13923) HM |
| Florida (Broward County), Fort Lauderdale — Mackey Airlines, Inc. |
| | Founded in 1946 by Colonel Joseph Mackey, Mackey Airlines became (August 5, 1952) the first certificated carrier in Broward authorized to engage in scheduled foreign transportation. Operations began January 2, 1953 between Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Nassau, N.P. Bahamas. Increased certification later allowed service to all Bahama Islands from Fort Laudrdale-Hollywood, Miami, West Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Jacksonville. Mackey operated without mail pay or subsidy. . . . — Map (db m61917) HM |
| Florida (Duval County), Jacksonville Beach — F- 293 — Doolittle's 1922 Record Flight |
| | Aviation pioneers were attracted to Northeast Florida's hard, wide beaches. Pablo Beach, as Jacksonville Beach was known until 1925, served as takeoff or terminal point for several early coast-to-coast flights. The first of these, in 1912, required 115 days to reach Pablo Beach from Pasadena, California. On September 4, 1922, Army Lieutenant James H. ("Jimmy") Doolittle took off from the sands of Pablo Beach in a DeHavilland DH-4 biplane and landed in San Diego less than 24 hours later. He made . . . — Map (db m57600) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — History in the Air — A Look at the Military Aircraft of MacDill |
| | Since the first wave of B-18 Super Heavy Bombers arrived at MacDill in 1940, the base has seen a remarkable variety of America's finest military aircraft. MacDill's first mission included transitional training on the B-17 Flying Fortress. After World War II started, the base became a major Army Air Forces staging platform. LB-30s and B-17s would take off from MacDill and head for combat via the Atlantic Ocean. As the war progressed, the base's mission changed from pilot and crew training on the . . . — Map (db m34132) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — MacDill: 1950 to 2000 — The Base Maneuvers Through the Years |
| | 3 F-80 Shooting Stars Fly to Korea In February 1951, MacDill's 307th deployed to Okinawa for the Korean conflict. It was one of the first units to move its fighting forces overseas. MacDill During Vietnam During the Vietnam conflict, MacDill AFB provided pilot training for combat missions using F-4 Fighter Jets and B-51 Bombers. In July 1965, MacDill's 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first F-4 unit in Southeast Asia, and was credited with the first air victory of the Vietnam . . . — Map (db m34149) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — Tampa Goes to War — U.S. Enters WWII and MacDill Readies the Air Attack |
| | MacDill's First Base Commander • Col. Clarence L. Tinker took command on March 11, 1940 • First Native American to attain the rank of Major General • Killed in action in Pacific Theater during Battle for Midway in 1942 • Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK and Tinker Elementary School in Tampa, FL are named in his honor Before he piloted the historic mission over Hiroshima, Col. Paul Tibbets was Commander of the 340th Bomb Squadron - 97th Bombardment Group at MacDill. In 1959, . . . — Map (db m34123) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — Tampa Salutes MacDill AFB — A Look at Over 60 Years of Growth and Change |
| | On January 14, 1941, Col. Clarence Tinker landed a twin-engined B-18 Bomber on the first MacDill Field runway and a new era for Tampa was born. Soon after, the U.S. would enter World War II and MacDill's pilot training would prove to be an important part of the Allies' superiority in the air. Since then, the base and the Tampa community have continued to grow and change along with the times and the needs of our country. Today, the base is home to over fifty mission partners, each committed to . . . — Map (db m34109) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — Technology • Power • Diversity — MacDill's Mission and Its Aircraft Move Forward |
| | Although the F-4 Phantom was used as a fighter jet in Vietnam, it was originally designed as an interceptor for defense of the fleet against air attack. The need for a jet designed as a fighter led to the introduction of the F-16. Between 1979 and 1993 approximately half of all F-16 pilots were trained at MacDill AFB. Political international, and economic factors have led to many changes since the 1990s. Although F-16 training moved away in 1993, one year later, the Haiti conflict brought . . . — Map (db m34140) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — Today at MacDill AFB — The Partnership Continues into the 21st Century... |
| | As the base and the City of Tampa progress through the 21st century, they face new challenges in the ever-changing global landscape. Today, over 50 different groups operate from the base and over 13,000 military and civilian personnel are assigned to MacDill. Tampa and MacDill have seen incredible changes since the partnership began in 1939, but they have always worked together to provide the greatest benefit to the community and to the country. From combat pilot training during times of . . . — Map (db m34153) HM |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — World's First Scheduled Commercial Airline |
| | Commemorating
The world's first scheduled
commercial airline
near this site. St. Petersburg to Tampa
Jan 1, 1914
Pilot of Benoist Airboat
Tony Jannus
P.E. Fansler, Owner
Erected Feb 1956 by the
Tampa Federation of
Garden Club Circles
Through air
breathes the future. — Map (db m34230) HM |
| Florida (Lake County), Clermont — Dean R. Gilmore |
| | Lt. Gilmore's P-51B Propeller Tip. In honor of Dean R. Gilmore, 1st LT USAAF, 14 Nov 21 - 14 Nov 44. Winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Italy, 1944. Killed in a training crash in Lake Louisa on November 14, 1944. Lt. Gilmore and thousands of other military aviators trained throughout central Florida during World War II. Though many were taken from us in combat and in training, we do not mourn them as they now fly with one more divine. Wreckage cleared by Lake County Sheriff's Office dive . . . — Map (db m62012) HM WM |
| Florida (Orange County), Orlando — F-644 — Orlando Army Air Base |
| | Orlando Municipal Airport opened in 1928 on 65 acres of land north of Lake Underhill. In 1940, with Europe at war, the United States Army took over the airport for defense purposes, activating it as the Orlando Army Air Base on September 1, 1940. The first Army Air Corps planes arrived on September 5, 1940. The Base provided a training center for pilots and fighter and bomber groups. The United States entered World War II on December 7, 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1942, B-17 . . . — Map (db m54047) HM |
| Florida (Palm Beach County), Lake Worth — F-579 — Coastal Patrol Base No. 3 — Civil Air Patrol (CAP) — 1942 - 1943 |
| | Coastal Patrol Base No. 3 at Lantana Airport was one of three 90-day experimental bases established on the east coast of the United States to assist with anti-submarine patrols. Civilian aviators flew missions up to 60 miles out to sea between Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral, to search for German U-boats. In May 1942 near Cape Canaveral, Lantana CAP members Marshall E. Rinker and Tom Manning found a U-boat stranded on a sand bar and called for a military bomber, the U-boat freed itself and . . . — Map (db m63179) HM |
| Florida (Pinellas County), St. Petersburg — Bayflite 3 Crew |
| | In memory of our colleagues Bayflite 3 crew
Mark Wallace
Alicia Betita-Collins
Erik Hangartner
who lost their lives in service to others
April 25, 2000 — Map (db m13648) HM |
| Florida (Pinellas County), St. Petersburg — St. Petersburg Central Yacht Basin — Historic Aerospace Site — The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |
| | On January 1, 1914, the "aeroplane" was demonstrated as a viable means of commercial transportation with the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, the world's first regularly scheduled commercial airline. Piloted by Tony H. Jannus, the Benoist Type XIV airboat departed for Tampa from the St. Petersburg Central Yacht Basin, carrying freight and one passenger across Tampa Bay, and initiating service of two round-trips daily between St. Petersburg and Tampa. Supported by the . . . — Map (db m50378) HM |
| Florida (Pinellas County), St. Petersburg — The World's First Scheduled Airline |
| | (Front plaque)From this site The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line The World's First Scheduled Airline Began regular flights between St. Petersburg and Tampa, January 1, 1914. ⋆ This plaque and site dedicated December 4, 1953 by the City of St. Petersburg to all the Airlines of the World (Rear plaque)In commemoration of the World's First Commericial Airline Flight by Tony Jannus on January 1st 1914 from St. Petersburg to Tampa Erected January 1st . . . — Map (db m50437) HM |
| Florida (Pinellas County), St. Petersburg — F-274 — World's First Regularly Scheduled Commercial Airline |
| | Within a decade after the famous Wright Brothers' 1903 flight, aviation history was being made in Florida. The first transcontinental flight landed at Jacksonville in 1912, a naval air training center opened at Pensacola in 1913, and the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, the world's first regularly scheduled commercial airline, began service in 1914. Tom Benoist, a pioneer airboat (seaplane) manufacturer from St Louis, started this cargo and passenger airline as well as a flying school on . . . — Map (db m50438) HM |
| Florida (Seminole County), Sanford — FL-SC017 — Naval Air Station - Sanford |
| | In November 1942, NAS Sanford was commissioned to meet the need for additional naval aviation training facilities. Originally planned for bomber training, within a year it converted to fighter plane training. A major portion of fighter pilots that served on aircraft carriers in the Pacific during WWII trained at the field. “Touch and Go” training simulated aircraft landings at the airfield at Osceola and other nearby fields. Fifty-three pilots lost their lives in plane crashes in . . . — Map (db m46608) HM |
| Florida (Seminole County), Sanford — Vietnam War — 1954-1975 |
| | The Vietnam War began when Vietnamese nationalists ended one hundred years of colonial rule by forcing the French out of the country. The 1954 Geneva Peace Accords divided the country into North and South Vietnam to separate the opposing groups seeking control to the government. In 1961, President John Kennedy's administration began sending advisers into South Vietnam to train and arm the local population to halt the advance of the Communist forces of the north. The war escalated under . . . — Map (db m57568) HM |
| Florida (Taylor County), Perry — F-380 — Perry Army Air Base |
| | The Perry Army Air Base of World War II stood in an 862 acre area south and west of this point.
The 441st and 312th Fighter Squadrons of the Third Army Air Force trained replacement pilots for combat units worldwide.
The 338th Fighter Group single engine aircraft included the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and North American P-51 Mustang.
The first troops arrived on June 9, 1943, and last departed in early September, 1945. Approximately 120 pilots per month . . . — Map (db m17717) HM |
| Georgia (Chatham County), Pooler — Base Air Depot No. 2 Station 582 USAAF — Warton, England |
| | First marker:
BAD 2 Warton, England, was established under the 8th Air Force Service Command, September 5, 1942. Its mission: the modification and repair of military aircraft. War planes coming from the United States would be adapted to meet special requirements of the European Theater of Operations. Battle damaged aircraft would have to be repaired, perhaps whole sections rebuilt. A ferrying squadron was needed to get planes to Warton (from fields where they originally landed) and . . . — Map (db m17126) HM |
| Georgia (Chatham County), Pooler — Boeing B-47 Stratojet |
| | The Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber first
flew on 17 December 1947, It was America's
first swept-wing all jet bomber. There
were over 2,000 B-47's produced, more
than any other Free World bomber since
WWII. This B-47 Stratojet (Serial number
50-0062) is a TB-47B, a training version
of the bomber aircraft. It was built by the
Boeing Airplane Company at Wichita,
Kansas and delivered to the US Air Force
on 7 February 1952.
This aircraft was first assigned to the
Stratgic Air Command's . . . — Map (db m16622) HM |
| Georgia (Chatham County), Pooler — McDonnell F-4C Phantom |
| | A masterpiece of engineering, the F-4 was originally designed for use aboard Navy aircraft carriers. In 1962 the Air Force adopted a ground attack version of the F-4 after it had easily outperformed its F-106 in head-to-head competition. The F-4 achieved legendary status in Vietnam, scoring 277 combat victories, including the first and last U.S. air victories of the conflict.
Manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft and delievered to the Air Force in 1965, this F-4C Phantom served at various Air . . . — Map (db m13306) HM |
| Georgia (Chatham County), Pooler — Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG- 17A |
| | Introduced in 1951, the MiG-17 remained on frontline duty with many Warsaw Pact countries and their client states well into the 1980s. Developed too late for the Korean War, the MiG-17 went on to see action in Vietnam and in several of the African and Middle-Eastern conflicts of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This version of the MiG-17 is fitted with the Klimov VK-1A engine, a Soviet copy of the Rolls- Royce Nene turbojet.
High maneuverability, coupled with a powerful automatic-cannon system, . . . — Map (db m13307) HM |
| Georgia (Chatham County), Savannah — 025-86 — Birthplace of Eighth Air Force |
| | On 28 January 1942, the Eighth Air Force, was activated in the adjacent building, a National Guard Armory at the time. Having moved to England, the Eighth was ready on 17 August to test the theory that daylight bombing raids could be made with profitable results. Twelve B-17's participated in this mission, striking the railway marshalling yards at Rouen, France, and returning safely to their home base. This highly successful mission established the pattern for the strategic bombardment of Nazi . . . — Map (db m4396) HM |
| Georgia (Clarke County), Athens — 029-16 — Ben T. Epps — Georgia's Pioneer Aviator — 1888-1937 |
| | Ben T. Epps - Georgia's First in Flight -- designed, built and in 1907 flew the first airplane in the State of Georgia. He was born in Oconee County, educated in Clarke County, and attended Georgia Tech. A self-taught aviator, aircraft designer, and builder, Epps built the 1907 Monoplane in his shop on Washington Street in Athens and designed and flew new airplanes in 1909, 1911, 1916, 1924, and 1930. The 1924 Epps Monoplane weighed only 350 pounds, had a wingspan of 25 feet, and was powered by . . . — Map (db m11754) HM |
| Georgia (Clarke County), Athens — 29-5 — First Flight in Georgia — Site of Ben Epps' Garage |
| | Georgia’s pioneer aviator, Benjamin Thomas Epps, was born in Oconee County in 1888. He opened Athens’ first automobile repair garage at this location on East Washington Street in 1907. That same year, nineteen-year-old Epps designed and built his first airplane here – a monoplane with an upright buggy seat, bicycle wheels, and a 35-foot wingspan powered by a fifteen-horsepower French Anzani engine. Its successful flight earned him recognition as the father of Georgia aviation. Epps tested . . . — Map (db m11755) HM |
| Georgia (Cobb County), Marietta — Bell Bomber (B-29) Plant — 1943 - 1946 |
| | A plan to help lift rural Cobb County out of the Great Depression by building a commercial airport changed course when America entered WWII and Marietta was chosen as the location for a new aircraft assembly plant. Wartime necessity had rival companies collaborating as when Bell Aircraft Corporation of Buffalo, NY was awarded a contract to build B-29 Superfortresses designed by Boeing. Standing 29 feet tall with a wingspan of 141 feet, the four-engine plane had a 4,000-mile range, a ceiling . . . — Map (db m33703) HM |
| Georgia (Cobb County), Marietta — The Bell Bomber Park — City of Marietta |
| | This park is dedicated to thousands of men and women who built 665 B-29 bombers that played a major role in bringing the U.S. victory during World War II.
The steps remain as a reminder of the daily walk to work at the Bell Aircraft Plant by the employees from adjoining Marietta Place Apartments, a federal housing project for war workers.
The park is a joint effort of the City of Marietta; the Cobb County Commission; the State of Georgia; the Cobb County Board of Education who . . . — Map (db m30044) HM |
| Georgia (Coffee County), Douglas — 34-1 — Raymond-Richardson Aviation School |
| | Wesley Raymond, Robert Richardson and others founded a school here in 1939 to teach basic flight skills to college students. With the start of World War II, the school became the 63rd Flight Training Detachment Airbase and provided primary flight training for several thousand young men. In addition to working clerical and food preparation jobs, many local women served as civilian base dispatchers and aircraft mechanics. Although officially closed in 1944, the airstrip and hangers have continued . . . — Map (db m24686) HM |
| Georgia (Crisp County), Cordele — Titan I Missile |
| | This is the site of Confederate Air Force Pad No. 1 Holding 98', this giant missile was dismantled in California and flown to Warner Robins Air Force Base. The missile was then transported along I-75 to Cordele.
The Rotory Club of Cordele initiated this project, a dream of it's President, John S. Pate, Jr. The dream became reality when Confederate Air Force Pad No. I was christened July 17, 1969.
The Titan was donated to the Cordele Rotary Club by the Federal government. The Rotary . . . — Map (db m55339) HM |
| Georgia (Decatur County), Bainbridge — Bainbridge Army Air Field |
| | In August, 1942, on this 2,053 acre tract, the U.S. Army constructed a basic flight training field. It remained open until 1945. At its peak 9600 officers, enlisted men, trainees and WACS were stationed here; there were 700 civilian employees, several hundred WW II German P.O.W.S were imprisoned here. In 1951 southern airways school, a private company, contracted with the U.S.A.F. to train its pilots. The base closed in 1961 and became an industrial park. — Map (db m55574) HM |
| Georgia (DeKalb County), Chamblee — 044-92 — 1941 * Naval Air Station Atlanta * 1959 |
| | Anticipating America´s involvement in a second world war, the government returned to the site of Camp Gordon in October 1940 and over the next seven
months constructed a 400-acre Naval Reserve Aviation Base at the DeKalb County Airport.
Commissioned in March 1941, the field´s chief mission was primary flight training of Navy and Marine Corps aviators. Expanding to meet war needs, the base added training for instrument flight instructors and in January 1943 was designated Naval Air . . . — Map (db m14571) HM |
| Georgia (Gwinnett County), Suwanee — Aviation Tragedy |
| | In the evening hours of December 6, 1953 four F-84D jet aircraft of 128th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard crashed near this site. They were returning from a routine weekend training flight from the Miami area when they encountered unexpected weather and altitude awareness problems as they prepared to land at Dobbins AFB near Marietta, Georgia. All of the pilots perished. No one on the ground was injured although the impact destroyed the home of the Ernest Brooks family . . . — Map (db m9598) HM |
| Georgia (Morgan County), Godfrey — WWII B-25C Airplane Crash |
| |
On the occasion of its Bicentennial, Morgan County placed this marker here to commemorate the
WW II B-25C Airplane Crash
In the early afternoon of January 10, 1945, residents of the south-western portion of Morgan County were witnesses to the crash of a B-25C airplane in a field near the intersection of present- day Godfrey Road and Walton's Mill Road. The plane had taken off from Greenville Army Air Base in Greenville, South Carolina, and it was on a low altitude rendezvous . . . — Map (db m20192) HM |
| Georgia (Richmond County), Augusta — 121-44 — Signal Corps Aviation School — 1911 - 1913 |
| | On the Barnes farm, south and east of this marker, one of the first military aviation training centers in the U.S. was established in 1911. After successful test flights of the second Wright airplane in 1909, the Wright brothers agreed to the establishment of an Army Aviation School at College Park. Md. The latitude of College Park being unsuitable for winter flying, the War Department chose Augusta for a winter school.
Arriving in Augusta November 29, 1911, the College Park School was . . . — Map (db m33763) HM |
| Georgia (Sumter County), Americus — Charles A. Lindbergh |
| | Charles A. Lindbergh captured the hearts of Americans during his successful non-stop flight from New York to Paris in the “Spirit of St. Louis” on May 20th, 1927. This famous American Aviator purchased his first airplane and learned to fly on the grounds of what is now South Georgia Technical College in May of 1923. Lindbergh purchased a Curtiss JN4 “Jenny” from the World War I training center that later became Souther Field Airport. Lindbergh soloed in that . . . — Map (db m41210) HM |
| Georgia (Sumter County), Americus — 129-8 — Lindbergh's Solo Flight — May 1923 |
| | The "Lone Eagle" first flew solo in early May, 1923 from Souther Field. Charles Lindbergh had come to Americus to purchase a surplus aircraft from the World War I training center. He chose a Curtiss JN4 "Jenny." He got the plane with a brand-new OX-5 engine, a fresh coat of olive drab dope, and an extra 20 gallon fuel tank for $500. Lindbergh had less than 20 hours instruction when he soloed. He practiced take-offs and landings for a week; then having filled up with forty gallons of gas, he set . . . — Map (db m11487) HM |
| Idaho (Ada County), Boise — 72 — Airmail Service |
| | U.S. commercial airline service began with a Varney Airlines flight from Pasco to Boise which landed here on April 6, 1926. Army planes had delivered airmail before that time.
After Varney Airlines was merged with newer companies to become United Airlines, this flight was recognized as United's initial flight. A year later, Charles A. Lindberg landed here on his national tour after his solo flight to Paris. Boise's municipal airport continued to serve planes here until 1940 when 8,800-foot runways were built at its present site. — Map (db m22734) HM |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Rousch Brothers - - Aviation Pioneers |
| | Usher - October13, 1891 - - April 4, 1941. Built his first airplane in 1909. From 1913-1927 he learned to fly, barnstormed, and did stunt flying. Pilot and instructor for Interstate Airline and American Airways 1928-1930 and American Airlines 1930-1939. In 1931 he helped organize air line pilots’ association and was secretary from 1934-1939. He was Captain on American Airlines 1930-1931. From 1939-1941 he was a pilot with TACA in Central America.
Charles - March 4, 1896 - January 21, . . . — Map (db m23331) HM |
| Illinois (Lake County), Great Lakes — Wings over Great Lakes |
| | Early aviation at Great Lakes included both pilot training and schools for enlisted Aviation Quartermasters, Machinists Mates, Aviation Armorers, and Ordinancemen [sic]. The first pilots were from among wealthy Illinois families who not only encouraged Captain Moffett, the base commander, to establish the program, but also provided their own seaplanes. These planes, including Curtiss Flying Boats, were housed in the seaplane hanger, which still stands, across from the original Boathouse. In . . . — Map (db m37873) HM |
| Illinois (McHenry County), Union — Union Pacific 18 — 1960 Gas Turbine-Electric Cab Unit |
| | Early diesels had relatively low power (800-2000 hp). Beginning in 1948, the Union Pacific and GE developed alternatives for heavy freight. The resulting 55 units replaced the usual diesel prime mover with an aircraft gas turbine.
The last thirty turbines (UP 1-30) were the largest (166 ft) and most powerful internal combustion locomotives ever built, but were not fuel-efficient. The lead unit contained a cab, controls, and an 850 hp diesel to start the turbine and for low-speed movement. . . . — Map (db m39230) HM |
| Illinois (Sangamon County), Springfield — Lindbergh Field |
| | "Site of" 1st Airport in Sangamon County
Lindbergh Field
April 1926 to 1929 — Map (db m40849) HM |
| Illinois (Vermilion County), Danville — Aircraft in Honor of Chanute Air Force Base |
| | This aircraft is in honor of Chanute Air Force Base and all its personnel
1917 1993
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Jewell Whyte Post No. 728
Commander - Bob French
Co-Chairman - Hershall lee & Bob Smith
Mayor of Danville - Bob Jones — Map (db m10729) HM |
| Illinois (Vermilion County), Danville — Two Trees Reach for Heaven — Astronauts Memorial — Vermilion County, Illinois |
| | In Honor of Astronaut Joe Tanner - Danville Native - November 3, 1994
In memory of Astronaut Christa McAuliffe - Teacher - January 28, 1986
"The Dream is Alive" — Map (db m10726) HM |
| Indiana (Allen County), Fort Wayne — Duck Creek: Early Industry and Business Development |
| | Fort Wayne business had a start on Duck Street, named for the 19th century Duck Creek that drained the area from the higher ground near Superior Street into the St. Mary’s River. Along Duck Creek in the 1840s and 50s stood the City Mills, one of the largest mills in early Fort Wayne. Like other streams in the area, Duck Creek afforded an ideal opportunity for the beginnings of industry in the frontier community. The first industrial businesses in the city - blacksmithing, brick and tile making, . . . — Map (db m16997) HM |
| Indiana (Bartholomew County), Columbus — 03.2007.2 — Atterbury Army Air Field |
| |
(Side 1)
Construction begun summer 1942 under Captain Stratton O. Hammon, who used broad authority over laborers, suppliers, and railroad; base in use February 1943. More than 1,000 workers employed during construction. Base was over 2,000 acres, cost over four million dollars, and included more than one hundred buildings, intended to be temporary.
(Side 2)
WWII uses included training B-25, B-26, and glider pilots; by 1944, wounded from Europe received here for Wakeman . . . — Map (db m63819) HM |
| Indiana (Henry County), Hagerstown — 33.1966.1 — Birthplace of Wilbur Wright |
| | April 16, 1867 - May 30, 1912 Co-inventor of the airplane With his brother, Orville, he began studying flight, 1896; built first model airplane, 1899; began gliding, 1900; and achieved first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, December 17, 1903 — Map (db m4664) HM |
| Indiana (Henry County), New Castle — Wilbur Wright Aeronaut and Pioneer |
| | U. S.
In Memoriam
Wilbur Wright
Aeronaut and Pioneer
of Heavier than Air aviation
Born in Henry County Indiana
April 16th 1867
Died May 30th 1912 — Map (db m32096) HM |
| Indiana (Jackson County), Seymour — B-25 Mitchell |
| | In remembrance of those brave Tuskegee Airmen who served their country with courage, dedication and loyalty.
616th, 617th, 618th, & 619th Bomb Squadrons (M) of the 477th Bomb Group (M)
March 1945 to May 1945 — Map (db m13627) HM |
| Indiana (Jackson County), Seymour — 36.1997.1 — Freeman Field |
| | Activated December 1942 as U.S. Army Air Forces advanced training school for World War II twin engined pilots; graduated over 4000 by February
1945. Construction of 413 structures and four 5,500-foot runways supervised by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; named for Indiana pilot Captain Richard
S. Freeman (1907-1941). Deactivated in 1948. — Map (db m13625) HM |
| Indiana (Jackson County), Seymour — 36.1997.2 — Freeman Field |
| | Activated December 1942 as U.S. Army Air Forces advanced training school for World War II twin engined pilots; graduated over 4000 by February
1945. Construction of 413 structures and four 5,500-foot runways supervised by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; named for Indiana pilot Captain Richard
S. Freeman (1907-1941). Deactivated in 1948. — Map (db m13626) HM |
| Indiana (Kosciusko County), Mentone — 43.1995.1 — Lawrence D. Bell |
| | Born in Mentone, Lawrence D. Bell (1894-1956) became one of America's foremost aviation pioneers. He founded Bell Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York, 1935. Advanced aircraft manufactured included Bell helicopters, America's first jet, and Bell X-1, first plane to fly faster than speed of sound. — Map (db m45491) HM |
| Kansas (Atchison County), Atchison — Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum |
| | Amelia Earhart was born July 24, 1897
in the home of her grandparents,
Alfred G. and Amelia Harres Otis.
The home was constructed circa 1860.
The Birthplace Museum is owned by
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
April 16, 1971
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Dedicated July 26, 1997
An . . . — Map (db m44630) HM |
| Kansas (Atchison County), Atchison — Astronauts of the Shuttle Columbia |
| |
In honor of these
astronauts who perished
serving their country in space
on the Shuttle Columbia,
February 1, 2003
Rick D. Husband, Commander
Wiliam C. McCool, Pilot
Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialist
David Brown, Mission Specialist
Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist
Laurel Blair Salton Clark,
Mission Specialist
Ilan Ramon (Israel), Mission Specialist — Map (db m47686) HM |
| Kansas (Atchison County), Atchison — Birth Place of Amelia Earhart — July 24, 1897 — Atchison, Kansas |
| |
Dedicated May 21, 1982
In memory of A.E. 50th anniversary
of her first trans-Atlantic flight — Map (db m52974) HM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Crew 52 — 73rd Bomb Wing • 498th Bomb Group — 875th Bomb Squadron |
| |
Robert Brett • Vonley R Bucklin
Thomas Cantwell • Roger Denis
Burmon Hoyle • Clarence Rarick
William Schomburg • Fred Sobaski
Richard Solt • David Sussman
Burdette Young — Map (db m64279) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Duke's Lead Crew — 58th Bomb Wing • 444th Bomb Group — 679th Bomb Squadron |
| |
FC "Duke" Steinemann • Russell A Heilman
William J Drummy III • Max J Etra
Joseph R Hampton • Rodney E Willitts
George E Gardner • Everett W Cords
Carl L Haase • John L Austin
Lawrence D Sand • Malcolm J Setzer
Loney G Boggess — Map (db m64281) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Great Bend AAF Ground Training Unit |
| |
In memory of the
officers & men of the
Great Bend Ground Training Unit;
Celestial Navigation, Link &
Bomb Trainers
1943 - 1945 — Map (db m64282) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Honey - V■42 — 73rd Bomb Wing • 499th Bomb Group — 879th Bomb Squadron |
| |
George A Kimmet • Charles F Green Jr
Lloyd C Hume • David S Hatcher
James E Marshall • Charles W Brown
William L Winters • George W Schichtel
Loel N Vincent • Robert C Quail
Colin E Anderson - Sq Com
Walter E Chambers - Sq Com — Map (db m64283) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — M/Sgt Robert James Aspinall — 313 Bomb Wing • 505th Bomb Group — 483 & 484 Bomb Squadrons |
| |
Flight Engineer
Born March 6, 1920 -
Rochester, Wisconsin
POW at Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan
Executed - June 20, 1945 — Map (db m64302) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Old-Bitch-U-Airy Bess — 58th Bomb Wing • 462nd Bomb Group — 769th Bomb Squadron |
| |
K.D. Thompson • Thomas F. Randle, Jr.
Thurman W. Sallade • Thomas L. Price
Vaughn A. Plevan* • S. Clay Sandhofer
Louis N. Decory • Charles O. Trabold
B. Keith Baldwin • Gordon K. Golden
Leroy J. Arents — Map (db m64304) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Pacific Queen Z-35 — 73rd Bomb Wing • 500th Bomb Group — 882nd Bomb Squadron |
| |
Roy H. Bruns • Roy B. Brown
Harold T. Bohham • Victor W. Bailey
Laurence A. Dryden • Richard H. Beardsley
Richard J. Rodrick • Victor E. Repp
C. "Mike" Williams • Herbert C. Dunn
Earle M. Bayne — Map (db m64284) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Rover Boys Express — 21st Bomber Command • 73rd Bomb Wing — 499th Bomb Group • 878th Bomb Squadron |
| |
Edmund G Smith POW • James Edward POW
Ray "Hap" Halloran POW • Robert Grace*
William Franz* • Guy H Knobel POW
John P Nicholson POW • Anthony Lukasiewicz*
Vito C Barbieri* • Robert Holladay*
Cecil T Laird* — Map (db m64285) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Van Wingerden's Crew — 58th Bomb Wing • 444th Bomb Group — 676th Bomb Squadron |
| |
Nicolas Van Wingerden
William C Jennings* • Wendell F Geiwitz*
Albert E Woltz* • Uline C Miller
Thomas J Maxham* • Samuel E Davis*
Kenneth C Carlson* • Rex T Phelps*
Martin T Warner • Scott C Baker* — Map (db m64300) WM |
| Kansas (Barton County), Great Bend — Welch's Wolves — 58th Bomb Wing • 444th Bomb Group — 677th Bomb Squadron |
| |
Thomas Welch • James Johnson
Robert McKay • George Glover
Charles Vail • Robert McInerny
Allan Hanson • James Jones
Walter Grouten • James Vasbinder
Bob Kilburn • Hugh Polson
Am Reinhard — Map (db m64286) WM |
| Kansas (Butler County), Beaumont — The Beaumont Grass Landing Strip — Beaumont Historical Marker |
| |
Local lore has it that in 1948 a Wichita businessman wanted to fly into Beaumont to check on his cattle. He asked the hotel if they would block the road for his landing. Since having a plane land in Beaumont was exciting, the residents agreed. Well, the pilot told his friends and soon many other aviators were talking about the little Kansas town where you could land and taxi your plane on the main street. It quickly became a tradition with aviators and a practice for residents to check for . . . — Map (db m60717) HM |
| Kansas (Crawford County), Girard — "Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial" |
| | [Honor Roll of Names on Black Granite]
April 15, 1995
This UH-1H "Huey" helicopter was donated by Department of the Army and Kansas Army National Guard to Girard Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7479 through the efforts of All American Post Commander Larry R. Salzman and members of All American V.F.W. Post 7479. We give sincere appreciation to Crawford County Commissioners Pat Barone, Anthony Pichler, Earl McColm, and the Citizens of Crawford County for the site of this memorial and to . . . — Map (db m36946) HM |
| Kansas (Harper County), Anthony — September 11, 2001 Memorial |
| |
The day dawned clear and bright. But September 11, 2001 quickly became one of the darkest days in America's history. As the people of Anthony, Kansas went about their morning business, 19 men steeped in hatred and anger, carried out the evil preached to them by a terrorist who corrupted his own religion to justify his evil acts.
At 7:46 AM Anthony time, American Airlines Flight 11, hijacked by 5 terrorists, flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing all . . . — Map (db m62856) HM WM |
| Kansas (Kiowa County), Haviland — Buried Treasure in the Heartland |
| |
Home of the Brenham Meteorites — Map (db m65267) HM |
| Kansas (Lyon County), Emporia — Colonel Edwin H. Hawes |
| | The men of the 38th Bomber Group, United States Army 5th Air Force, W.W.II
in honor of
Col. Edwin H. Hawes
Killed in Action 9 August 1945
Kyushu, Japan Pacific Theater
S.S., D.F.C. P.H. B.S. A.M. — Map (db m49837) HM |
| Kansas (Marion County), Hillsboro — Hillsboro Airport — Alfred Schroeder Field |
| |
Lt. Schroeder U.S. Navy pilot
died in the line of duty on
March 29, 1945
"He died that we might be free" — Map (db m61030) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — A Flight Into History — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | Our city was named after Octave Chanute, a noted engineer who designed railroads throughout the United States. He also built the first bridge over the Missouri River at Kansas City.
He was a mentor and friend to Wilbur and Orville Wright. His book, "Progress In Flying Machines" (1894), was a major reference for them.
This sculpture represents the first controlled and powered flight by the Wrights and the first for mankind. It happened on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, a . . . — Map (db m57268) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Chanute Announces Wright Brothers' Flight — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | The Wright Brothers received their copy of Mr. Chanute's book personally from the author, who became both their friend and advisor.
Mr. Chanute visited the Wrights at Dayton, Oh. and Kitty Hawk, N.C.. Illness caused Mr. Chanute to miss the Wright Brothers' first flight; he was first to formally announce that the Wrights had flown in a heavier than air machine. — Map (db m57294) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Octave Chanute — 1832 - 1910 — "The Father of Aviation" |
| | "If he (Chanute) has not lived, the entire history of progress in flying would have been other than it has been, for he encouraged not only the Wright Brothers to persevere in their experiments, but (his) private correspondence with experimenters in all parts of the world was of great volume.
No one was too humble to receive a share of his time. In patience and goodness of heart, he has rarely been surpassed. Few men were more universally respected and loved."
Wilbur Wright
"the . . . — Map (db m57272) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Octave Chanute and "The Problem of The Ages" — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | Mr. Chanute moved to Chicago in 1889 and began working on solving "the problem of the ages" - heavier-than-air flight.
Chanute corresponded with men all over the world interested in flight. He gathered all the information he could find, looking into records of experiments going back 300 years.
He devoted his full time to flight until his death. — Map (db m57299) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Octave Chanute: Engineer — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | Born in Paris in 1832, Octave Chanute immigrated to the U.S. at the age of six. Even with no education in engineering, he would become one of the foremost engineers of the 19th Century through involvement in railroading, bridge building, construction, aviation and wood preservation. Chanute may be best known for his work in aviation. — Map (db m57296) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Octave Chanute's Progress in Flying Machines — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | Mr. Chanute's 1891 book "Progress in Flying Machines" made him the world's first aviation historian, but, more importantly, for the first time experimenters could read of work done before them and not waste time by repetition.
His 1896 biplane design was so successful that it underwent few changes during the next 50 years and was a model for the "Wright Flyer" at Kitty Hawk, N.C. — Map (db m57300) HM |
| Kansas (Neosho County), Chanute — Thoughts on a Successful Flying Machine — Chanute - Wright Memorial |
| | "Let us hope that the advent of a successful flying machine now only dimly foreseen and nevertheless thought to be possible, will bring nothing but good into the world, that it shall abridge distance, make all parts of the globe accessible, bring men into closer relation with each other, advance civilization and hasten the promised era in which there shall be nothing but peace and goodwill among all men."
Octave Chanute — Map (db m57293) HM |
| Kansas (Pratt County), Pratt — 29th Bomb Group — Trained Here 1944 - 1945 |
| |
We memorialize those of
our Group who paid the
ultimate price to preserve
freedom for America — Map (db m65067) HM WM |
| Kansas (Pratt County), Pratt — 40th Bomb Group VH |
| |
First Group to train at PAAB
Activated April 1, 1941
Deactivated October 22, 1946
Served with Distinction
From Bases In
——————————
Puerto Rico • Panama • Guatemala • Ecuador •
Pratt, Kansas • Chakulia, India • Hsinching, China • Tinian, The Marianas — Map (db m65077) HM WM |
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org