Near Elmira in Chemung County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

World War II Glider Training at Harris Hill

Photographed By Forest McDermott, July 16, 2013

1. World War II Glider Training at Harris Hill Marker

Inscription.
On this site in May 1941 the first Air Corps Pilot Officers reported for Glider Training. The six officers were lead by Major Fred R. Dent, Jr. who later was to direct the development and procurement of military gliders. The Elmira Area Soaring Corp, School provided the basic training using Schweizer Aircraft Corp, two-place gliders. Maj. Gen. H.H. “Hap” Arnold, Chief of the Air Corps, visited several times to learn about gliders to prepare for the military glider program. This plaque is dedicated to those civilian and military personnel who contributed much to this World War II program.

Dedicated 16 May 1991 by the National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

Erected 1991 by National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1941.

Location. 42° 7.223′ N, 76° 54.024′ W. Marker is near Elmira, New York, in Chemung County. Marker is on Soaring Hill Drive, on the right when traveling east. In front of the Harris Hill Soaring Corp. Visitor and Flight Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 57 Soaring Hill Drive, Elmira NY 14903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies.

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Harris Hill (a few steps from this marker); Rhodes Farm (approx. 0.3 miles away); Runonvea (approx. 1.7 miles away); First Settler (approx. 1.8 miles away); William Mapes (approx. 2 miles away); Miller Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Address by President Lincoln (approx. 3.8 miles away); World War Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Confederate Soldiers Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elmira.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, July 16, 2013

2. World War II Glider Training at Harris Hill Marker

Photographed By Forest McDermott, July 16, 2013

3. World War II Glider Training at Harris Hill Marker

Marker is on the right in front of the building.

Harris Hill Glider Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Forest McDermott, July 16, 2013

4. Harris Hill Glider Field

Each day, gliders still take off from this air field, took this photo while photographing the marker.

Harris Hill Soaring Corp. Visitor and Flight Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 21, 2015

5. Harris Hill Soaring Corp. Visitor and Flight Center

Glider Hanger image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 21, 2015

6. Glider Hanger

Gliders on the Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 21, 2015

7. Gliders on the Field

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2013, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 953 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 23, 2013, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania. 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 8, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.