Arnold Air Force Base in Coffee County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
In Honor of Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021
1. In Honor of Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf Marker (top)
Wattendorf Memorial Highway
19 June 1987
in honor of
Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf
a distinguished engineer and scientist and a pioneer in the development of aeronautical technology.
The futuristic concepts which led to the creation of the Arnold Engineering Development Center were a product of his exceptional foresight, wisdom and dedication.
In the closing days of World War II Dr. Wattendorf, a founding member of General “Hap” Arnold's scientific advisory group, inspected captured test facilities which supported Germany's major technological advances in aircraft and missiles. On his way home he wrote his famous “trans-Atlantic memo” which proposed a new test center to guarantee preeminent U.S. airpower. His proposal became the blueprint for AEDC.
[Front side]
“The present development and future prospects of high-speed jet airplanes are associated with an urgent need for forward-looking advances in research and test facilities for high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems and component parts. The scope of the German plans makes it essential that our own plans be certainly not less ambitious. In the light of our future security … it is recommended that consideration and study— “Trans-Atlantic Memo”, 19 June 1945be given the establishment of a new Air Forces research and development center.”
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Erected by Arnold Engineering Development Complex, U.S. Air Force.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military • Science & Medicine • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1945.
Location. 35° 23.001′ N, 86° 1.809′ W. Marker is in Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, in Coffee County. Marker can be reached from Von Karmen Road west of Wattendorf Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on east side of the Arnold Air Force Base Visitor Center parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hillsboro TN 37342, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lt. Gen. Robert M. Bond (within shouting distance of this marker); Major James Duricy USAF (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); LT Kara Hultgreen USN (about 400 feet away); General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold (approx. 3.8 miles away); James W. Starnes (approx. 6.7 miles away); Pioneer Armored Maneuvers (approx. 7.3 miles away); War Comes to Manchester (approx. 7.6 miles away); The Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 7.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arnold Air Force Base.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021
2. In Honor of Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf Marker (front)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 16, 2021
3. In Honor of Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf Marker
Photographed By U.S. Air Force (modified to remove text)
4. Dr. Frank L. Wattendorf
Arnold Air Force Base website entry
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Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 227 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 17, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
