Fort Bliss in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hinman Hall
— Fort Bliss Main Post Historic District —
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
1. Hinman Hall Marker
Inscription.
Hinman Hall, named for Brigadier General Dale Durkee Hinman who commanded the Antiaircraft Artillery Training Center at Fort Bliss in 1943, was the administrative headquarters for the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School for over 50 years. It was designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Landauer, Guerrero and Shafer and was built by the R. E. McKee Construction Company of El Paso at a cost of $2.7 million. The building's modernist design was in bold contrast with the surrounding Queen Anne-style brick buildings. At its 1954 dedication ceremony, General John E. Dahlquist, Commanding General of Continental Army Command, stated, "Our new academic building - modern, streamlined, solid, strong - [exemplifying] the strength and growth of the anti-aircraft artillery and the importance of the activities now being conducted within its walls.", Over six decades, Hinman Hall served as a first-class facility for classroom training of the Hawk, Nike Ajax, and Nike Hercules, and later missile defense systems. At its peak, the school graduated more than 5,000 students each year from 58 allied nations. "The Air Defense School", as it soon became known, and its large international contingent prompted the Fort Bliss News to refer to it as a "little United Nations all by itself." The legacy of Hinman Hall is the training programs of the USAADAS that proved instrumental in the defense of the United States and allied nations during the Cold War.
Hinman Hall, named for Brigadier General Dale Durkee Hinman who commanded the Antiaircraft Artillery Training Center at Fort Bliss in 1943, was the administrative headquarters for the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School for over 50 years. It was designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Landauer, Guerrero and Shafer and was built by the R. E. McKee Construction Company of El Paso at a cost of $2.7 million. The building's modernist design was in bold contrast with the surrounding Queen Anne-style brick buildings. At its 1954 dedication ceremony, General John E. Dahlquist, Commanding General of Continental Army Command, stated, "Our new academic building - modern, streamlined, solid, strong - [exemplifying] the strength and growth of the anti-aircraft artillery and the importance of the activities now being conducted within its walls."
Over six decades, Hinman Hall served as a first-class facility for classroom training of the Hawk, Nike Ajax, and Nike Hercules, and later missile defense systems. At its peak, the school graduated more than 5,000 students each year from 58 allied nations. "The Air Defense School", as it soon became known, and its large international contingent prompted the Fort Bliss News to refer to it as a "little United Nations all by itself." The legacy of Hinman Hall is the training programs of the
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USAADAS that proved instrumental in the defense of the United States and allied nations during the Cold War.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1943.
Location. 31° 48.322′ N, 106° 26.209′ W. Marker is in Fort Bliss, Texas, in El Paso County. Marker is on Sheridan Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: El Paso TX 79906, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Hinman Hall. Inside Hinman Hall is a framed informational paragraph about Hinman Hall. It reads:
This building was named in memory of Brigadier General Dale Durkee Hinman for outstanding service to Antiaircraft Artillery. During the years of 1916 to 1944 he typified the finest in professional soldiery. Commander, instructor,
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
2. Hinman Hall and Marker
executive, and pioneer, his selfless devotion to duty, his sterling personal integrity, and his singular unity of purpose have not only served as an inspiration to all who knew him, but have established a standard for those who follow. In recognition of more than twenty-seven years of unique leadership and magnificent personal example, the officers of the Antiaircraft and Guided Missile School joined in this tribute to a soldier of their time.
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
3. Hinman Hall Entrance
According to the plaques mounted in front of the two Civil War era artillery pieces displayed here, they are 12 Pounder Bronze Napolean guns, also known as Light 12 Pounder Field Guns. The two were manufactured by Revere Copper Company of Boston and delivered on 19 May 1862, inspected by Thomas Jefferson Rodman. The carriages were donated by the NCO Wives Club in 1969.
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
4. Hinman Hall Dedication Plaque
Hinman Hall
Dedicated to the memory of Brigadier General Dale Hurkee Hinman
in recognition of outstanding performance of duty in war and peace
Born 4 November 1891
Died 26 December 1949
Awarded Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
5. Hinman Hall Information, posted inside Hinman Hall
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
6. Hinman Hall
This historical photograph, displayed on a separate marker on Fort Bliss, shows Hinman Hall shortly after it was built.
Photographed By Kevin W., April 12, 2016
7. Portrait of Brigadier General Dale Durkee Hinman, from inside Hinman Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 737 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 27, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.