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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Near Lubbock in Lubbock County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
 

South Plains Army Air Field

 
 
South Plains Army Air Field Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Kevin Hoch, March 28, 2011
1. South Plains Army Air Field Marker
Inscription. During World War II, nine preliminary and advanced military glider pilot training fields operated in Texas; one of the most prominent sites was located here. The U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) leased Lubbock Municipal Airport, and with help from the City of Lubbock expanded it for glider training. Opened in October 1942, the site was initially named South Plains Army Flying School, and later renamed South Plains Army Air Field (SPAAF).

The mission of SPAAF was ground and advanced flight training for glider pilots who flew the "Waco CG-4A" glider--the USAAF's primary glider during the war. During its tenure, SPAAF trained nearly 80% of America's combat glider pilots who served in major operations, such as Market Garden (invasion of the Netherlands), Varsity (invasion of Germany) and Overlord (the "D-Day" allied invasion of Normandy, France). SPAAF closed on April 1, 1945, more than a month before victory in Europe was declared. Designated surplus, the site was transferred to the War Assets Administration in December 1947. In 1949 the airfield returned to the City of Lubbock for Municipal use, and in 1950 the city built a modern air terminal.

Regional combat glider training facilities -- located in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains -- were vital components of U.S. military force projection capability during the war.
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In addition, the creation and maintenance of these bases contributed significantly to local economies during the war. In 1971, former glider pilots formed the National World War II Glider Pilots Association, Inc., providing the framework for the preservation of the history of the U.S. combat glider program. Today, a key element in telling this story is the Silent Wings Museum, moved to this site and opened in October 2002.
 
Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16427.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & SpaceWar, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1935.
 
Location. 33° 39.462′ N, 101° 49.909′ W. Marker is near Lubbock, Texas, in Lubbock County. Marker is on North Cedar Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located directly in front of the Silent Wings Museum which is located on the western edge of the Lubbock airport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6202 North I-27, Lubbock TX 79403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. W. G. McMillan Construction Company (here, next to this marker); World War II Glider Pilots (a few steps from this marker); Douglas DC-3/C-47/R4D-6S (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Lubbock Municipal Airport
South Plains Army Air Field Marker <i>on the left</i> image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 9, 2017
2. South Plains Army Air Field Marker on the left
W. G. McMillan Construction Company Marker is on the right.
(approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Old Lubbock (approx. 1.8 miles away); Austin Brothers Bridge (approx. 3.9 miles away); Landwer/Manicapelli Home (approx. 4 miles away); Prairie Dog Town (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lubbock.
 
South Plains Army Air Field Marker <i>in the center</i> image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 9, 2017
3. South Plains Army Air Field Marker in the center
W. G. McMillan Construction Company Marker is on the right.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2012, by Kevin Hoch of Waco, Texas. This page has been viewed 750 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:   1. submitted on February 3, 2012, by Kevin Hoch of Waco, Texas.   2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 28, 2024