New Civic Auditorium in Ardmore nearing completion. January 1, 1943.Army heavy bomber, Consolidated B-24D, 41-24202, piloted by Lt. Russell G. Bishop, crashes and burns approximately 8:30 PM, January 6, 1943 near Lebanon, Oklahoma (18 miles SE of Ardmore on the Truman Cobb farm), killing all aboard. The aircraft was from the 504th Bomb Squadron, 346th Bomb Group stationed at Smoky Hill Army Air Base, Salina, Kansas. The crew had been on a cross-country training flight to Galveston, Texas and was last cleared for Salina, Kansas from Orlando, Florida. The aircraft was heard flying at a high altitude over Perrin Field, Sherman, Texas, a short time prior to the crash. There was no indication of a problem at that time. The Smoky Hill public relations officer identified the dead as: Second Lieutenant Russell G. Bishop, Jr, Washington, DC, pilot; Second Lieutenant Robert Secord, Cleveland, Ohio; navigator; Second Lieutenant James H. Dyer, Grand Rapids, Michigan, bombardier; Second Lieutenant John F. Howell, Ashville, North Carolina, co-pilot; Sergeant Ray E. Balzer, Greenfield, Ohio, radio operator; Sergeant Kelsey C. Horning, Hoisington, Kansas, gunner; Sergeant Stanley J. Jaros, Chicago, Illinois, armored-gunner and Sergeant Albert L. Baima, Chicago, Illinois, aircraft engineer. Second Lieutenant S. Lipsman, Quartermaster Corps, home address not given and not a member of the crew, was aboard as a passenger. The "Madill Record," reported that his body was not found initially but was identified later.
The present USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, Omaha, Nebraska, had its ancestral beginning at Ardmore Army Air Base as the 402nd Army Air Forces Band designated, January 15, 1943, and activated, February 1, 1943, as part of the 1st Troop Carrier Command. It was redesignated as the 702nd Army Band, December 24, 1943, and renamed 702nd Army Air Forces Band, March 1, 1944. The band at that time had 15 members comprised of former members of the Nation's top symphonies and leading big bands. The band played for many US War Bond drives in the Southern Oklahoma area. When the base closed in 1945, the band was assigned, July 30, 1945, to Andrews Field, Maryland. Throughout its 60-year history, the band has boosted the moral of the troops, soothed the spirit of a troubled Nation in times of war, and provided entertainment for multiple thousands. Fast Forward Note: The Heartland of America Band returned to its "roots," Thursday, May 22, 2003, to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The 40-member concert band gave a Pre-Memorial Day, pre-dedication, 7:00 PM evening concert at Heritage Hall (Civic Auditorium), Broadway at C Street NW,
in Ardmore. The two-hour performance for the audience of 1,200 (estimate) was given in remembrance of the 60 men who lost their lives in training accidents while at Ardmore during both base activation periods. At 11:00AM on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2003, the granite memorial was officially dedicated. The ceremony was held at the Remembrance Memorial Park inside Ardmore Industrial Airpark, (Gene Autry, Oklahoma). An estimated 250 people were in attendance including relatives of accident victims, former base personnel of both activation periods and veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm.
Lt. Colonel Boyd R. Ertwine, new base commander replaces Lt. Colonel Charles R. Blake. February 1, 1943.
Hershel Gilliam's Roxy theater in Ardmore has fire. February 3, 1943. Fast Forward Note: The theater was rebuilt and renamed Globe theater by a contestant that submitted the name of the English theater where Shakespeare performed.
Annual salary at AAAFld: male clerks ($1,620), female typists ($1,440), assistant messengers ($1,200), chauffeurs ($1,320), classified laborer ($1,000-$1,200), cook ($1,320), electrician ($2,200), foreman ($1,680-$2,000). February 3, 1943. Fast Forward Note: Labor Department, Bureau of Labor Standards reported that the average wage per hour for July 2005 was $16.03. This reflects an average income for a 40-hour week of $641.20 or $33,342.40 per year, median salary estimate, $68,550.
Texas Bitulithic Co. Dallas, Texas, gets contract for paving at AAAFld in excess of $1,000,000. March 9, 1943.
Major James C. Baker arrives as Executive Officer, AAAFld. March 10, 1943.
Captain Ray E. Hill replaces Lt. James F. Doyle as Public Relations officer. March 15, 1943.
First air crash with fatalities of AAAFld aircraft seven miles SW of base, March 14, 1943. FO/2nd Lt. Emil M. Horkavi, 30, and FO/1st Lt. Frank M. Dimond, 29, died instantly.
Trainer aircraft from Perrin AAFld crashes three miles west of Ardmore, Cadet J. C. Bufkin bails out. March 16, 1943.
Two giant boxes Post Toasties (.25), 24oz. Peanut butter (.39), 48# flour ($1.98), Pratt’s Grocery Ad. March 19, 1943.
Medical Detachment to plant six-acre garden, needs farming implements from local farmers. March 26, 1943.
Colonel Ertwine, CO, puts several Ardmore eating places off-limits to AAAFld personnel. March 28, 1943.
"Cousin Puny" Sparger opens Buckhorn Bar, 113 W. Main, Ardmore. March 29, 1943.
Perrin AAF trainer and two occupants crash in Lake Murray, rescued with minor injuries. April 4, 1943.
Camp Howze and Ardmore High School bands perform at AAAFld first open house, April 6, 1943.
Contract to Midland Construction Company, Oklahoma City, reinforcements for buildings, less than $50,000. Fox Rig and Lumber Company, Ardmore, low bid for construction of Officer's Club Building. April 11, 1943.
After being observed in the Lake Murray area, aircraft BT-13A (41-11546), 508 Basic Flying Training Squadron, Perrin Field, Texas,
with one occupant, Cadet Ralph E. Gunnels, 23, Galveston, Texas, crashes and burns in thick timber 15 miles SE of Ardmore, 11 PM, Saturday (4th crash in the area in a month). There were storm clouds and considerable lightning but no precipitation in the area. Visibility was unrestricted underneath the storm cloud. The aircraft spun in and exploded; the exact nature of the spin was not determined.
April 10, 1943.
Trinidad Asphalt Manufacturing Co., files lawsuit against Russ Mitchell, Inc. for $140,545; loss of contract. April 29, 1943.
USO building, 220-222 West Main, Ardmore, dedicated, open house, May 7, 1943. Note:The nation's first USO was at DeRidder AFB, DeRidder, Lousiana.
The United Service Organization (USO) was formed in February 1941. Ten months later, the doors of the white, wood-framed building in DeRidder, Louisiana opened to servicemen and women stationed at Camp Polk and the nearby DeRidder Army Air Base, becoming the nation's first USO. It served thousands of people during the war. The building, now known as the Beauregard Parish War Memorial Civic Center, still stands as a gathering spot for entertainment and community business. From "Kinfolks, Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Society, Inc."
Floodwaters from Caddo Creek and Washita River isolate Ardmore Army Air Field. May 11, 1943.
The Farm Security Administration will move the 28 empty buildings on government owned land which served as homes, barns and other structures to 1,500 acres of Farm Security Administration land near Pensacola in Mayes County, Oklahoma. The homes were constructed for qualifying farm families in 1941. The land where the farms were located has become part of the area being developed as the Ardmore Army Air Field. June 8, 1943 Note: Local residents referred to the area where these buildings were temporarily moved NE of the base as "Gliderville."
Perrin AAFld aircraft crashes NE of Davis, Oklahoma, June 23, 1943.
Bus service from AAAFld to Sulphur, Oklahoma was expected to begin in June 1943. Bus or buses would leave Gene Autry around 5 PM and depart from Sulphur at 11 PM in order to reach the base before midnight when all enlisted men had to be on base. The route would be from Gene Autry along the cut-off east of the base to Highway 18 (now 199), then north to Sulphur. May 20, 1943 Sulphur Times-Democrat
The 394th Bomb Group initiated a weekly publication entitled "Propwash" in May 1943 while at MacDill Field. The publication was available during the units training period while in the United States. It is unknown as to whether it was continued overseas but assumed it might have been.
Captain T. A. Russ, Post Engineer, offers free hay to farmers who will harvest it. July 1, 1943. Fast Forward Note: More about Captain Russ as remembered by a son in "This I Remember...."
A B-26C, (41-34770), with crew of seven on its way to Ardmore, Monday, July 12, 1943, from MacDill Field, Tampa, Florida, crashed killing all aboard just north of Port Vincent, Louisiana, approximately 17 miles SE of Harding Field, Baton Rouge. Captain Sheldon M. Pierce, aircraft commander, was flying in a loose "V" formation at 2,500 feet with five other B-26s when his aircraft and another dropped out of formation at approximately 1030 CWT. The flight leader, Captain Edward B. Saxton, used visual signals due to radio silence to tell them to return to the formation and assumed they did. Making a visual check a short time later, two other of the aircraft had changed position and Saxton assumed it was them. When they landed at DeRidder AAF, it was discovered Pierce had crashed. The reason for the accident could not be determined. Captain Pierce had flown B-26s for 275:30 hours of his total piloting time of 519:50 hours. This was the first accident with fatalities since activation of the 394th Bomb Group, Monday, February 15, 1943 at MacDill Field. Others of the crew included 2nd Lt. William M. Lester, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Murphy, navigator; M/Sgt. Estel B. Johnson, gunner; Sgt. Austin M. Foley, passenger; Sgt. William B. Williams, radio operator and Cpl. Paul W. Banks, passenger. M/Sgt. Johnson was a veteran of WWI. They were members of the 585th Squadron of the 394th Bomb Group. The crash was assigned to Ardmore even though the aircraft had never landed here. This accident was sad news for 394th personnel as they arrived at Ardmore, their new field assignment.Fast Forward Note: Captain Saxton continued as squadron leader after the 394th went overseas. While there, he contacted polio and was relieved of his duties with the squadron.
Air cadet examining board set up at AAAFld. July 14, 1943.
Lt. Colonel Frank J. Siebenaler (See-ben-naller) became base commander, July 19, 1943, replacing Lt. Colonel Boyd R. Ertwine. Siebenaler, a Minnesota native, began his military career in 1923 as a buck private. After eight years as an enlisted man, he was commissioned a Lieutenant, receiving his pilot's wings two years later. He received his Lt. Colonel commission a year previous to coming to Ardmore. He served two years in the Philippines and is a command pilot. Fast Forward Note: An Internet accident report seems to indicate that Siebenaler was flying as early as 1934 (if this is the same person). "11 Jun 1934,
Technical Sergeant Frank J. Siebenaler, 94th Pursuit Squadron, pilot, and Corporal William B. Buckley, 57th Service Squadron, crew-chief, escaped injury when C-4A airplane was completely wrecked at Camp Skeel, Michigan, after engines cut out on take-off." This could have been shortly before he was commissioned and received his wings but contradicts the previous information a bit.
Two trains with support personnel of the 394th Bombardment Group departed for Ardmore from Tampa, Florida. One left July 14, 1943, with 1st Lt. Burton R. Miller as train commander. The other departed July 15, with Captain Henry D. Settles commanding. Each arrived in Ardmore four days later.
On Friday, July 23, 1943, a B-26B (41-18243) of the 586th Squadron, 394th Bombardment Group, piloted by Lt. Elmer E. Herron on a cross-country to Oklahoma City, crashed approximately three miles northeast of Norman, Oklahoma. The aircraft struck a cable stretched across the South Canadian River disabling the left engine forcing a crash landing in a cotton field destroying the aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Lt. Herron later flew with the 394th in the European theater.
Lt. Elmer Gedeon had two tires blow-out (one then the other main) on his B-26 while landing at Great Salt Plains Air Field, Oklahoma. The plane was not damaged and Lt. Gedeon and crew were not injured. He was commended for the skill shown in controlling the aircraft. Fast Forward Note: Captain Elmer Gedeon, 394th Bomb Group, 586th Bomb Squadron, one of the most popular officers in the group, was shot down over France, April 20, 1944. He was a former outfielder for the Washingon Senators and a star athlete while attending the University of Michigan. Others of the crew were 2/Lt Jack March, S/Sgt. Joseph Kobret, Sgts. John Felker and Ira Thomas and Pvt. Charles Atkinson; 2nd Lt James Traaffe, co-pilot, the only one to exit the aircraft, was taken prisoner.
The commanding general of the 3rd Air Force, Brigadier General James E. Parker, visited the 394th Bombardment Group and toured the Ardmore base July 20, 1943. The first official ground and aerial review for the group was held July 24, 1943. No opportunity was presented by base officials for Ardmore civilians to learn of the 394th's war training activities due to its short stay at the base. Fortunately, the history of the 394th from activation to deactivation has been chronicled in Bridge Busters, a 1949 publication written by Captain J. Guy Ziegler who served with the unit. Much of the Ardmore information is from this source.
Polio outbreak, pools closed, delayed school opening considered. July 28, 1943.
Train derailment at Gene Autry. August 10, 1943
Orders issued August 14, 1943, transfered the 394th Bombartment Group to Kellogg Field, Michigan. The advance echelon left Ardmore August 17. Aircraft were dispatched August 19 and two train loads of support troops under command of Captain Henry D. Settles and Lieutenant Burton R. Miller, departed Ardmore, August 23, 1943.
Pfc. Jack Davis, 30, Camp Howze soldier, lost his left leg below the knee as a result of saving his 3-year-old son, Roy Lee, from being hit by an auto. While visiting his parents, who lived in Ardmore, he saw Roy Lee walk into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by 17-year-old, George Coach, a farm youth. Pfc. Davis ran into the street, scooping his son into his arms. The vehicle struck him, pinning him between the auto and a tree. His son was thrown free and was not injured. Pfc. Davis was transported to the Ardmore Army Air Field hospital.
County Attorney, Rutherford Brett, filed reckless driving charges on the driver. August 27, 1943
Lt. Colonel Paul T. Preuss, is A-3 of the 46th Bombardment Wing. August 1943. Fast Forward Note: Major General Pruess retired August 1, 1966 and died September 18, 1987. His son, Paul Preuss, is a successful science writer and was a little over a year old when at Ardmore.
402nd (later 702nd) Band to play at boat races at Lake Murray. October 4, 1943.
Mulkey Hotel Coffee Shop (Washington and 2nd) back in business after July 10, 1943 fire. October 1943.
Repair Depot, under Major Postlewaite, employed several hundred civilians. October 1943.
Lacy and Co., Dallas, Texas, contracts for additional aprons, widened taxiways, $500,000 plus. October 4, 1943.
B-17s to get chin turrets. October 5, 1943.
Captain Kendrick R. Bragg, inspiration for the song "Coming In On A Wing and A Prayer," arrives at Ardmore Army Air Field. A German plane struck the lead aircraft, tearing off a wing and rammed Bragg's Fortress, All American, just forward of the tail almost cutting it into two sections. The aircraft damage is shown in three pictures on The Plane That Wouldn't Quit!" under fuselage damage section. You will understand why the crew was praying! October 10, 1943. Fast Forward Note: After the War, he graduated from Duke University with a degree in Architecture, moved to and practiced in St. John, Virgin Islands. Kendrick "Sonny" R. Bragg died at the age of 81 in North Carolina according to the "Savannah Morning News" of October 17, 1999. The following exert from http://www.pink.lady.free.fr/story.html gives additional information about Kendrick's mid-air collision:
"A mid-air collision on February 1, 1943 between a B-17 and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of World War II. An enemy fighter attacking a 97th Bomb Group formation went out of control, probably with a wounded or dead pilot. It crashed into the lead aircraft of the flight, ripped a wing off the Fortress, and caused it to crash. The enemy fighter then continued its crashing descent into the rear of the fuselage of a Fortress named All American, piloted by Lt. Kendrick R. Bragg, of the 414th Bomb Squadron. When it struck, the fighter broke apart, but left some pieces in the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, the fuselage had been cut approximately two-thirds through, the control cables were severed, and the electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. Although the tail swayed in the breeze, one elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft still flew-miraculously! The aircraft was brought in for an emergency landing and when the ambulance pulled alongside, it was waved off for not a single member of the crew had been injured. No one could believe that the aircraft could still fly in such a condition. The Fortress sat placidly until three men climbed aboard through the door in the fuselage, at which time the rear collapsed. The rugged old bird had done its job."
Note: An in-flight formation accident, February 12, 1944, between two AAAFld B-17s, separated the tail section from one aircraft killing 10 of the crew. Read the only survivor's personal recollections of that accident.
Lt. Colonel James W. Wilson was appointed director of training of the 395th Combat Crew Training School in October 1943. Prior to assignment at Ardmore, Lt. Colonel Wilson (Major) had previously flown as commander of the 423rd Squadron of the 306th Bombardment Group out of England. While there, he was under command of Brigadier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr. who accompanied Wilson and John Regan as an observer on a bomb run on Antwerp. Their aircraft was heavily damaged with serious injuries to the navigator. Without hydraulics and oxygen, heroic effort by the cockpit crew and Armstrong saved the navigator and the aircraft that made it back to England. Armstrong received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his contribution. Wilson later became executive officer of the 306th. Although he did not have to fly missions, he flew as pilot-in-command on a raid on a German air base at Tricqueville, France to celebrate the 25th and final mission of Captain Raymond Check, pilot, who flew that day as copilot. The regular copilot, Lt. William Cassedy, flew as waist-gunner on this mission. A shell from a German fighter smashed into the cockpit, killing Check who was to be married to a nurse the next day. Wilson received wounds and burns to the hands and arms from the fire that occurred but managed to fly the ship back to Thurleigh, England. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his effort. He was transferred to Ardmore after recovering from his wounds. He served here till March 1944 when he was assigned to Army Air Forces Headquarters, Washington, DC as plans officer of the 20th Bomb Command. He returned to England in August 1944 to complete his B-17 tour as commander of the 92nd Bombardment Group. He returned to the US, October 1945. Fast Forward Note: Lieutenant General Wilson retired February 1, 1970 and died October 5, 200l. Thank you General Wilson for your many years of dedicated service to our country!
Major A. C. Perry assigned as Billeting Officer, Ardmore-Sulphur offices. October 1943
Soldiers from Camp Howze, (Gainesville, Texas) on
bivouac at Lake Murray State Park, south of Ardmore, built a pontoon bridge that was soon destroyed by "enemy" bombers dropping sacks of flour. Unknown as to whether the aircraft were from Ardmore Army Air Field or elsewhere. October 27, 1943 Fast Forward Note: At least two accounts of bombs being dropped on civilian property have been reported by former B-17 crew members. One waist gunner reported that the bombardier on their aircraft "accidently" dropped a practice bomb on the cement factory near Ada, Oklahoma one morning at around 7:30 AM. The gunner wrote officials of Ada a few years ago asking if they had a record of this incidence as to any damage done. Too many years and generations had passed for anyone to be interested enough to search for or provide any information. (The author has contacted the public library at Ada and has permission and a goal to search papers of that era for the news account). Another crew member of another B-17 at another time, reported that they bombed an electrical distribution station by error on one of their training missions but did not know the outcome of that incident. It is reported that the Rock House, an administration office, located on the east side of Lake Murray was also bombed by a B-17 from Ardmore. This has not been verified. A co-pilot that trained at Ardmore with one of the last crews here, communicated recently (March 2007) that their bombardier accidently released a bomb around mid-night that went through the roof of a drug store in Ada, Oklahoma. The bombs in these occurrences would have been loaded with sand and a light powder charge.
Approximately 250 families of officers from Ardmore Army Air Field have found housing in the area. Sixteen of the cabins at Lake Murray have been made available for officers and their families on a monthly basis. All cabins in the Cedarvale area near Turner Falls were also rented by officers. Local residents in the Ardmore and surrounding area are asked to share their homes with the officers. October 27, 1943
On October 28, 1943, the 402nd AAF Band inaugurated a regular schedule of retreat formations at the 75-foot flagpole in front of
Base Headquarters. This ceremony is conducted each Tuesday to Friday evenings inclusive. The following EM of the band were promoted on 1 November 1943. Sgt. Beahan to Staff Sgt;
Corporals
Caruso, Cervantes, Sinclair and Whitney to Sgt.; Pfc's Chamberlain, Houser and J. Thompson to Corporal. On 11 November, in addition to the regularily scheduled dance, the band played for Armistice Day ceremonies in Sulphur. Three programs of entertainment are offered weekly by the organization. The 402nd AAF Dance Band plays at Sulphur on Thursday evenings, and at the Municipal Auditorium in Ardmore on Saturday nights. In connection with Special Services, Cpl. Frank Houser and Mrs. Houser appear each Thursday evening at 6:30 in a quarter-hour broadcast of music for violin and piano from Radio Station KVSO in Ardmore. The 402nd AAF Band is under the musical direction of W/O William I. Graves. The band's Commanding Officer is Capt. George Childs, Base Special Service Officer.
"Fluffy-Fuz" was the name of Wing Commander Frank A. Armstrong’s B-17. October 31, 1943. Fast Forward Note: A B-17 with the name "Fluffy-Fuz" can be seen taking off in the movie "Twelve O'Clock High". It is not known if this was the aircraft used by General Armstrong while at Ardmore or one named for use in the movie. Since General Armstrong was the person Brigadier General Frank Savage of the fictitious 916th Bomb Group was patterned after, it was probably used in honor of General Armstrong's dedicated service. The name represents nicknames he used for his wife, "Fluffy" and his son, Frank A. Armstrong, III or "Fuz". Other aircraft assigned at other bases to Armstrong also carried these names but had a II and III added. Major Frank
A. Armstrong, III, was known as "Dutch" Armstrong during his military service prior to his 1967 death in Cambodia.
Colonel John P. Wheeler, Commanding Officer, Camp Howze, Gainesville, Texas, gave a $10 check to Ardmoreite, Miss Catherine Stolfa for her "Idea for Victory" suggestion to improve work-improvement and money-saving ideas. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Stolfa, Ardmore. October 31, 1943
Lt. Colonel James Rhea Luper, who started out as a buck private and later attended West Point, was Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the 46th Bombardment Operational Training Wing under Wing Commander, Brigidier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr. at Ardmore prior to going overseas. October 31, 1943 Fast Forward Note: Colonel Luper served with distinction throughout his military career which ended in a fatal crash several years after the war ended.
Lt. Orr A. James is Chaplain. The Chapel was across the street from Headquarters that was located about halfway between the west main entrance and the flight line. October 31, 1943.
Four crewmen were killed instantly and four were injured in the crash of a B-17F (42-3466), Thursday, November 4, 1943. The severely injured pilot, Lt. Derald C. Holland, died two weeks later in the Borden U. S. Army Hospital, Chickasha, Oklahoma. The crash and burn occurred on a hill in the Arbuckle Mountains two miles north of the base during a landing attempt at 8:12 PM. On 170-degree final, the aircraft failed to clear the obstruction by approximately six feet, hitting the trees and descending down the ridge until it piled up against the next one. Fast Forward Note: The injured co-pilot, Lt. Ronald L. Call, who survived the crash, received the Soldier's Medal in December 1943 for his effort in removing crew members from the burning aircraft and providing aid to the surviving injured. After recovering from his injuries, he became aircraft commander of Crew 204, recognized as the best performing "Crew of the Week," January 13-20, 1944. His co-pilot on the crew was a cousin, Lt. Charles L. Call. Both men were from Afton, Wyoming and had worked in Charles' father's print shop prior to entering the service. "Bombs-Away," the base weekly, provided a story and picture of the crew in the January 20, 1944 edition.
Ten of thirty buffalo transferred to Lake Murray Park from Medford, Oklahoma frequently roamed to another part of the park and had to be "rounded up" and brought back to their assigned pastures. Carl Votaw, park superintendent, hired Joe Forbes and three of his ranch cowboys to drive them home. November 10, 1943 Fast Forward Note: According to recent communication with Floyd Forbes, son of Joe Forbes and one of the cowboys who rounded up the buffalo, they continued to roam! They were put in pastures surrounded with fences but would swim out into Lake Murray in the Elephant Rock area and return to shore in another area beyond the fences. The problem continued and the animals were sold, gathered and shipped to a new owner. One animal that could not be gathered with the herd, later supplied buffalo steaks courtesy of Forbes Meat Market, Ardmore, owned by Joe Forbes' brother.
Colonel James R. Luper, Chief of Staff, Ardmore Army Air Field, gave a speech to Ardmore High School classes as part of their observance of the 25th anniversary of Armistice Day. He was introduced by student, Martin Dyer. November 11, 1943
On Monday, November 15, 1943, a transient B-26 piloted by Lt. Arden E. Hixton crashed on takeoff one-half mile south of the base. The other three crew members also received injuries but escaped the burning aircraft. Lt. Hixon and crew were flying out of Love Field, Dallas, Texas.
$700,000 in contracts let: L. T. Lacy, Dallas, Texas, $200,000(additional taxiways, warmup pads, and paving), United Construction, Dallas, $200,000(additional hangers), Builder's Construction, Oklahoma City, $300,000(additional barracks and other buildings). November 16, 1943
Four letters from an unknown soldier to a loved one, probably his wife, reflects in-depth ordnance training in California, assignment to Ardmore AAFld, then mail-call disappointment, a lack of base unit stability and a rather low opinion of Ardmore, Oklahoma. The AAAFld letterheads were probably printed by Wits End, a stationery and paper supplier in Ardmore. The first two letters from Ardmore feature the B-26 Marauder, the plane flown by the 394th Bombardment Group during their five-week stay at the base. The fourth letter, two weeks later, with the B-17 design reflects a better attitude and new stationery; still some unknowns, but life goes on. November 17, 1943.
The Base Theater has a 1 PM Matinee every day and two shows at night, 8:15 PM and 10:15 PM. The Double Features showing Saturday, November 20 are "Find the Blackmailer" with Jerome Cowan and Faye Emerson and "Mr. Mugg Steps Out" staring the Eastside Kids.
The weekly base news publication, "Bombs Away," had its birth Novermber 20, 1943. Initially, it was a four-page, 11 1/4-inch x 17-inch, typeset paper but later changed to standard newspaper size. Printed by the Daily Ardmoreite in Ardmore, it was distributed on Saturdays. A base contest to name the publication was won by Pfc. Johannes Roodzant, Los Angeles, Veterinarian Detachment, who received a crisp five-dollar bill for his winning entry. Captain George Childs was editor; T/Sgt. Alex M. Victor, managing editor; Pfc. John W. Loges, art editor and S/Sgt. H. F. Gugler, photo editor. Loges designed a logo for the top of page one showing a B-17 flying by the control tower. An officer advisory board included: Major Harbert C. Chancellor, Public Relations Officer; Captain George Childs, Special Services and Captain Harry H. Page, Special Services. Lt. Colonel Leo J. Leeburn was base commander.
On November 20, 1943 at 1630 (CWT) hours, 1st Lieutenant Cullen A. Edwards of the 589th Squadron, 395th Bombardment Group, had the fortune, or misfortune, of being the 1,000th patient to be admitted to the Base Hospital since opening approximately a year ago.
On a bright, Sunday afternoon, November 21, 1943, Brigadier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 46th Bombardment Operational Training Wing, presented ten AAAFld officers and noncommissioned officers with medals of achievement recognizing their individual bravery under combat conditions. The awards were presented with full military pomp including the alignment of squadrons, a musical salute to the General, with ruffles and flourishes, then the General's march. The squadrons stood at "present arms," while the officers of staff and individual military of the spectator's lines, stood at "salute." The commander of troops, Major Orren L. Briggs, Base S-3, conducted the men to be recognized to the staff lineup where the decorating took place. The reviewing officer was General Armstrong, accompanied by Lt. Colonel Leo J. Leeburn, Base Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Kenneth D. King was parade adjutant; WOJG William L. Graves directed the band. Receiving decorations, as nine B-17s in formation flew overhead, were: Captain Joyce J. Bamber (Purple Heart); Captain John C. Adams (Distinguished Flying Cross); Lieutenant Herbert E. Wiest (Air Medal); Sergeant Reedas G. Franklin (Distinguished Flying Cross); S/Sergeant Wayne Garey (Distinguished Flying Cross and Oak Leaf Cluster for Air Medal); Major Henry B. Earthman (Air Medal); Major Thomas C. Parkinson (Air Medal); Captain Victor J. Poncik (Air Medal); T/Sergeant Norman A Carlsen (Air Medal) and S/Sergeant Gus Economopoulus (Air Medal). General Armstrong's staff included Lieutenant Colonel Moultie P. Freeman, Lieutenant Colonel Owen F. Murphy, Captain Harry A. Blitch, Captain Stewart
Byran Jr., Captain William T. Hamlin, First Lieutenant Wayne K. Bright and First Lieutenant Norman C. Warner. On Colonel Leeburn's staff were Lieutenant Colonel Richard F. Bromiley, Major John E. Alexander, Major Harbert C. Chancellor, Major William J. Foy, Captain R. G. Boyd, Captain George A. Moore, and First Lieutenant William M. Winship. On Major Briggs staff were Lieutenants Kenneth D. King, Preston O. Wilson, Augustus B. Hill, David E. Schlonsky and Clyde Williams. Fast Forward Note: Medal recepient, Major Henry B. Earthman, became Lt. Colonel Henry B. Earthman, Base Commander, May-July 1945.
Captain Alvin R. Fink, CO, 418th Air Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron, married Miss Mary Louise Landrum, commissary clerk, Quartermaster Corps, Saturday, November 20, 1943, in the base chapel. Chaplain Lee R. Spencer, officiated.
General George C. Patton apologizes for striking a 7th Army soldier. November 23, 1943.
"Effective 24 November 1943, this base is designated as: 395th Combat Crew Training School, Army Air Base, Ardmore, Oklahoma. This designation will be used on all letter heads, it was ordered in daily bulletin of 24 November." Bombs Away, November 27, 1943. Fast Forward Note: Most of the documents of later dates, 1944-45, still carried Ardmore Army Air Field as the base name.
"All officers of the base are required to be in their offices at 0800 hours, unless working on different shifts as directed by department heads, it was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Leo J. Leeburn, base commander, in daily bulletin of 24 November 1943." Bombs Away, November 27, 1943.
A search through the base locator files indicate that ten John Smiths, 18 John Browns and 17 James Greenes in addition to many other soldiers with identical names are stationed at Ardmore. Similar name duplications can be found on all Army Posts and Army Air Bases. The War Department is advising the public that all inquiries about officers and enlisted men would be accompanied by their serial number. November 27, 1943.
Army draft boards report that 40% of men are rejected as physically unfit for military service. It is estimated that 50% of inductees cannot swim well enough to save their lives, and lack the strength to jump ditches, scale walls, throw missiles and survive forced marches. Colonel Banks and 12 experienced physical training men conducted physical tests with 400 troops at Fort Knox and 11 other camps taking into consideration age, nationality, etc. The results proved that: 20-25% are in very good shape, 40% in fair shape, but not good enough for combat and 35% in miserable shape. From these findings, Colonel Banks and his board came up with 15 Calisthenic exercises that use every muscle in the body if given and taken properly. This Training Circular 87 was accepted by the government 17 November 1942. From tests given every six weeks, many men are not able to do more than one chin-up due to weak shoulder girdle muscles. Lieutenant William T. Gilkey, base Physical Fitness Officer, urged that men take advantage of base recreation opportunities such as boxing, baseball, football and basketball to increase their physical condition along with a serious Calisthenics and running program. Being in good shape could save your life whether in a B-17 at high altitude or on the ground. November 27, 1943.
Lt. Colonel Howell J. Davis was serving as Base Surgeon. December 6, 1943.
Public Relations Office established (395th), Lt. Robert B. Baird, PR officer. December 6, 1943.
The 2nd Air Force made complete reorganization of all existing units. Independent units at Ardmore were consolidated into one organization, the 395th Combat Crew Training School. Purpose---to increase overall efficiency. December 15, 1943.
The newspaper account stated a B-17F (42-5136) with the 395th Combat Crew Training School crashed one mile northeast of the base at 6AM, Wednesday, December 15, 1943. The crash was actually a quarter mile south of the base. The aircraft had taken off on the N/S runway, had apparent engine problems, made a 180-degree turn to the south at low altitude and was attempting to land from the south. It failed to clear tall trees and plunged nose down into a creek. The crew of 12 died instantly. Two of those killed were listed as passengers, classified as a pilot and a bombardier, flying with the crew as instructors. Fast Forward Note: The son of one crew member, 15-months-old at the time, was present at the Memorial Dedication, May 26, 2003.
While on a 15 ship formation training flight, December 21, 1943,
aircraft piloted by 2nd Lt. Osborn E. Stone and Captain Pervis Earl Youree were damaged when Lt. Stone's plane, 42-5196, struck the tail section of 42-29519, the lead aircraft, piloted by Captain Youree. Lt. Stone was flying in the number two position on Captain Youree's right wing. While in a turn to the left, Lt. Stone fell out of position and in an attempt to regain position, hit Youree's aircraft. The accident happened approximately two miles north of Ardmore AAFld. The crew aboard 42-5196 included: 2nd Lt. Osborn E. Stone, pilot; 2nd Lt. Joseph F. Patterson, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. William L. Cullen, navigator; 2nd Lt. Paul R. Carsten, bombardier; Pfc. Francis J. O'Brien, armorer-engineer; Sgt. Earl J. Lindberg, armorer-engineer; S/Sgt. Charles E. Lane, radio operator and Sgt. George Y. Wortham, gunner. Aboard 42-29159 were Capt. Pervis Earl Youree, pilot; 2nd Lt. Charles F. Harvey, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. John W. Fisher, pilot; 1st Lt. James A. Butchart, navigator; 2nd Lt. Fred W. Wills, navigator; 2nd Lt. Andrew Krause, Jr.; bombardier; Pvt. George O. Bonitz, engineer and Sgt. Charles Raphael, gunner. The Accident Investigation Board judged the accident to be caused by "pilot error in judgment" with 100% responsibility assigned to Lt. Stone who was relieved of his combat crew.
The new Officer's Club (395th) opened on the 2nd floor the old Elk's Building, Broadway and Washington in
Ardmore. Identified by a blue neon sign, the 75' x 93' room, was open 12-noon to midnight. December 24, 1943.
Colonel Donald W. Eisenhart assumes command of Ardmore Army Air Field in late December 1943, replacing Lt. Colonel Leo J. Leeburn who became Director of Station Services.
A farewell party for Colonel James L. Luper, Chief of Staff under Brigidier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr. was held at the Glider Room, Hotel Ardmore. Luper was being assigned elsewhere and was being replaced by Colonel Ralph Koon. Armstrong and Luper visited Ardmore Army Air Field in August 1943, as part of a selection process for a field to become Headquarters for the 46th Bombardment Wing. December 31, 1943
Combat replacement crews undergoing phase training in late 1943 and early 1944 included: Section A, Crews 852-883 (31), Section B, Crews 2686-2744 (58), Section C, Crews 2518-2573 (55). At this time, 144 crews were in training for three months of intensified flight and classroom instruction. It was reported that crews completed their training at five week intervals within Sections A, B and C. Major Russell O. Reeves, Director of Maintenance and Supply, learned to fly in the Curtis-Jenny previously owned by Wiley Post. Arthur Oakley, pilot and certified mechanic, rebuilt the plane for Wiley Post at the Oakley-Askew Airport at Ardmore in the 1920s. Mr. Post, according to local history, bought the aircraft with money he received after losing an eye in an oil field accident. Mr. Oakley taught Wiley Post to fly at Ardmore. Major Reeves provided planes and men for the film "Airforce." Howard Hawks directed the filming. John Garfield, George Tobias, Harry Carrey and others were actors in the movie. January 9, 1944.
Sgt. Max Baer and S/Sgt. Buddy Baer of civilian professional boxing fame visited AAAFld. They were pictured visiting with Col. Donald W. Eisenhart in the January 15, 1944 issue of "Bombs-Away." A former soldier stationed here, Sergeant O. Phillip Kent, provided this photo of them with Colonel James R. Luper. Among the 4,019 professional boxers in the US Armed Forces were Gene Tunney, Jim Braddock, Max and Buddy Baer, Lou Ambers, Freddy Apostoli, Billy Soose, Benny Leonard, Midget Smith, Augie Ratner, Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, Billy Conn, Henry Armstrong and Barney Ross. The Edward J. Neil Memorial Award, given each year by the New York Boxing Writers Association to the man who had done most for boxing has been awarded to the 4,019 boxers serving their country instead of one individual as normally done. Eddie J. Neil was a war correspondent killed in reporting the Spanish Revolution. Eighteen boxers have been killed in action, seven are missing in action and 25 have been wounded. Note: "Bombs-Away" was the four-page weekly (Saturday) newspaper of Ardmore Army Air Field. The paper was printed by the Daily Ardmoreite. Regretably, no one had the foresight to keep the bound copies for future generations. Contributing factors might have been a "throw away party" when moving to a new location following the war and purchase of the "Daily Ardmoreite" by "outsiders" who had no ties to or interest in local history.
Seven B-17Gs from Ardmore Army Air Field took off, January 16, 1944, from Galveston Army Air Field for a high altitude formation gunnery practice over Galveston Bay, Texas. Also flying with 2nd Lt. Ryan J. Lancaster's nine man crew was Staff/Sergeant Elmo A. Hagen, gunnery instructor. After reaching altitude of approximately 10,000 feet over the Bay, they flew a stacked echelon formation, up and to the right. Various aircraft in the formation began firing at the towed sleeve target when it was in a vulnerable position to their gunners. When the gunners of Lancaster's aircraft, 42-30761, had fired approximately 1,000 rounds, the target towing aircraft came in low at 7 o'clock position passing directly under Lancaster's aircraft. At this time, approximately 1733-hours, Lt. Lancaster felt a pull on the controls and thought his aircraft might have received 50-caliber fire from another aircraft. In a few minutes, Sgt. Herschell L. Moore, flight engineer, came forward to report that S/Sgt. Hagen, gunnery instructor, had been struck by a stray bullet and was down in the mid-section of the aircraft. Lancaster immediately left the formation and landed at Galveston AAF at approximately 1805-hours Central War Time (CWT). The aircraft was met by an ambulance and Sgt. Hagen was transported to the Infirmary where he was pronounced dead. It was apparent that he was deceased soon after the bullet struck him. Lt. Lancaster's aircraft received at least ten hits to the wing, gas tanks and fuselage; damaging and cutting cables to the rudder and elevator in the central control cable. Gunners in each of the other aircraft in the formation were questioned as to whether they might have been responsible for the accident. No one accepted responsibility for the damage to 42-30761 and death of S/Sgt. Hagen. Since there was no definite proof and no admittance by any of the gunners of the other aircraft, the accident was declared to be accidental or due to carelessness. The incident happened over the Bay approximately 100-miles south of Galveston Army Air Field. The crew, other than S/Sgt. Hagen aboard as instructor, included: 2nd Lt. Ryan J. Lancaster, pilot; 2nd Lt. Dorance Garner, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Wayne T. Hardwick, navigator; 2nd Lt. Kenneth L. Cagwin, bombardier; Sgt. Herchell L. Moore, flight engineer; Pvt. Andrew Boyarko, radio operator; Sgt. Fred D. Parker, radio operator; Sgt. Oryal E. Page, aerial gunner and Llewllyn C. O'Donnell, aerial gunner. Note: Aircraft from Ardmore and other air fields used the 50,825-acre Matagorda Island Air to Air Gunnery Range for high altitude formation gunnery practice. Live ammo was fired on some missions at towed targets. On other missions, fighter aircraft attacked the bombers giving the fighter pilot experience at shooting down the enemy while the gunners in the B-17s got practice trying to shoot them down. Both type of aircraft used gun cameras on these training missions and evaluated their success after returning to their home bases. When incidents required medical attention or aircraft repair, the nearest field or base usually worked the accident. This rule also applied to crashes.
Fifteen B-17F aircraft from Ardmore Army Air Field were on a high altitude formation training flight over Texas and New Mexico, January 31, 1944, and were returning to Ardmore. Lt. Ramond C. Brittingham, instructor pilot flying with Crew 870, was at the controls of 42-30551, leading the first element of the high squadron. Lt. Kenneth C. Hales, pilot of 42-6181, Crew 879, was flying off Lt. Brittingham's left wing. Lt. Hales' aircraft drifted a little too close to 42-30551, was caught in prop wash and hit the left horizontal stabilizer of Brittingham's aircraft with his right wing tip. The accident, which happened approximately 75-miles southeast of Amarillo, Texas, could have been tragic but fortunately only minor damage was done to each plane. After visual checks of the limited damage to each aircraft, they continued the training mission and landed safely later at Ardmore.
Crew members in 2nd Lt. Hales' aircraft included: 2nd Lt. Elmer J. Dreyer, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Lester W. Boardman, navigator; 2nd Lt. Charles J. O'Brien, bombardier; S/Sgt. George A. Pierce, engineer; Sgt. William D. Hasty, armorer-gunner; Sgt. Ray Huskey, gunner and Cpl. Walter Bergstrom, gunner.
The crew of 42-30551, other than instructor pilot, 1st Lt. Brittingham, included: 2nd Lt. Richard J. Lavery, pilot; 2nd Lt. Warren E. Spratt, co-pilot; Harry E. Strate, navigator; 2nd Lt. Lewis S. Peters, bombardier; Sgt. Ted S. Hawerlander, radio operator; Sgt. Thomas G. Thorpe, gunner; Sgt. Alymer G. Millard, engineer; Cpl. Lester G. Thompson, gunner and Cpl. Joseph R. Kaminski, gunner. Both crews were from Training Section A, 395th Combat Crew Training School, 2nd Air Force.
Aircraft B-17F, (42-3377), with a crew of eight, under command of pilot, 2nd Lt. Jonathan H. Bullard, was on a low-altitude formation training mission, February 1, 1944. The aircraft was flying at 3,000-feet in light rain with an unknown number of other B-17s.
Sgt. Irvin Simon, ball turret gunner, almost lost an arm on this flight by reaching into the ball turret hatch to align the guns. The bombardier had been in the turret earlier and left them improperly positioned for flight. Instead of using the clutch to sedge the turret around, Simon reached inside with his left hand and attempted to align the turret with hydraulic power by activating the power switch. While doing this, he was off balance and pulled the traverse (elevation) switch to the rear causing the turret to revolve backward. This forced the turret door down on his arm and upper part of his body. He attempted to follow the turret as it turned to prevent it from pulling his arm off but his leg caught in the cat-walk around the turret. The bombardier, who was still in the waist area, heard his screams for help as did the navigator. Unable to disable the power to the turret and realizing the seriousness of the situation, the navigator quickly advised the pilot who cut power to the turret. Simon received multiple compound fractures to his forearm requiring hospitalization. The crew of 42-3377 included: 2nd Jonathan H. Bullard, pilot; Captain Joseph Cochran, instructor pilot riding as co-pilot that day; 2nd Lt. Darrel L. Stevens, bombardier; 2nd Lt. William Holmes, navigator; Sgt. Everett M. Casselman, engineer; Sgt. Pierre L. Bordelon, radio operator; Sgt. Irving Simon, armorer-gunner and Sgt. Joseph I. Connors, radio operator. One of the radio operators may have been an instructor. Fast Forward Note: Lt. Bullard and crew were later assigned to the 8th Air Force, 336th Squadron, 95th Bomb Group, Horham (Field 119), U. K. The crew of ten were KIA, June 18, 1944, as badly damaged, B-17, 42-97068, crashed in the North Sea returning from a raid to Hannover, Germany. Most of the Ardmore crew were still flying with Bullard. Sgt. Simon's injury terminated his combat crew training and might have caused him to be removed from flying status. The accident at Ardmore probably saved his life five months prior to the death of the entire Bullard crew.
An open-house was held at Ardmore Army Air Field, Friday, February 11, 1944. Note: One of the crews that participated in the bombing demonstration that day was involved in an in-flight formation collision near Mill Creek, Oklahoma the next day, killing ten crew members. One member, Corporal Jack McClanahan, the tail gunner, escaped without injuries when he parachuted from the severed tail section.
Ten crew members perished in a B-17F (42-30481) crash resulting from a collision of two aircraft during formation flight training. One of the aircraft broke apart aft of the radio compartment. The tail gunner, Cpl. Joseph (Jack) William McClanahan, who parachuted successfully, was the only survivor of the crew on this flight. One of the regular crew, Cpl. Gail P. Mason, gunner, was ill and not aboard. An oxygen instructor, Sgt. Albert F. Franczyk, and bombardier instructor, Capt. Oswald L. Bernich, were extras on the aircraft. Other crew members were: Captain William R. Heck, pilot; 2nd Lt. Robert N. Bullock, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Collins O. Gerstner, navigator; 2nd Lt. Jack L. Rider, bombardier; Sgt. John W. Ashba, engineer; Sgt. Leslie C. Hill, gunner; Sgt. Ray N. Wise, radio operator and Cpl. Anthony T. Casino, armorer-engineer.
McClanahan's interesting account of the accident can be viewed here. He was erroneously listed as Cpl. James W. Clannahan in the newspaper account. The other aircraft, B-17F (42-30752), though badly damaged, made it back to the base. The crash occurred, Saturday, February 12, 1944, approximately 20 miles northeast of the base near the Mill Creek, Oklahoma community. A former Mill Creek resident who was eight-years-old when the crash happened, tells his story in
"This I Remember...."
Eight members of a B-17 crew of ten that recently trained at AAAFld died in a crash at Grand Island, Nebraska. The pilot, Lt. Howard Talbert, Cliffside, North Carolina, escaped with minor injuries; Sergeant Edward Machos, Manchester, New Hamshire, was critically injured: killed were Lt. John T. McMillian, Cleveland, Ohio; Lt. Kenneth E. Pierce, Brownsville, Vermont; FO Alfred R. Flock, Boise, Idaho; Staff Sergeant Glen M. Cox, Newport, Kentucky; Staff Sergeant Donald J. Vitale, Crockett, California; Sergeant Stanley J. Sala, Cohoes, New York; Sergeant John M. Roberts, Atlanta, Georgia: and Sergeant Loyd D. McNeal, Somers, Iowa. They had only been in Nebraska for a few weeks. February 27, 1944.
March 1, 1944 was a record day for extensive damage to four of Ardmore's B-17s. Three B-17s made emergency landings at Tinker Field, Oklahoma City, due to not being able to extend both landing gears by electrical or manual procedure. They were sent individually to Tinker at different times by the Ardmore tower since Tinker was better equipped to handle this type emergency. Each aircraft received major damage to engines and fuselage. No crew member of either of the aircraft was injured in the incidents.
First Incident: 1st. Lt. Roger L. Fisher, pilot instructor, and crew of 11 departed Ardmore Army Air Field, February 28, 1944, aboard B-17F, 41-26633, at 1950 Central War Time (CWT). 2nd Lt. James C. Ray, pilot of the crew, was flying this day as co-pilot. They were on a navigation training flight direct to St. Louis, Missouri and return. Additional crewmembers were: Flight Officer William W. Thorton, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Dustin S. Slade, Navigator; 2nd Lt. Ralph H. Pederson, Bombardier; 1st Lt. J. C. Talbott, Navigator; Sgt. Bobby B. Hicks, Engineer; Sgt. Roscoe S. Johnson, Engineer; Sgt. Donald E. Lewis, Gunner; Cpl. Edgar A. Holladay, Gunner; Sgt. James Lashin, Gunner and Sgt. Jerry Hosek, Gunner.;
Arriving at Ardmore at 0152 CWT to land, Lt. Fisher was advised to prepare for a crash landing at Tinker Field due to the landing gear problem. At approximately 0210 CWT, Lt. Fisher contacted Tinker Field tower and advised that he could not lower the left landing gear and would have to make an emergency, wheels-up landing on arrival. The Assistant Operations Officer, who was in the tower, asked the condition of the airplane and if all emergency requirements relating to wheels-up landing had been completed. Acknowledging that they had been, Fisher was given landing instructions and advised to land on Runway 12 with the tail wheel fully extended which was done manually five minutes before landing. Following instructions, Lt. Fisher landed as advised at 0309 CWT. The aircraft slid for approximately 1500 feet and ground looped off the runway on the dirt for approximately 50 feet.
The second incident of the day happened when, Flight Officer John J. Ferreter, short on fuel in B-17F, 42-3374, made an emergency landing at 0415 CWT in a soft, muddy, Emergency Airline Landing Field, at Neosho, Missouri. Others of Crew 2570, Section C, 395th Combat Crew Training School, included; Flight Officer Kenneth H. Loehwing, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Joseph S. Gary, navigator; 2nd Lt. Angelo Genova, bombardier; Sgt. Richard F. Kuna, engineer; Sgt. William E. Purdy, Jr., radio operator; Sgt. Claud L. Chastain, aerial engineer; Sgt. Burr N. Rabb, armorer-gunner; Sgt. Leroy H. Presley, gunner and Sgt. Fred C. Matthewes, gunner. The aircraft was heavily damaged but the crew of ten walked away without injuries.
Third Incident: Second Lt. Albert N. Davis and crew of 11 departed Ardmore Army Air Field at 1510 CWT on a routine training flight to practice instrument flying. The crew other than Lt. Davis included: Flight Officer William W. Thorton, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Hugh R. Davidson, navigator; Sgt. Donald J. Scott, aerial engineer; Sgt. Walter E. Sorter, aerial engineer; Sgt Alfred F. Vacco, radio operator; Cpl. Marvin F. Cates, gunner; Sgt. Clifford E. Rye, gunner; Sgt. Alfred W. Garceau, gunner; Pfc. John H. Robasky, gunner and Sgt. Albert R. Gaband, gunner. They flew locally for approximately three hours before returning to the field to land at 1815 CWT. When lowering the wheels of B-17F, 42-3005, the right wheel could not be lowered. After reaching Tinker, the left gear was lowered and the aircraft landed at 2010 CWT without difficulty, traveling approximately 1,500 feet before it ground looped slightly to the right off the runway and came to a stop.
Fourth Incident: Aircraft 42-5868 with a crew of eleven departed Ardmore Army Air Field on a routine formation training mission at approximately 1300 CWT. Pilot in command was 2nd Lt. James A. Bonner, co-pilot was 2nd Lt. Leon Shapiro. Others of the crew included: 2nd Lt. Dean W. Jansen, navigator; Flight Officer Gene A. Friedman, bombardier; Sgt. Robert P. Knobel, aerial engineer; Sgt. Albert E. Gregoria, aerial engineer; Pfc. James C. Demetry, radio operator; Sgt. Kenneth F. Bondurant, radio operator; Sgt. James F. Grant, gunner; Sgt Robert C. Rhoades, gunner and Sgt. Elvin E. Clinkenbeard, gunner. They flew for approximately five hours and were letting down at Ardmore at approximately 1800 CWT. Due to the landing gear problem, they were redirected to Tinker. At 2020 CWT, the aircraft landed and slid on the ball turret and bottom of the fuselage for 800 to 1,000 feet. Fast Forward Note: Cpl. James C. Demetry. assumed to be Pfc. James C. Demetry of this crew, died in a B-17G, (42-102786), fiery crash with 10 others, April 24, 1944. The accident happened four miles north of Ardmore. Demetry had been promoted and was listed as a passenger. He possibly was flying as an instructor radio operator as this fatal flight was the first transitional training flight for the new crew. The aircraft was new with only 85-hours on engines and airframe.
GIs can no longer play poker or roll dice aboard trains according to directive from Headquarters of AAF Training Command, Ft. Worth, Texas. Laws in some states and prohibition of gambling aboard trains necessitated the order. March 4, 1944.
Gray haired Oklahoma mother, Mrs. Lou B. Jackson, received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster posthumously for her hero son, Lt. Dixie G. Jackson, Ringling, Oklahoma. Lt. Jackson was mortally wounded during combat in the skies over Nazi occupied Europe. Colonel Eisenhart presented the awards. March 7, 1944. Fast Forward Note: First Lt. Dixie G. Jackson died, July 14, 1943, north of Amiens, France as the result of enemy action. He was a P-47C pilot with the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group. A wingman flying with Jackson reported he last saw a German Me-109 behind and firing on Jackson's aircraft, 41-6222, as they decended through a hole in the cloud cover. Jackson's last transmission to the wingman was " I'm hit and need help!" not indicating whether he had been wounded or the aircraft had been hit. The P-47C was trailing smoke indicating he was in trouble. No other sighting was seen of Jackson's aircraft or the Me-109 before the wingman left due to shortage of fuel.
The "Fortress Bombers" basketball team defeated the Plainview "All Stars" 46-32 at the field gym. March 11, 1944. Fast Forward Note: The base team also played other high school teams in the area, they lost some of the games also.
The 702nd AAFld band will give free concert at the Gilbert Building auditorium at 4 PM, March 12, 1944. The program is under the sponsorship of the Enlisted Mens Wive's Club and the USO.
M/Sgt. Den Fitts (50), mess sergeant for 46th BOTW has been a mess sergeant for 28 years and has "served" in two wars. March 18, 1944.
Six WWI veterans with combined service time of 52 years are members of the 418th Hq-AB Squadron and include Pfc. Joe Valursky, 48; S/Sgt. Frank Kennedy, 47; S/Sgt. Fred Salkeld, 48; Pfc. John Murnahan, 50; Sgt. Robert Harris, 45 and Sgt. James Leitzell, 45. March 18, 1944.
Daily bus service from Sulphur to the base became effective March 15, 1944. The one-way fare is 35-cents, 60-cents round trip, 12 trips a day from the PX bus stop. Commuter tickets (20 rides) are available for $6. The trip takes approximately one-hour and is provided by the Flegan Bus Line, Sulphur. March 18, 1944
Major General Lewis B. Hershey, Director of Selective Service System, reported that 22,130,000 men between ages 18 and 38 have registered for the draft and 6,540,000 have been inducted. Men who enlisted number 2,430,000. Those disqualified due to physical problems, 3,357,000, occupational deferments 3,834,000, dependency deferments 4,645,000, deferred for other reasons, 152,000, unclassified 90,000. Over 9 million men are already in the armed forces. March 18, 1944
A B-17 crew that trained at AAAFld, presently serving in North Africa, named their bomber "Wits End" after the well-known Ardmore stationery printer and paper supplier, Wits End. March 23, 1944.
Captain T. A. Russ, post engineer, and Lt. Lanelle Chambers, surgical nurse at the base hospital, were married in the field chapel. March 30, 1944. Fast Forward Note: One of the sons resulting from this marital union tells of some of his Dad and Mother's experiences while stationed at Ardmore in "This I Remember...
." 
