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121

Checklist Click for Details
Class 44-F, Pecos Army Air Field, Pecos, Texas

Class book for advanced pilot class 44-F at Pecos Army Air Field, Pecos, Texas.

[1] Paul M Webber (22-Mar-2021 11:34 AM)

Richard F. Baer from Madison, Wisconsin is in this book. He was a pilot in the 839th Bomb Squadron, 487th Bomb Group, at Lavenham, England in 1944 - 1945.

122

Eagles, The Click for Details
Class 43-J, Eagle Pass Army Air Field, Eagle Pass, Texas

Class book for advanced pilot class 43-J at Eagle Pass Army Air Field, Eagle Pass, Texas.

[1] Robert Cox (16-Mar-2021 01:45 PM)

See Bert Stiles, Squadron 8, Flight B. Bert achieved notoriety before and during his AAF career as a writer of short stories. He completed 35 missions as a B-17 co-pilot with the 91st BG, before transitioning to fighters, flying the P-51 Mustang with the 339th FG. Sadly, he was killed on his 16th mission near Hanover, Germany in Nov. 1944. His most famous literary work, "Serenade to the Big Bird," was written during the war and published after his death in 1947.

123

Instrument Flying: Technique in Weather Click for Details
Technical Order Number 30-100D-1

This manual was used to train pilots for flying in various weather conditions.

[1] Mike (05-Mar-2021 11:48 PM)

I've got the original stapled manuals. Both Instrument Flying Trainer, 1-Jan.1944. But also the 30-100C-1, dated Aug 1, 1943

124

Midland Army Air Field Click for Details
Class 43-11, Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas

Class book for bombardier class 43-11 at the Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas.

[2] John R Edwards (01-Mar-2021 02:58 AM)

Thank you for scanning this book. My uncle, William B. Edwards was in this class 43-11 as a Cadet (Page 39). I was looking for information about him, including training, so this was very helpful. I didn't see dates of the class, does anyone know when it started and ended?

William, or "Son" as everyone called him was killed in action in his B-24D on the first pathfinder mission from Nadzab, New Guinea to bomb Yap Island. He was in the 5th AAF, 43rd Bombardment Group, 64th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy). His ship was seen burning on the ocean on 13 June 1944, 8 days before his 28th birthday. His plane had nose art called "Uncle Sam" and was 42-72811. At the time they crashed the pilot, 1Lt Duvall had 250 combat hours. I presume that Son had the same as I think the crews stayed together. In March he wrote my father that he already had 156 combat hours and was half way to his quota of 300. He also wrote, "In our last mission finally got moved into the lead position after all those missions flying wing. That really makes more work for me as I'm responsible for the bombs of the 3 ships in the element. To celebrate our promotion we went out and got ourselves a 6000 ton Jap freighter transport. Believe it or not I was pretty well pleased with myself. That's not bad for on old man, what?"

I had heard that Son was in pilot training before bombardier school and I have a picture of him with a Fairchild-19 trainer. But I don't know where that would have been. My father said that Son had been flathatting and a farmer got his numbers and reported him, so I guess that got him knocked out of pilot school. That would make sense because Son entered the Army in April 1942. I don't know how long he went to boot camp or to OCS if those were not combined into other training.

His last letter to my dad also mentioned that he planned to get married to "Yvonne" who I think he met in Texas.

Again, thank you for preserving this great information.

[1] Philippe Vanderdonckt (25-Nov-2013 01:09 AM)

Hello, after several years of patience finally class-book 43-11 ;-) I did and do research on 2ndLT Francis L. Beck who is in this book. In 2012 got a scan of page 34 with his photo. More info here http://users.skynet.be/2ltmalrait_gilbert/beckstoryE.htm

If someone has more personal photos of Class 43-11 with maybe photos of 2ndLT Francis Beck please contact me.

Thanks in advance

PS: Also look for Yearbook 1943 Selman Field Navigator school of Monroe, LA. Am look for photo of class 43-5 flight 67 with 2LT Gilbert A. Malrait.

125

Form One Click for Details
Class 41-B, Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas

Magazine for pilot class 41-B at Randolph Army Air Field, San Antonio, Texas. Volume 01, Number 07.

[1] Ted Mikita (26-Feb-2021 06:56 AM)

Missing (forgot to scan?) page 20 & 21. I'd like to see this page.

126

Collection

Eagle Pass Army Air Field Click for Details
Class 43-F and 43-G, Eagle Pass Army Air Field, Eagle Pass, Texas

Class book for advanced pilot classes 43-F and 43-G at the Eagle Pass Army Air Field, Eagle Pass, Texas. Army Air Forces Advanced Flying School (Single Engine).

CollectionView the Wings Over America Collection (47 items)

[9] Sam Eugene Pennartz (05-Feb-2021 09:00 AM)

25 June 1943 Class 43-F: KIA: Leonard Ivan Hughes Air Plane Command (APC) Pilot B-29-61-BW Superfortress serial #44-69742 "Sting Shift" Z-Square-30, 882nd Bomber Squadron, 500th Bombardment Group (VH), 73rd Bomb Wing, XXI Bomber Command, 20th Air Force stationed at Isely Field on Saipan in the Mariana Islands, WPTO

[8] Craig Weisman (01-Dec-2019 12:58 PM)

My dad was in Class 43-B as mentioned in the History of Eagle Pass AAF. I'm not sure if he participated in the February '43 aerial demonstration, but it's documented in Movietone Volume 25 No. 50. It's at the end.

[7] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 10:07 PM)

My Dad was later deployed to the Pacific Theater where he participated in several campaigns in the Phillippines and Okinawa. I later visited the Philippines on R&R from Vietnam. Assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Artillery for 18 months as an assistant operations officer and Aerial Observer, I earned four Air Medals for operations as a crew member. After 20 years active and reserve duty, I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

[6] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 09:46 PM)

I wonder which members of the Detachment Medical Department attended to my Mom and me as we recovered from my surprise landing in the Field dispensary?

[5] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 09:38 PM)

Could 2LT Jess H. Hendrix, Commanding Officer, 908th Quartermaster Company be related? I doubt it, my parents never mentioned him but I am curious.

[4] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 09:29 PM)

The episode in February 1943 of the just graduated pilots flying over a group of spectators and firing their machine guns at simulated enemy targets angered my Dad every time he recounted it. He said a slight change in the pitch of the planes could have caused the bullets to hit the crowd.

[3] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 09:17 PM)

There were some accidental insertions in the previous comment. My Dad, a Staff Sergeant, is in the fourth row of page 84. His good friend, who I knew as a family friend in later years, Fred Henexson is in the fourth row of page 85.
Things were rough at this wartime air field which was not equipped for birthing babies. I wasn't weighed until several days later at home on scales borrowed from the vegetable market.

[2] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 09:09 PM)

This book brings to mind several storiehttp://aafcollection.info/images/icon-nospam.pngs of family folklore and raises questions for speculation.
A member of the 1046th Guard Squadron may have welcomed the Army ambulance bringing my soon to be Mom to the Field from town. As proper in wartime security, he asked for her pass to which the Ambulance driver reportedly replied, "Pass hell, she's having a baby!"

[1] Kenneth Hendrix (15-Apr-2016 08:05 PM)

My Dad, Sergeant James R. Hendrix, from Oklahoma by way of Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas, was a mechanic at EPAAF during this period. My Mom, soon to be 95, was scheduled to return to Brooke Army Hospital, Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio for my delivery but I decided on a surprise arrival and was delivered at the EPAAF Dispensary where my Mom says I was a hit with the other inpatients. That was 21 April 1943.

127

Hell's Angels Click for Details
Class 42-17, Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas

Class book for bombardier class 42-17 at the Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas.

[6] Mike Voisin (03-Feb-2021 12:58 PM)

Bobby, this book is complete as it is, although it's possible those cadets were unintentionally left out when it was originally published. Marty found John C. Ellender in class 42-16 (http://aafcollection.info/items/list.php?item=000584).

[5] Mike Voisin (03-Feb-2021 11:37 AM)

Thanks Bobby, I noticed the missing pages. I will contact the contributor in case they still have the book. Sometimes when reproducing the pages one by one, it's easy to skip some.

[4] Bobby Silliman (27-Jan-2021 08:06 AM)

Mike, this class book is missing quite a few pages in the class book cadet photos section....It skips from C" To graduates last names starting with "M".. I am seeking a class photo of J.C. Ellender Jr... Are those pages available? Thanks!.. Bobby Silliman

[3] Josh G (07-Jun-2020 05:46 AM)

My Wife's Grandfather Joseph L. Winkler was a graduate of this Class and I am compiling a database (for a future book project) of the class. If there is anyone who has more information on classmates that aren't listed in the book... The Curator has my e-mail and you can e-mail me directly or leave a message here. Thank you.

[2] Paul Webber (21-Mar-2019 12:28 PM)

Found Lt Alfred P. Filippone in this class book. He is listed as Lt A. P. Filippone, Bombardier Instructor. He was later Group Bombardier of the 487th Bomb Group (H) at Army Air Forces Station 137, Lavenham, Suffolk, England.

[1] Paul (17-Mar-2019 04:47 PM)

Found the entry for Lt Thomas W. Pearce, who was killed in action in France on May 11, 1944, while serving with the 487th Bomb Group.

128

Mister, The Click for Details
Class 44-H, Coleman Flying School, Coleman, Texas

Class book for primary pilot class 44-H at the 304th Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment, Army Air Forces Contract Flying School, Coleman, Texas.

[1] Denzel Smith (26-Jan-2021 11:26 AM)

My Father was in this class: James C. Smith - Jacksonville, Florida and I was named after his younger brother who was a 25 year old B-17 Pilot killed in a mid-air collision over the base in Chelveston, England on Nov. 15, 1943 -
2nd Lt. Denzel Morton Smith - any additional information on Class 44-H would be appreciated!

129

Marfa Click for Details
Class 44-E, Marfa Army Air Field, Marfa, Texas

Class book for advanced pilot class 44-E at the Marfa Army Air Field, Marfa, Texas. This was a Twin Engine Advanced Pilot Training School.

[6] Paul Webber (14-Jan-2021 05:28 PM)

In this book I found Lt Stephen S. Hunter from New Roads, Louisiana. He was a pilot in the 838th Bomb Squadron, 487th Bomb Group (Heavy), at Army Air Forces Station 137 near Lavenham, Suffolk, England. Lt Hunter was killed in action during a mission to Magdeburg, Germany on January 14, 1945. Details are on his findagrave page:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56358884/stephen-spottswood-hunter

[5] Damon Minvielle Jr (11-Mar-2015 08:17 AM)

My father was in this class and later flew a C-47 (DC-3) in the Pacific. He remained in the Air Force Reserve through around 1958, participating at Keesler AFB on the Gulf Coast in MS. While still on active duty just after war's end, one of the duty stations he saw was Atsugi Japan, which had been a major Imperial Navy airbase, and later became a major joint Japanese-American naval air station.

[4] Jack Harris (22-Nov-2014 04:52 AM)

Jack Harris - ghajack@aol.com

[3] Jack Harris (22-Nov-2014 04:51 AM)

My father "John J. (Jack) Harris" was in this class. If you knew him I would love to talk with you. Thank You!

[2] dj (08-Dec-2012 03:05 PM)

If any of you are out there at Marfa at that time, his name is Bill Norlie. He was a flight instructor. Please email me at dawnaart@aol.com. As I mentioned in the message above he will be 93 in a couple of weeks. I'd love to bring over comments, notes, letters from guys and gals he was involved with during that time.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Dawna

[1] dj (08-Dec-2012 03:02 PM)

Please help. My Dad is going to be 93 on Dec. 26th. He was a Pilot at Marfa Texas 44D. He's been wanting a cadet book, but I don't know where to find any. He lost all of his stuff in a fire years ago. If you have any ideas how to locate one...I'd love you for it.
Thank You,
Dawna

130

Bee-Tee, The Click for Details
Class 43-J, Waco Army Air Field, Waco, Texas

Class book for basic pilot class 43-J at the Waco Army Air Field in Waco, Texas.

[4] Joe (13-Jan-2021 10:00 PM)

EP

Means Eagle Pass Army Airfield ......... where most were going to earn their wings

[3] J ay Stuart (19-Nov-2020 06:18 PM)

My Father, J.S Stuart is in this book and I have his copy. In my fathers copy he wrote E.P. by several photos of cadets. Can anyone tell me what that meant?

[2] Steve L (10-Dec-2011 05:23 PM)

Thank-you for posting this. My great uncle was in this class, Willard Nagelstadt.

[1] J J Martanovic (10-Jan-2011 01:55 PM)

Had a relative in this class

131

Actual Shadow, The Click for Details
2nd Bomb Division, 8th Air Force

Flying safety booklet for combat crews. 2nd Bomb Division, 8th Air Force.

[3] John Martin (09-Jan-2021 05:25 PM)

Interesting old book, but pretty simplistic. Keep in mind that landing an airplane is the most dangerous aspect of flying, and these front end crews were just a couple of years removed from being able to drive a Ford model T. Plus, our need for more and more pilots meant if he could take off and land he was deemed "qualified."

John J. Martin, Retired USAF, Kansas City, Mo.

[2] Scott A Fitzpatrick (23-Jan-2013 05:42 PM)

My Dad was the Aircraft Commander on a B-24J (399thBG) and had a propeller runaway forcing him to crash-land. He was considered a "highly experienced" pilot with 652 hours total time and had been out of pilot training for a year when the accident took place. MANY, MANY crews were killed in training because of inexperience, poor supervision and youthful exuberance.

[1] Lee Parmeter (15-Dec-2009 12:14 PM)

Very interesting the way our pilots WEREN'T trained very well during WWII. In the modern arena this would have never happened. Pushing pilots out the front door as soon as one is at the front door was the war time scenerio. At least we have more control now.

Nice old book. Lee Parmeter USAF retired Biloxi, Ms

132

Hey Mister! Click for Details
Class 43-01, Victorville Army Flying School, Victorville, California

Class book for bombardier class 43-1 at Victorville Army Flying School, Victorville, California.

[2] Sam E Pennartz (02-Jan-2021 09:14 AM)

Raleigh Eugene Phelps
Bmdr Class 43-01, 2 Jan 1943 at Victorville AAF.

Subsequently assigned as HQS Wing Bombardier-Navigator, to 873rd Bomb Squadron, 498th Bombardment Group, 73rd Bomb Wing, XXI Bomber Command, 20th Air Force, stationed at Isely Field on Saipan in the Mariana Islands.

On Sunday 1 April 1945, he flew as the Bomb-Nav Wing Observer aboard a Boeing B-29-40-BW Superfortress, serial #42-24614 nicknamed Joltin' Josie, The Pacific Pioneer (tail code: T-Square-5). It was one of 121 aircraft launched in a multi-group formation on a mission to bombard the Musashino Aircraft Engine Factory (target #357) near Tokyo, Japan.

His aircraft took-off at 2100 hours local with an intended course heading of 339 degrees on the planned 15-hour round-trip mission. Shortly after take-off, fumes in the cockpit were reported. The aircraft burst into flames and crashed with a large explosion about 300 yards offshore into Magicienne Bay on the southeast side of Saipan.

A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched within a few minutes, but upon reaching the burning aircraft, they were unable to find any survivors. All 12 aircrew members were officially listed as Killed-In-Action on 3 April 1945.

[1] Sam E Pennartz (02-Jan-2021 09:11 AM)

Bmdr Class 43-01, 2 Jan 1943 at Victorville AAF.

Subsequently assigned as HQS Wing Bombardier-Navigator, to 873rd Bomb Squadron, 498th Bombardment Group, 73rd Bomb Wing, XXI Bomber Command, 20th Air Force, stationed at Isely Field on Saipan in the Mariana Islands.

On Sunday 1 April 1945, he flew as the Bomb-Nav Wing Observer aboard a Boeing B-29-40-BW Superfortress, serial #42-24614 nicknamed ???Joltin??? Josie, The Pacific Pioneer??? (tail code: T-Square-5). It was one of 121 aircraft launched in a multi-group formation on a mission to bombard the Musashino Aircraft Engine Factory (target #357) near Tokyo, Japan.

His aircraft took-off at 2100 hours local with an intended course heading of 339 degrees on the planned 15-hour round-trip mission. Shortly after take-off, fumes in the cockpit were reported. The aircraft burst into flames and crashed with a large explosion about 300 yards offshore into Magicienne Bay on the southeast side of Saipan.

A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched within a few minutes, but upon reaching the burning aircraft, they were unable to find any survivors. All 12 aircrew members were officially listed as Killed-In-Action on 3 April 1945.

133

Gig Sheet, The Click for Details
Class 41-H, Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas

Class book for advanced pilot class 41-H at Kelly Field, near San Antonio, Texas.

[1] Sam E Pennartz (02-Jan-2021 07:48 AM)

Capt Wilson Callerman Currier Jr., V-Flight.
MIA/KIA: On Sunday 1 April 1945, he flew in the left seat as the Airplane Command Pilot aboard a Boeing B-29-40-BW Superfortress, serial no. 42-24614 nicknamed "Joltin' Josie, The Pacific Pioneer" (tail code: T-Square-5).

134

Propwash Click for Details
Class 43-H, Sequoia Army Air Field, Visalia, California

Class book of pilot class 43-H, Sequoia Army Air Field, Visalia, California.

[1] Leslie Ahrens (17-Dec-2020 03:27 PM)

I was happy to find a picture of my uncle, Frederick C. Ahrens in this book. He was, however, eliminated from pilot training April 12, 1943, two days before this book was published. He went on to gunnery training and bombardier/navigator training and was killed in a training flight crash out of Toome AAF, North Ireland, on June 21, 1944. He was a bombardier/navigator on B-26 #41-18042.

135

Gyro Click for Details
Class 44-10, Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas

Class book for bombardier class 44-10 at Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas.

[2] Bobby Silliman (05-Nov-2020 06:11 PM)

NOTE: THIS CLASS OF BOMBARDIERS GRADUATED ON 7-22-1944

[1] Bobby Silliman (05-Nov-2020 06:10 PM)

Note: This class of bombardiers graduated on 07-22-1944

136

Take-Off Click for Details
Class 44-C, Blackland Army Air Field, Waco, Texas

Class book for pilot class 44-C at the Blackland Army Air Field, Waco, Texas.

[1] JIm (01-Nov-2020 07:03 PM)

I am honored to know a man who graduated with this class. Thank you for keeping this record.

137

Departure Point Click for Details
Class 44-04, San Marcos Army Air Field, San Marcos, Texas

Class book for navigator class 44-4 at San Marcos Army Air Field, San Marcos, Texas.

[3] Julie (16-Oct-2020 05:42 PM)

My father was part of the 1154th Navigation Training Class. I believe I possibly have a class picture of this group. Would the site be interested in this?

[2] Steve Burris (13-Jan-2013 10:57 PM)

From my records, he was assigned to the 5th Bomb Group and 72nd Bomb Squadron. He was apparently also a pilot cadet at Douglas, Georgia prior to being reassigned to be a navigator.
see: http://www.wwiiflighttraining.org/Cadets/

[1] John Suchernick (22-Jan-2010 09:02 AM)

I am trying to view this book, but I can not. I am trying to find information on my father, JOhn Suchernick, Avn/C, Section I, 2536th AAF Base Unit ( Nav Sch) SAn Marcon Army Air Field, San Marcos Texas. He graduated on 27 Aug 1944. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

138

BeeTee Click for Details
Class 43-B, Gardner Field, Taft, California

Class book for basic pilot class 43-B at Gardner Field, near Taft, California.

[2] Sam E Pennartz (10-Oct-2020 08:41 AM)

Edward Gletty Law, O-738190, 1Lt, KIA: shot down over Tokyo 2 April 1945.

Airplane Command Pilot (left seat), B-29-55-BW Superfortress, serial #44-69666 tail code Z-Square-11, 881st Bomber Squadron, 500th Bombardment Group (VH), 73rd Bomb Wing, XXI Bomber Command, 20th Air Force, at Isely Field on Saipan in the Mariana Islands; Western Pacific Theatre of Operations (WPTO).

[1] john (05-Aug-2017 12:04 AM)

Is there any one famous from this class of pilots. I just purchased this issue at a antique store.

139

On Course Click for Details
Class 145, Childress Army Air Field, Childress, Texas

Class book for bombardier class 145 at Childress Army Air Field, Childress, Texas.

[2] Mark Elkhill (31-Aug-2020 10:45 AM)

This is a great document about the school. I am trying to track down info on my Father who attended a flight class 145 E at San Marcos Army Air Field in mid 1944. Raymond F. Elkhill is his name. I was hoping to find a classbook in here. If anyone has info or other sources that may be of help to me, please contact me at my yahoo email. It is mark.elkhill. Thanks~!

[1] John H (08-Oct-2013 10:34 AM)

Awesome, thank you for posting!

140

Collection

Army Air Forces Air Services Command Click for Details
Supply Division, Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas

Pictorial of the San Antonio Air Services Command (SAASC), Supply Division, at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. It includes many civilian personnel.

CollectionView the Wings Over America Collection (47 items)

[2] Mary L Zepeda Reyes (16-Aug-2020 01:47 PM)

Are there any Kelly Air Force year books available for purchase for the years 1943-1945, 1950-1970 . Parents worked as aircraft and fabric depart at Kelly. Many of relatives all worked at KELLY AFB, until closure of base. mary l. zepeda reyes

[1] Mary L Zepeda Reyes (16-Aug-2020 01:44 PM)

My parents and other zepeda relatives worked at Kelly Field during the WWII. My mother was aircraft mechanic, my father worked in the fabric department. The rest of my family brothers, sisters uncles and cousins worked At Kelly during the 1950's until the closure of KELLY AFB. I would like to see if there are any copies of the year books available for purchase for the years 1943 -1945 and the 1950's thru 1970's.

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Revised: January 11, 2023
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