WHEN: October 29, 1940 - August 1945
POST OFFICE: None
POPULATION: Approximately 6,000 total
SUMMARY: In October 1940, an area of five thousand square miles was allocated to the War Department to initiate the training of pilots for combat in preparation for World War 2.
The Army Airfield was comprised of five hangers, dining facilities, a medical center, living quarters, two theatres, armory bunkers, and various additional amenities. During the period from 1942 to 1945, over six thousand military personnel were assigned to this location.
Training initially commenced with the Bell P-39 Airacobras, a fighter aircraft deployed in the Pacific theater. However, due to an unacceptably high crash rate attributed to either the aircraft's design or operational elevation, the P-39s were subsequently relocated. Operations changed to the B-24 Liberators, a high-altitude bomber.
At least 110 Army Airforce men lost their lives during training at the Tonopah Air Field.
To read much more detail, see the recommendations below.
Recommendations:
Website:
Book:
"The History of the World War 2 Tonopah Army Air Field"
PHOTOS:
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