Does anyone have (or know the existance of) a yearbook for the 42-I Class that graduated from Williams Field in Arizona in September of 1942? I'm trying to locate a photograph of Pilot Benjamin Scott Howle and would be grateful for any assistance. Please let me know if you have any leads or information. Thanks! [signature]

Don't forget to check in the primary and basic flying school graduation books for 42I in the West Coast Flying Training Command. I have a copy of "Propwash" for Visalia, Calif. and he is not listed or pictured in it, unfortunately. "Contact" was the title of the Ryan School of Aero for 42I, but I don't have a copy of it. So, does anyone out there, know what the title of the classbook was for Williams Field? Hope that this helps, Steve [signature]

Thanks for the tips, and for looking for Mr. Howle in "Propwash"! Williams Field's yearbooks were titled "Silver Wings," but I've yet to find reference to one published prior to 1943. [signature]

Steve, how large is the Visalia book you have? I've been unsuccessful at finding anything of note regarding this location. Would you know of a place where I could acquire a copy of the book you have? Failing that, would I be able to pay for a copy of it from you? Next Wednesday I'll be moving to a nearby community where I will have more time to research AAF activity at Visalia. Thanks, Larry [signature]

Larry, Propwash is a heavy-stock, magazine-type yearbook made up of 48 pages mostly illustrated. Has 14 pages of cadets 15 per page. There were probably 200 printed. To find a copy, you would have to be luck and just happen to find a rare book dealer with a copy. I would be willing to scan mine. Check at the local public and college libraries for a copy. If not, find out if they want a copy? Steve [signature]

Steve...I visited the Visalia Public Library today and in their History Room they do have some information on Sequoia Field and the following issues of 'Propwash', 42H and 44-E. The Librarian, Ms Tammy Jordan would be interested in acquiring any other copies you may have. She's aware you may make contact. She can be reached at: (559) 733-6954 (Ext. 212) or by email at: [url "mailto:Tammy.Jordan@tularecountylibrary.org"]Tammy.Jordan@tularecountylibrary.org[/url] The Tulare County Library is located at: 200 W. Oak Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291-4993 In 1997, a Rankin and Sequoia Field Reunion Committee published a 204-page, 8x10 softcover book titled, 'Propwash....The story of the WWII, USAAF Pilot Training Program at Visalia's Sequioa Field.' The book documents Sequioa Field in narratives, photos, drawings and memoirs, and recounts some of the war experiences of its alumni. Capt. Darrell Lindsey, Class 42-H, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor was trained at this location. The library has two copies. I'm trying now to acquire a copy of this book and identify a source so I can provide specific information to those who may be interested under the 'Book' category on this web site. I would be interested if you pass along a copy of the Propwash issue you presently have custody of. I hope this information is helpful. Larry [signature]

I have 2 books from Luke Field dated 1942. They are for classes 42G and 42H. My wife's uncle was in class 42H. Please contact me for more info.

Steve,
I have just read your message, which makes me ask you; did all of the AAF training schools have graduation books (circa WWII)?  And would one exist on the Bombardiering School at Victorville?  If the answer was yes, how do I go about finding it and isn't Victorville closed?  Thank you.  Liz RS

Daughter, Lt. Robert A. Rice, Ordnance Officer

Okay since we are talking about different classes and book. My dad was class 43J out of Williams. I have his Silver Wings book from Williams and his Interphone from Marana what other book should I be looking for? Any help would be great.

Good morning--- not sure if I am on the right "post"...but, perhaps someone can help me. I should like to know where my Father earned his "wings" at and whether he may be in a yearbook such as the ones you are speaking of here.
I have his certificate of the " Air Forces training Command" for his instruction as "Pilot" from Aloe Army Air Field in Victoria, Texas. dated May 23, 44. I also know he was previously at SAACC San Antonia, Texas, BAS Bonham,Texas, MAFF Greenville,Texas, AAAF Victoria,Texas, LAAF Lincoln, Nebraska, Sec H 212th B U ( CCTS(H) Gowen Field, Idaho then on to the 456th,744th in Italy. it would be wonderful for me to find his class and yearbook with others that graduated with him. Burton S. (Smith) Johnson  O-02059788 Co-pilot 1092 B-24.   I am researching my Father as a way to honor him as " the greatest man I never knew" he, having left his family shortly after returning to the states after I was born during his Korean service in Nagoya,Japan. It was near to 30 years later when I did finally find him----and then within 2 years he passed away. I wish to "know" him...through the only means that I can.... knowing him as he was at the greatest time of his life...when he flew. My tribute to him---as---if he had known me, he would have liked me very much. I have his silver flight wings---my most cherished keepsake. Thank you so kindly for your help.  Christina

Liz, so sorry for not replying earlier. As far as I can tell, about 60
percent of the aviation cadet schools had classbooks published.
Enlisted aircrew school classbooks were far fewer in number. I
have one claasbook for Victorville AAFd in my personal library
and it includes pilot, bombardier, and glider pilot classes from
early 1943. After WW2, Victorville AAFd was renamed George
Air Force Base. Yes, it has since closed.

As to finding classbooks for Victorvilles' bombardier classes, I
would recommend checking with the historical office at Maxwell
AFB. They may have a copy to scan for you within the collection
of materials donated by Bombardiers Incorporated. Otherwise,
it will be sheer luck to find a copy of a specific classbook.

Best wishes, Steve

Chris,
You need to look for his Ryan School classbook, which were
entitled "Contact". I have two other classe's books.

Hope that this helps, Steve

This gets even more curious. I have acquired a 44h book for Ryan Field. This book is called the "Windsock". Did they change the name in '44? Also I know the Ryan Field I am looking for was in AZ, was there also a Ryan Field in CA?

Also I have my dads soft thin book from Marana for 43-j. I also have acquired a hard cover for 44g / h its is dark blue in color like ones I have seen for just about every field. The hc covers the entire base, from WAC's on down. I also missed a Williams book just like this one for 42-K and 43-a. For most schools are there 2 books?

Dear Steve....
I do not have the " Ryan School Classbook" title " Contact"; Is that the name of his school and yearbook for his graduating class at AAAF Victoria, Texas (Aloe) for 5-23-44 ?  Thank you so kindly Steve.     Sincerely,  Christina

Chris Staley,
I have seen classbooks change thier names before and I believe that it is a matter of the classbook staff selecting a name for it.
The binding went from hardbound to paper, based on the class-
book staff's budget.

About the Ryan school, see this interesting history brief from the book "Two Hundred Thousand Flyers" in the attachment. I believe
that the class mentioned is the Class of 43A.

Hope that this helps, Steve

Attached Image(s)

Christina, sorry about the crossed signals. Alas, I have'nt heard what the title of classbooks were for Aloe Army Air Field, but I do have one classbook for Majors Army Air Field (for the Class of 43I)
and it's title was "Base Leg". See attachment. The title for 44E
might have been different, but this gives you a starting point, if
you are looking a copy of your own or wish to find one through
the public library.

Hope that this helps, Steve

Attached Image(s)

Thank you Steve.... I see where that reference was made to another poster and not to me.  May I ask, though, as I am assuming the class number ( 44 ) depicts the year...but, what is the significance of the letters ( I or H for example) following it as the depiction for the class ? Thank you again...I cannot tell you how WONDERFUL this forum is for me !!!!   Sincerely, Christina

Christina,
The letter refers to the expected graduation month in the year.  For instance, my uncle finished his two-engined advance training at Yuma AAF, class of 43-G at the end of July (he was commissioned July 28, 1943 to be exact).

Therefore H would be August, and I would be September.

Kevin Anderson

Kevin...
Thankyou.... I understand now...his AFTC diploma certificate is dated May 23, 1944---so, his class would be AAAF (Aloe)Class 44E  !!!   Thanks...that gives me something to go on.  Sincerely, Christina

Christina,
Just to be sure - is Aloe where he completed his Advanced training?  If so, then 44E would likely be correct.  However, and other guys can correct me if I am indeed wrong, but if Aloe is where he did his primary or basic, then that designation would not be correct.  Why?  Because as I understand it, for pilots, the letter designation is for their advanced training - for completion and commisioning in the pipeline- and that even during air cadets time in primary and basic they are still known by their final graduation month and year.

Kevin Anderson