**This page is an advertisement only. All contact information & location is found at the bottom of page.**
The WINGS OF HONOR MUSEUM in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas showcases the vast history and contribution the area made to winning WWII. The museum honors America’s Veterans and tells of the many heroic acts and the great sacrifices these brave men and women made during wars past.
A Board of Army Air Forces officers flew over in search of an acceptable location for construction of an air field and flying school. The recommendation for the site was made in 1942 and the government purchased 3096.22 acres for the Main Air Field, and 2623.9 acres for five Auxiliary Air Fields. Construction began on the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School June 20, 1942, and pilot training began October 12, 1942.
The WRAFS was designed for 5,114 military personel, and 976 civilians. It was equipped with three 5,000-foot runways, a huge apron covering over 63 acres, and 4 large hangers. A base engineering building, and a fully equipped 203 bed hospital was also in the design. Also included were 131,151 sq. ft. of office space, 119,613 sq. ft. of enclosed storage space, along with 49,324 sq. ft. of shop space. A water plant and sewer plant designed to serve 5,000 troops, along with a 10,000 man laundry, 2 theaters, a swimming pool, gymnasium were also included. WAC housing, 8 mess halls, parachute loft, gas chamber, 260 tile-block apartments, motor pool, control tower, officer’s club, fire station, several warehouses, crash station, and 9.64 miles of streets completed the amenities.
Construction and land together cost almost $10.5 million. The AAF Basic Flying School occupied the facility from 1942-1944. During this time 5,300 Cadets entered training and 4,641 graduated. The facility did see it’s share of tragedy as a total of 42 Cadets and Pilots were killed during training operations.
TRANSITION
On September 1, 1944 the Air Field became the Marine Corps Air Facility, Walnut Ridge. Marines flew SBD-5’s and FG-1D “Corsairs.” MCAF, WR was decommissioned March 15, 1945.
The area was also used as a temporary P.O.W. CAMP in 1945.
In the late 1940’s 1,108 acres of the Air Field property were sold back to the original owners. Southern Baptist College, (now Williams Baptist College) acquired 122 and relocated from Pocahontas, Ar. The remaining 1866 acres were given to the City of Walnut Ridge to be operated as a public airport.
During the 1950’s Cold War with Russia, the United States was able to establish several early-warning radar facilities. One of these, the 725th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, was built at Walnut Ridge in 1956, on a portion of the ground originally occupied by the WRAFS. The 725th operated until 1963.
Today the museum houses artifacts and memorabilia as well as actual items used during the war. The actual flight training simulator is on display, as well as several war era firearms. Visitors can also read countless war time letters and stories. A memorial wall pays tribute to the fallen, as well as, the Wall Of Honor paying tribute to all the hero’s buried around the globe.
ADMISSION FEES
FREE (Donations are appreciated)
HOURS
MON-SAT 9-5
CLOSED EASTER, THANKSGIVING, & DECEMBER 24-25 FOR CHRISTMAS
PHONE
800-584-5575
870-886-6748
870-878-6859
ADDRESS
70 South Beacon Road
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
3 Miles North on U.S. 67 at the Walnut Ridge Airport
For more information click HERE.
Have you visited this museum? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
Leave a Reply