ðHgeocities.com/Heartland/Vista/6125/george/index.htmlgeocities.com/Heartland/Vista/6125/george/index.htmldelayedx:QÔJÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÈ œþ¯KOKtext/htmlðwk¯Kÿÿÿÿb‰.HWed, 22 Mar 2000 12:06:42 GMTVMozilla/4.5 (compatible; HTTrack 3.0x; Windows 98)en, *9QÔJ¯K Historic George Field, IL
Welcome to
Historic
George Field, IL

 
 
Welcome to the George Field Website, a memorial in honor of the many brave men and women who served their country during World War II.  It has also been created to preserve a piece of our Illinois history for future generations.  George Field, Illinois will remain forever a very important part of Lawrence County history, for it's existence touched the lives of hundreds of citizens of Lawrence, and surrounding counties. You are the person to visit!
 
George Field Army Air Training School, now known as Mid-America Air Center, is located 4 1/2 miles NE of Lawrenceville, IL and 7 1/2 miles NW of Vincennes, IN.  Named after Brigadier General Harold H. George, it was the first training field located north of the Mason-Dixon-Ohio River line.
 

Brigadier General Harold H. George
Harold "Pursuit" George was born in New York, NY on September 14, 1892. He was killed in Australia on April 29, 1942, when a pursuit plane crashed into the plane he was boarding. It was the policy to name airfields for deceased flying officers of the regular army reserve corps.

 

Although crews began clearing the land for the Flying Field in May 1942, actual construction of George Field did not begin until June 17, 1942, under the capable command of Colonel George W. Mundy.
A native of Georgia, Colonel Mundy was  a 1928 graduate of West Point Military Academy, and received his wings at Kelly Field, Texas.
 
Colonel George W. Mundy
 
 
George Field was officially activated in August of 1942, even though still in the early stages of construction.  Many of the important buildings and facilities were not ready until well after September of '42, but despite the many handicaps, the first class of cadets were able to occupy their quarters, and commence flying, upon their arrival in October. On October 18, 1942, the official dedication ceremonies were held.
 
Opening Day Oct. 18, 1942
 
The ceremonies were attended by over 25,000 people, and Major General Ralph Royce paid tribute to the late Brigadier General Harold George.  Construction of George Field was fairly complete by January 1943, but from the date of the dedication, the Field began turning out in earnest, some of the best pilots in the nation;  all classes were graduated on schedule.  On November 16, 1942, Colonel Edwin B. Bobzien assumed command of George Field Army Air Training School, a position he held until it's closing in August 1944.
 
"To Colonel Bobzien and to him alone,
must go the credit for the wonderful
record of the Flying School."
50th Anniversary SNAFU
 
Colonel Edwin B. Bobzien

Colonel Bobzien's dedication to the Field and to the men he commanded,  as well as his relationships with the nearby cities and towns, left nothing to be desired, and accounted for the extremely high morale among enlisted men, officers and civilians as well.  His cooperative spirit suffused every person with whom he came in contact, and all departments functioned harmoniously.  Even today, many of Lawrenceville's citizen's recall with fondness, Colonel Bobzien, and George Field.

On August 15, 1944, at the stroke of midnight, George Field became a Troop Carrier Command, under the leadership of Col. Tracy K. Dorsett. It's primary missions became the transport of paratroopers and glider troops to combat zones, as well as the evacuation of the wounded and dying, by air. To learn more about George Field TCC, scroll on down to the list, OR click on the 'GooneyBird' button below...



Colonel Tracy K. Dorsett


For those of you who were associated with the Field, it is hoped that as you scan these web pages, you too, will be happily reminded of George Field Army Air Training School, and your time there.  And if perchance you are a graduate of one of the best Flying Schools in the U.S., please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your service, and for making me proud to be an American.



 
Images of George Field
1942-1944

1944-1946: GooneyBirds and Gliders

This 'n That

Books 'n Such!

George Field Reunion '98

George Field Reunion '99




Roll Call!
Okay, guys, here is your chance to get in touch with those elusive or long-lost buddies! If you do not see YOUR name and address listed, and you wish to have it on the George Field Roll Call, simply e-mail it to me, and I'll add it as quickly as I can! And, if you do see your name and address listed and (sadly) you prefer NOT to include it on the Roll Call, please e-mail me and I will immediately delete it! Now, without further ado... Ladies and Gentlemen, FALL IN and COUNT OFF!

ROLL CALL


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This World War II Web Ring site is owned by
Liz Hunter-O’Grady.

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Please feel free to e-mail me with additions and/or corrections, or just your comments... this site was created with abiding love and gratitude, and your opinion counts!  Thank you!
 
E-MAIL LIZ

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