Chronology

1940 - 1941

Early 1940: The War Department alerted the 28th Composite Group at March Field, CA, for movement to Alaska.

23 Feb 1940: Following hearings, Congress cut $12,734,000.00 for construction of an air base near Anchorage that had been included in the Army’s fiscal year 1941 appropriations.  The funds were restored following the German invasion of Norway.

14 Apr 1940:  The first Army Air Corps detachment, headed by Maj Dale V. Gaffney, arrived at Ladd Field.

8 Jun 1940: Construction of Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Field began when 25 locally hired men began clearing brush.

27 Jun 1940: The first troops, 4th Infantry Regiment, arrived to garrison Fort Richardson.

22 Jul 1940: Colonel Simon B. Buckner assumed command of Alaska Defense Forces.

12 Aug 1940: Major Everett S. Davis, Staff Sergeant Joseph A. Grady and Corporal Edward D. Smith arrived at Merrill Field in a B-10B bomber as the advance party for the 28th Composite Group.

1 Dec 1940: Ladd Field near Fairbanks named after Maj Arthur K. Ladd, killed in a flying accident near Dale, SC, 13 Dec 1935.

1 Dec 1940: Major Everett S. Davis designated Commanding Officer, Elmendorf Field in addition to serving as the air officer on the Alaska Defense Forces.

12 Dec 1940: War Department General Order 9 designated military reservation near Anchorage Fort Richardson and flying field Elmendorf Field.  The post was named for Brig Gen Wilds P. Richardson, former head of the Alaska Road Commission, the field was named after Capt Hugh M. Elmendorf, killed in a flying accident near Wright Filed, OH, 13 Jan 1933.  (War Department General Order 9, Dec 12, 1940)

10 Feb 1941: The Alaska Defense Forces redesignated Alaska Defense Command.

20 Feb 1941: The first flying squadron assigned to Alaska, 18th Pursuit Squadron, commanded by Maj Norman D. Sillin, arrived at Elmendorf AFB with 20 P-36As in crates.

23 Feb 1941:  The 23rd Air Base Group, Headquarters Squadron, 28th Composite Group and the advance party of the 36th Bomber Squadron arrived at Elmendorf Field.

3 Mar 1941: The title Air Officer, Alaska Defense Command, was changed to Chief of Aviation per General Order No 5, HQ Alaska Defense Command, with Major Davis filling position and being responsible for coordinating air activities.

14 Mar 1941: The ground echelon, 73rd Bomber Squadron, arrived at Elmendorf AFB.

17 Mar 1941: The ground echelon, 36th Bomber Squadron, arrived at Elmendorf AFB.

30 Mar 1941: The air echelon, eight B-18As assigned to 73rd Bomber Squadron, arrived at Elmendorf Field

26 May 1941: The air echelon, six B-18As assigned to 36th Bomber Squadron, under command of Maj William O. Eareckson, arrived at Elmendorf Field.

29 May 1941: The Army Field Forces, Alaska Defense Command, was activated per General Order 20, HQ Alaska Defense Command, with the responsibility of overseeing the training and planning the execution of the air defense of Alaska.

2 Jun 1941: Major Davis assumed command of Army Field Forces, Alaska Defense Command.

11 Jun 1941: Work on Elmendorf Field north-south runway completed.

5 Aug 1941: The first Army Air Corps’ medical detachment activated per General Order 35, HQ Alaska Defense Command.

17 Oct 1941: General Order 51, HQ, Alaska Defense Command, established Air Force, Alaska Defense Command. Major Davis, commanding, was responsible for training and preparing it for combat.  He was also responsible for its supply.

1 Nov 1941: The 15th Tow Target Squadron arrived at Elmendorf Field.

7 Dec 1941: Pearl Harbor caught the Alaska Defense Command by surprise.

15 Dec 1941: General Order No 4, Western Defense Command, placed the Air Force, Alaska Defense Command, under its jurisdiction.  Major Davis was responsible for all Army Air Corps units and installations in Alaska less those at Ladd Field and was responsible for coordinating with the 2nd and 4th Air Forces.  He reported to the Alaska Defense Command for combat operations.

28 Dec 1941: Alaskan Air Force established per War Department letter, subject: Activation of Air Corps Unit, AG 320.2, 28 December 1941.

29 Dec 1941: The P-40E equipped 11th Fighter Squadron arrived at Elmendorf Field.

31 Dec 1941: General Order No 71, HQ Alaska Defense Command, activated the Provisional Pursuit Interceptor Command to provide local air defense of designated areas, control blackouts and govern radio silence.
 

Part 3    1942 - 1943

Part 4    1944 - 1945
 

Courtesy of:   The United States Air Force Office of History

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