Pueblo Army Air Field (1942)

Pueblo Army Airbase
1942 - 1946
Training Defenders of Freedom

And Democracy During WWII
Table of contents
I. World context
II. National Context
III. PAAB 1942
IV. PAAB 1943
V. PAAB 1944
VI. PAAB 1945
VII. PAAB After WWII
VIII.Lasting Effects of PAAB
IX. PAAB Remembered
Practice formation over PAAB

World Stage
Pueblo Army Air Base would not

exist until after the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor; however, the
The root causes of what was to become
nature of its purpose was defined
known as World War II were complex
long before WWIi even began
and imbedded in both economic and
sociologic problems around the world.
nationalistic dreams, religious fears, overcrowded regions, and economic needs began
planting the seeds of conflict long before the realities of war would sprout and put cities
upon cities on the map of military conquest.
Rise of Dictators
Joseph Stalin
Rose to power in 1924 after

Communist leader V.I. Lenin
died.
Used Five-year plans to turn the Soviet
Union into The worlds second-largest
industrial world power surpassed only by the
United States between 1928-1937.
Purged those who threatened his power and by

1939 had established a totalitarian state that
exerted complete control over its citizens.
Benito Mussolini
1921 Established the Fascist Party.
October 1922 Marched on Rome with thousands of Black
Shirts (his followers). Government officials, the Army and
the Police force sided with him….so the Italian King
stepped down and appointed Mussolini the head of the
Government.
Established a Fascist state and began allying Italy with
Germany….then began territorial conquests.
Adolf Hitler
1919 Joined the NAZI Party in Germany…quickly rose to the top of
the party.
Applied principles laid out in his book Mein Kampf to form Nazism.
Components of Nazism:
Extreme Nationalism…Wanted to Unite all German-speaking
people in a Great German Empire.
Racial Purification….necessary to allow the Aryan race (AKA The
“master Race”) the opportunity to rule the world.
National Expansion…to establish Lebensraum (Living Space) for
the German people.
Hideki Tojo
Became Prime Minister of Japan in October of 1941.

His rise to power marked the success of the Militaristic
faction in Japan. He soon developed a totalitarian
government in Japan.
One goal during WWII was to expand territory that
belonged to the Empire of Japan to create living space for
the Japanese people.
He was the most powerful government leader in Japan
during WWII and approved the attack on Pearl Harbor as
well as attacks in China, South East Asia and the Pacific.
National Context
The United States moved cautiously away from
neutrality
September 1939: “Cash-and-carry” provision passed which allowed
the U.S. to sell arms to Warring nations (Britain and France) as long
as they paid cash and transported the goods on their own ships.
1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to increase
spending for national defense.
1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked congress to pass the
countries first peacetime military draft called the Selective Training
and Service Act.
• Drafted 16 million men between the ages of 21 and 35 to serve in
the western hemisphere
March 1941: Lend-Lease Act was Passed which allowed the United
States to lend or lease arms and supplies to “any country whose
defense was vital to the United States
Pearl Harbor Is Attacked
“December 7, 1941: “A Day That Will Live in Infamy”.
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Japan declared war on
the United States and Britain on December 8, 1941. The
U.S. Senate and House Voted 470 to 1[i] to declare war on
Japan, and Britain declared war on Japan on December 8,
1941. Germany and Italy declared war on the United States
on December 11, 1941 and Congress replied with
declarations of war.[ii]” (Sisson pg. 4)
[i] World War II Extra, (Maui News, No. 5592), Castle Books, 1999, p 81.
[ii] The World Almanac Book of World War II, A Bison Book, London, 1981, p 136.
Pueblo Colorado Designated a Defense
Area December of 1941
“President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Pueblo as a defense area
on December 10, 1941 creating expectations of operations, which
would affect the business life of the city. It was learned on December
21 that Pueblo had definitely been selected for the location of an
ammunition storage facility at North Avondale.[i]
[i] The Chieftain, 125th Commemorative Edition, May 30, 1993, p 7DD.” (Sisson pg. 4)
“On December 27, 1941 The War Department obtained 3700 acres of
land through condemnation and purchases from private owners to
construct the Pueblo Army Air Base (PAAB) approximately four
miles east of the city limits of Pueblo.[iI] Concurrently, land was
being obtained for construction of the Pueblo Ordnance Depot (POD)
just north of North Avondale.
[iI] Colorado Aviation Historical Society Journal, 1995 Third Edition, by Ruby Lee Ballantyne, WASP.” (Sisson pg. 4)
Pueblo Army Airbase 1942
Construction began March 25, 1942
The original construction contract called for the following facilities:

Housing facilities for enlisted men … 3,919
Housing facilities for Officers…… 400
Mess facilities for enlisted men ……. 4,165
Mess facilities for officers ………. 475
Hospital beds ……………………… 176
3 Runways ……………7,500 ft.
Parking apron, length approx………4,000 ft.
5 Hangars, total area …68,200 SQ. Ft.
Engineering Shop, area …………19,890 sq. ft.
2 A. F. Warehouses, area ..48,000 sq. ft.
4 Quartermaster Warehouses, total area … 46,800 sq. ft.

The total cost was in the neighborhood of $9,000,000.[i]

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2475, Frame 1154.
(Sisson pg. 4)
(Sisson)
Function of Pueblo Army Air
Base
Trained Air Groups which consisted of three or four Squadrons. Each
squadron consisted optimally ten airplanes with their 8-10 man air
crews and ground crews.
Two Types of Training took place:
Tactical Groups (OUT’s): Trained together at Pueblo Army Air
Base and then rotated to WWII theaters of operation mostly in
Europe.
Training Groups: Trained together and remained in the United
States for the purpose of training replacement crews that could be
utilized wherever needed.
Units Who Trained at Pueblo
Army Air Base
TRAINING: 302nd BG(H) (30 Sept. 1942 to 30 Nov. 1942[i]), with B-24s; including
355, 356, 357, 420 Bomb Squadrons[ii]. This Group was a training Group only, and did
not rotate to an overseas assignment. A new 506 Bomb Squadron was formed at PAAB
by transferring personnel from the 302 BG. The 506 BS would train with the 308 BG,
and upon the completion of training would be transferred to the 44 th Bomb Group, of the
8th Air Force based in Shipdham, England. (Sisson pg. 2)
• [i] Air Force Combat Units of World War II, USAF Historical Division, p 174.
• [ii] Special Order No. 167, HQ Army Air Base, Wendover field, Utah, Sept. 26, 1942. PHAS #
TACTICAL: 308th BG(H) (28 Nov.1942-2/8 Feb. 43); with B-24s; including 373, 374,
375, and 425 Bomb Squadrons[i]. (Sisson pg. 2)
• [i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2475, Frame 1167.
TACTICAL: 94th BG(H) (Jan.-April 1943) with B-17s; including 331, 332, 333, and
410 Bomb Squadrons. [i] (Sisson pg. 2)
TACTICAL: 351st BG(H) (1 Mar. 1943 to 12 April 1943) with B-17s; including 508,
509, 510, and 511 Bomb Squadrons. [i] (Sisson pg. 2)
• [i] Air Force Combat Units of World War II, USAF Historical Division, p 231
TACTICAL: 381st BG(H) (5 April 1943 to 9 May 1943) with B-17s; including 532,
533, 534, and 535 Bomb Squadrons. [i] (Sisson pg. 3)
TRAINING: 400th BG(H) (2 May 1943 to 30 Jul 1943) with B-24s; including
608, 609, 610, 611 Bomb Squadrons. [i] (Sisson pg. 3)
Groups Who Trained at Pueblo Army
Air Base Continued
TRAINING: 471st BG(H) ( 7 May, 1943 to 27 January, 1944[i]) (3 June 1943[ii]- )
with B-24s; Converted to TACTICAL including 804, 805, 806, 807 Bomb Squadrons.
[iii] (Sisson pg 3)
• [ii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2475, Frame 1490.
• [iii] Air Force Combat Units of World War II, USAF Historical Division, p 345.
TACTICAL: 491st BG(H)(1/12/44[i] to 4/18/44[ii] ), Air Echelon, with B-24s; including 852, 853,
854, 855 Bomb Squadrons. (Sisson pg. 3)
• [ii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2476, Frame 1769.
TACTICAL: 8th Chinese BG(H), (3 August 1944 to May 5, 1945) with B-24s. Sisson pg. 3)
TACTICAL: 466th BG(VH)[i], (25 July 1945-15 August 1945[ii]) with B-29s. (Sisson pg. 3)
• [ii] The World Almanac Book of World War II, A Bison Book, London, 1981, p 342.
Planes Used For Training Purposes At
Pueblo Army Air Base
Pueblo army Air Base 1942
Kenton Russell Darr, after having graduated from Centennial High School, was hired to build the air
base. He was one of many civilians who was hired to do this. Darr went on to fly B-24’s completing
30 missions over Germany during WWII. He is now a volunteer at the Weisbrow Airplane Museum
which stands on the site of the Pueblo Army Air Base. (sission pg. 6)
August 16, 1942: Pueblo Army Airbase Band was activated (Sisson pg. 7)
Imelda Kiff, a teacher from Fountain grade school wrote “The Pueblo Army Air Base March”:
All Hail Pueblo Air Base, you men have courage true.
Your country stands behind you, in everything you do.
We’re fighting for our nation, the greatest one of all,
She needs cooperation, so answer to her call.[I] (sisson pg. 7)
[i] Pueblo Chieftain, by Ron Martinez. PHAS # 5011.
Imelda and husband Dewitt often performed the song at nightclubs in downtown Pueblo
Pueblo Army Air Base 1942
Continued
August 28, 1942: The first train load of soldiers arrived at PAAB. This is said
to be the date that the base became operational. (Sisson pg. 9)
“On Sept. 8, the 369th Sub-Depot, with civilian employees, was established[i]. Its
purpose was to supply and maintain the Liberator bombers so that crews would receive
the maximum training required. By February 1943, a number of shops were completed,
including the parachute building, gas refueling system, engine-cleaning, and reclamation
departments.The Signal Section was responsible for repair and maintenance of all radio
equipment in the Liberators. The Armament Department, established in November,
1942, was responsible for servicing machine guns, power turrets, bombing equipment,
automatic pilots and bombsights.[iii]” (Sisson pg 9)
[ii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2476, Frame 0944.
[iii] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945.
Continued
The Post Exchange opened

for business on
September 29. 1942.[i]

continued
September 30, 1942: The first planes to be stationed at PAAB arrived, flying in
formation.[i] They were under the command of Tactical Group Commander Lt. Col.
Joseph J. Nazarro. This was the 302 nd Bomb Group of B-24s. The colonel’s staff
immediately moved into base operations offices. (Sisson pg. 10)
October 1, 1942: Opening date for the base hospital. By 1945, it was “staffed with 17
medical officers, 12 dentists, and 14 nurses. It had 8 ambulances, operating roms and
dental, eye, ear, and throat clinics.” (Sisson pg. 11)
October 1, 1942: Control Tower opened

Pueblo Army airbase 1942
Continued
October 22, 1942: ““The Air-Scoop”, the base newspaper began publication
with Volume 1, Issue No. 1 . The newspapers name was selected through a
contest, won by Cpl. Thomas Walsh, who received a five dollar check for his
submission.[i] The paper would be published weekly by the Star-Journal
Publishing Corp. A review of the articles published during the life of the paper
indicates that standard features included: entertainment related activities,
sports related activities, presentation of awards and medals, information items
related to military and dependent benefits, editorials related to duty, honor,
and country; WAC-activities, band notes, theater listings, the Red Cross,
orderly room blues, pill rollins, chaplain’s column, U.S.O., […] disease
control, bomb group and service group activities.” (Sisson pg. 12)

[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base,

Nov. 12, 1942, p 7.
Pueblo Army airbase 1942
Continued
Nov. 1942-- The armament department began operations to repair
machine guns, power turrets, bombing equipment, automatic pilots
and bombsights.[i] (Sisson pg. 13)
• [i] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945.
 In November 1942 the bombing range was constructed 10

miles south of Timpas, Colorado. Six sections of level
prairie were set aside for this function; an observation tower
and barracks were constructed 15 miles south of
Manzanola.[i] Two thousand acres of land were purchased
by the War Department for use as a gunnery range. (Sisson
pg. 14)
[i] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945.
Continued
December 22, 1942: “The first fatal crash occurred
at the base. A three ship formation of B-24Ds
from the 375th Bomb Squadron, 308 BG, departed
PAAB at about 0830 on 22 December, 1942 on a
mission which included practice at formation
flying, use of the bombing range and then use of
the air-to-ground gunnery range.” (Sisson pg. 15)
Total Officer & Enlisted 1942
Date No. Date No.

September 1 220
September 15 365 November 15 3,490
September 29 753 November 30 1,413
October 15 3,420 December 15 3,416
October 31 3,152 December 31 3,195
(Sisson pg. 17)

January 23, 1943: Crash landing was made by a b-17 from PAAB at Oklahoma City after a
tire had blown out on takeoff. (Sisson pg. 19)
January 1943: The 52nd AF Band was rated the best in the 2nd Air Force.
“March 1, 1943: The 351st BG(H) with B-17s arrived. [i] with Lt. Col. William A. Hatcher,
Jr., Commanding.[ii] The Group HQ symbol was an eagle dropping a bomb from each claw.
[iii] 1st Lt. Clark Gable, already one of the most famous of film stars, (promoted to Captain
before leaving the base and later to earn the rank of Major) was a member of this Group. He
was assigned to the 508th Bomb Squadron. At PAAB, telephone lines were swamped with
calls and it was necessary for officials to request the public to allow Gable to pursue his
training unmolested. He ate at the officers’ mess and lived in officers’ quarters.[iv]” (Sisson
pg. 20)
[i] Air Force Combat Units of World War II, USAF Historical Division, p 231
[ii] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, March 11, 1943, p 1
[iii] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, April 15, 1943, p 3
[iv] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945
Continued: Segregation at PAAB
Colored soldiers at Pueblo Army Air Base served in a period of time when the
armed forces practiced segregation. Prior to the war, Pueblo, Colorado was not
known for practicing segregation. Kay Keating[i] points out that while there were
neighborhoods which attracted specific ethnic groups, partly by design of the
founders of CF&I (who envisioned a multi-ethnic work force), Pueblo businesses
did not as a rule practice segregation, and governmental units certainly did not do
so. PAAB brought together not only the heretofore unknown military
peculiarities, but also colored soldiers from across the nation. Many from
southern states where segregation was the norm, but many also came from states
where officially condoned segregation did not exist. For the former group, the
nature of segregation they encountered in Pueblo was not a big deal, but for the
latter group it was troublesome.
The Quartermaster Corps on base had white units and colored units. Their colored
units had colored officers as well. The 94th Aviation Squadron was a colored unit
without colored officers- the commissioned officer in charge was white”.
[i] Keating taped interview with R.J. Schults, January 25, 2001
Continued
June 3, 1943: “ Lt. Col. John A. Way II, 400th BG presented the “Top
Hatters insignia, ‘The Duke,’ whose motto is ‘Death at the Hands of
Gentlemen.’ The ruby stud indicates our wealth and loyalty and
contented minds. The Top Hat represents the elite of high flyers, and
the tilt of our hat shows our attitude and self assurance. The monocle
represents our keen insight and the white tie proves our esprit de
corps. Last of all, the two dice which ‘The Duke’ always has handy,
indicates our willingness to pit our skill against the enemy’s even
though the odds may be against us.”” (Sisson pg. 25)
Pueblo Army Airbase 1943 Continued:
Top Hatter Group
July 29, 1943-- This issue of the Air-Scoop was dedicated to the “Top Hatter”
Group. The Top Hatters song, which was composed and recordings made through
the good offices of Mr. Bing Crosby was featured. The lyrics are:
Duke the Spook
The night is calm – the sky is clear,
A perfect set-up for a bombardier.
Motors roar with an angry spark
The big B-24’s on their marks;
From the ground with shrieks and wails,
A ghostly figure hits the ether trails,
A mascot, in a high hat and tails.
Meet the gallant swell – “Duke the Spook”,
Charming as all hell – “Duke the Spook”.
With flowery phrase on his lips
He’ll annihilate those Nips
when his killing smile greets the foe.
Death is done in style, don’t you know?
Class will win and they’ll give in;
You’ll shake the hand that shook Berlin (Sisson pg. 26)
Oh, “Duke the Spook!”
Continued: WAACs
August 6, 1943: “The WAACs were officially taken into the US
Army and were honored at retreat ceremonies at Headquarters
building of PAAB. After a brief address by Base Commander Lt. Col.
Hillix, the now designated WACs marched back to their barracks as
the Army band played “You’re in the Army Now”. 1st Lt. Alice E.
Lampson became their first Commanding Officer.” (Sisson pg. 28)
Continued
Oct. 27, 1943-- WACs on the base were
presented with service ribbons denoting
service in the original WAC.[i] The name of
the organization had been changed from
769th WAC Post Headquarters Company to
WAC Detachment on October 8, 1943.[ii]
(Sisson pg. 31)
[i] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945
[ii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2476, Frame ???.
Continued
““The prominent attention accorded Gable’s military service did not
go unnoticed by the Nazis, who placed him on their list of most
wanted ‘war criminals.’ Hermann Goering, the head of the luftwaffe,
posted the equivalent of a $5000 reward for the Nazi flyer who would
bring Gable down. If Gable was captured alive, the German pilot was
also to receive a promotion and furlough with all expenses paid.” [i]”
(Sisson pg. 35 )
[i] Air Classics, Vol. 23, NO 12, December 1987,
Challenge Publications, Canoga Park, CA.
January 6, 1944--
Nineteen ships from
PAAB joined to make up
a group of 100 Liberators,
Flying Fortresses and
pursuit planes to stage a
mock battle over Colorado
Springs. All flew at
20,000 feet in battle
formation.[i] (Sisson pg.
36)
[i] Pueblo Star-Journal & Chieftain, Victory Edition, Tuesday, May 8, 1945
Continued
March 9, 1944: Noted war correspondent Cecil Brown is quoted in the Air-
Scoop[i] reminding airmen that we are at war against Fascism. He goes on to
provide a description of Fascists, “...the people who caused this war.” A few
examples are:
“A Fascist hates freedom for others; has contempt for the people, calls them
rabble and scorns their individual rights. A Fascist thrives on hate, blind hate.
He adores bigotry and prejudice. He schemes to whiplash minds into ugly
snarls. A Fascist will not live in peace beside those who are unlike him,
whether next door or a thousand miles away. The Fascist must sway his
neighbor, -enslave him or exterminate him. The Fascist expects to do the
thinking for you.” (Sisson pg. 39)
[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, March 9, 1944

Continued
“May 1, 1944: “On the first day of May, 1944, activation of WASP
fliers at the PAAB was initiated. Nine WASPs arrived at this field on
that date. In the beginning of their utilization they were used as pilots
of TB-26s towing targets for air to air gunnery practice. The flying of
administrative personnel was then added to their duties as it relieved
Army pilots of doing this when key personnel were obliged to travel
by air in the performance of their responsibilities. The WASP also
ferried aircraft and crews from point to point as part of their program.
They were used as pilots in the Test-Hop section as well. In the
opinion of the officer in charge of this group, the WASP at the base
were “superior” as regards their ability and conduct. Officers with
whom they flew had the highest regard for their personal conduct and
their flying ability.”” (Sisson pg. 41)
Continued
“June 29, 1944: Air Scoop[i] reported that the GI Bill recently passed
by Congress provides:
A maximum of 52 weeks unemployment compensation at the rate
of $20 per month.
A guarantee of 50% (but not more than $2,000) on loans for
purchase of farms, small businesses and homes, at 4% interest.
A maximum of 4 years educational aid if you joined the service
before age 25. $500 will be provided for tuition, plus, an
assistance allowance of $50/month if single, or $75/month if
married.
Veterans placement service.
Hospitalization, obtainable through the Veterans’ Administration.”
(Sisson pg. 45)
[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, June 29, 1944, p 2
Continued
August 3, 1944-- The first all Chinese heavy
bombardment group ever to train in this country
arrived at PAAB. Ten crews arrived on this date
and an additional twenty three crews processed in
at later dates through October. They began their
training as replacement units, but were ultimately
reformed to function as an Operational Training
Unit Group[i]. The Commanding Officer for this
group was Col. Hsu Kang Liang.
[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2478, Frame 1114

Chinese Nationals Who Trained at
PAAB in 1944
Continued
November 30, 1944: Base strength at the end of November
was 1,120 Officers and 3,827 Enlisted Men. On 27
November, Provisional Group PB 11-25, consisting of 56
crews,[i] departed the base.[ii] The average number of
airplanes assigned to this base for training purposes was
52.3. Total flying time for all sections was 7,626 hours. In
Provisional Group PB 12-25, 33 American Crews had
flown 3,397 hours, an average of 103 hours per crew. Two
of the Chinese crews were dropped during the month,
leaving 21 crews. Fifty-five crews of PB 1-26 began
training November 3, 1944.[iii] (Sisson pg. 52)

[ii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2477, Frame 1659
[iii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2477, Frame 1779
Continued
December 20, 1944-- The WASP program was

deactivated.[i] (Sisson Pg. 53)

Continued
Thirty three American crews of PB 12-25 completed their
training on December 25, 1944. The 21 Chinese crews of
this Group completed their first three months training at
this station and were combined with the 10 Chinese crews
from class PB 11-2 to form a new Class PB 3-31, to begin
training on Jan. 2, 1945.[i]

“Base Strength on January 1, 1945 stood at 1,006
officers and 3,546 enlisted men. Provisional
Group PB 1-26 left the base, then 230 officers and
336 enlisted men arrived to form Provisional
Group PB 4-16 on 30 January, bringing the total
to 1,013 officers and 3,507 enlisted men.[i]”
(Sisson pg. 55)
Continued
April 15, 1945-- A memorial Service was
held for “our late President and
Commander-in-Chief”, Franklin D.
Roosevelt.[i] (Sisson pg. 61)

Continued
May 6,1945: “Marked the last training flights of B-24s at
the base. No further flights were made as all crews had
completed their training and the preparation of the aircraft
for transfer was begun.[i]” (Sisson pg. 65)

Continued
“May 7, 1945: Germany surrendered at

Eisenhower’s headquarters in Reims,
France.” (Sisson pg. 65)
Continued
May 13, 1945: “The WAC observed their 3rd
anniversary with an Anniversary Dinner in the
WAC Mess Hall.” (Sisson pg. 66)
Continued
May of 1945: Schooling of B-29 instructor
personnel in all phases of ground and flight
instruction methods began to take place at
PAAB. (Sisson pg. 66)
B-29 Superfotress (used to drop atomic bombs in Japan)

Continued
August 6, 1945: the B-29 Enola Gay dropped a uranium

atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Honshu. (Sisson pg. 70)
Continued
September 2, 1945: Japan signed
surrender terms on battleship
Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
September 6, 1945: In co-operation

with Pueblo Jr. College an off duty
education program was initiated.
The program was curtailed, when
on 24 Sept. the base was informed
that personnel numbers would be
reduced to 500 officers and men
within 20 days. By the end of the
month only 25 remained enrolled.
Pueblo Army Airbase Headquarters
[i]
[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2479, Frame

0014. (Sisson pg. 71)
Continued
September 20, 1945: “In its effort to induce the
government to make PAAB a permanent base, the
Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the
Army and civilian weather bureaus revealed that
flying weather here ranks third in the nation as
“most favorable”. Ninety three percent of the year
offers excellent flying conditions.[i]” (Sisson pg.
71)
[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, September 20, 1945.
Continued
September 24, 1945: All flying activities and crew training was
discontinued[i]
September 27, 1945: The 2nd Air Force sliced the base manpower to 500 GIs
and officers within 15 to 20 days. Civilian personnel now employed would
remain. It was stated that this action had no connection with any possible post
war mission for this station. The base hospital was closed- almost three years
to the day it first opened shop.[ii]
Base Strength: 31 July[iii] 31 August 30 Sept.

Officers 444 446 492
Enlisted 2,333 3,226 2,409
Attached
Officers 214 182 85
Enlisted 464 219 180
[ii] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, September 27, 1945.
[iii] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2479, Frame 0096.
(Sisson pg. 72)

Continued
Base Strength:
December 1, 1945:
•157 officers
•2,240 enlisted men
December 31, 1945:

Photo courtesy of Steve Parri, Ball turret Gunner.
 78 Officers
•732 enlisted men
(Sisson pg. 74)
“January 2, 1946:The Post Engineer report indicated that a
total of 185 buildings have been put on stand-by and 24
more are now in the process of being put on stand-by. The
total number of buildings on base is 329 plus a total of 36
structures, making a grand total of 365 buildings and
structures. The inactivation program now in force is
approximately 65 per cent complete.[i]” (Sisson pg. 75)

Continued
“Many of the buildings on the base were declared surplus and made
available for purchase. This took place over a period of years. An
advertisement in the Pueblo Chieftain in February, 1950 was titled:
“Last Call, Surplus Barracks Sale at Pueblo Air Base. It included One- 1 Story
Building- 25 ft. wide by 110 ft. long. Has good 8 inch drop siding, wired for lights, has a
fine heating plant, Has space for 5 nice big apartments, can be moved most anywhere.
Only One, Priced to Sell—Cost to build $12,500, only $2,250”. The second part of the
add was for “8-Only- 2 Story Buildings. These buildings are 30 ft. wide by 90 ft. long.
There is material enough in these buildings to build 5 nice 5-room houses.------- Yours
for less than $3,100.” If one so chose, arrangements could be made to have the buildings
left on site for Rental Purposes.[i]” (Sisson pg. 75)
[i] Pueblo Star Journal and Sunday Chieftain, Feb. 12, 1950. PHAS 4844.
Building that was purchased and

(Sisson pg. 75) removed from PAAB
Pueblo Army Airbase Remembered
“The Pueblo Army Air Base had done its job and played an important role in
preparing thousands of airmen for the task of meeting and defeating the
enemies of our country. Many died in the training process. They would all
have preferred to live, and if death was to come, let it be in combat with the
enemy. But their contribution to victory is no less important and no less
valued than had they died in Europe, North Africa, Alaska, China, or the
Pacific. Most left this base with the best preparation this country could
provide. They were posted all over the world, in every theater of war. To the
people of Pueblo, they were OUR boys, they were our friends, brothers,
uncles, cousins, fathers, and sons. We have vowed not to forget them and their
contributions which effect our lives every day that we live. The women who
served in that era did so in the firm belief that their efforts would help assure
victory. They were right, and they too, are an important part of the history of
this air base.” ( Sisson pg. 75)
Pueblo Army Airbase Remembered
“While this ends a chapter in history, it was
certainly not the end of the effect that Pueblo
Army Air Base had on the city of Pueblo and its
citizens. The facility left behind and the men and
women who participated in its history continued to
play a vital role in future development.” (Sisson
pg. 75)
Bibliography
Sisson, Dr. R. L. (2001). Pueblo army Air
Base: A Chronological History. Pueblo,
Colorado: Pueblo Historical Aircraft
society.

Pueblo Army Air Field (1942)

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Pueblo Army Airbase

Training Defenders of Freedom

Practice formation over PAAB

Pueblo Army Air Base would not

Rose to power in 1924 after

Purged those who threatened his power and by

Became Prime Minister of Japan in October of 1941.

The Post Exchange opened

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2475, Frame 1157.

October 1, 1942: Control Tower opened

[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base,

 In November 1942 the bombing range was constructed 10

Date No. Date No.

September 15 365 November 15 3,490

September 29 753 November 30 1,413

October 15 3,420 December 15 3,416

October 31 3,152 December 31 3,195

(Sisson pg. 17)

[i] The Air-Scoop, Pueblo Army Air Base, March 9, 1944

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2478, Frame 1114

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2477, Frame 1778

December 20, 1944-- The WASP program was

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2477, Frame 1816

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2477, Frame 1831

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2478, Frame 1191

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2478, Frame 1501

“May 7, 1945: Germany surrendered at

B-29 Superfotress (used to drop atomic bombs in Japan)

August 6, 1945: the B-29 Enola Gay dropped a uranium

September 6, 1945: In co-operation

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2479, Frame

Base Strength: 31 July[iii] 31 August 30 Sept.

(Sisson pg. 72)

December 31, 1945:

[i] Historical Data PAAB, Microfilm B2479, Frame 0562.

Building that was purchased and

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