World War 2 In Review

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka" Bomb)

The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka (櫻花, Ōka, "cherry blossom"; 桜花 in modern orthography) is a purpose-built, rocket-powered human-guided kamikaze attack-aircraft deployed by Japan against Allied ships in the Pacific Ocean theater towards the end of World War II. Although extremely fast, the Ohka had a very short range, so it had to be carried into action as a parasite aircraft by a much larger bomber, which was itself vulnerable to carrier-borne fighters. In action during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, Ohkas succeeded in sinking or damaging some escort-vessels and transport ships, but never sank any major warships. The Japanese developed improved versions in an attempt to overcome the aircraft's shortcomings, but they came too late for deployment.

Allied personnel referred to the aircraft as "Baka Bombs" (baka being a Japanese pejorative term meaning "fool" or "idiot").

Design and Development

The MXY-7 Navy Suicide Attacker Ohka was a manned flying bomb that was usually carried underneath a Mitsubishi G4M2e Model 24J "Betty" bomber to within range of its target. On release, the pilot would first glide towards the target and when close enough he would fire the Ohka's three solid-fuel rockets, one at a time or in unison, and fly the missile towards the ship that he intended to destroy.

The design was conceived by Ensign Mitsuo Ohta of the 405th Kōkūtai, aided by students of the Aeronautical Research Institute at the University of Tokyo. Ohta submitted his plans to the Yokosuka research facility. While Ohta had started work on the design in 1943 the authorities would not take an interest until the following year. The Imperial Japanese Navy decided the idea had merit and Yokosuka engineers of the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal (Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho, or in short Kugisho) created formal blueprints for what was to be the MXY-7. The only variant which saw service was the Model 11, and it was powered by three Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 rockets. 155 Ohka Model 11s were built at Yokosuka, and another 600 were built at the Kasumigaura Naval Air Arsenal.

The final approach was difficult for a defender to stop because the aircraft gained high speed (650 km/h (400 mph) in level flight and 930 km/h (580 mph) or even 1,000 km/h (620 mph) in a dive. Later versions were designed to be launched from coastal air bases and caves, and even from submarines equipped with aircraft catapults, although none were actually used in this way. The Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Mannert L. Abele was the first Allied ship to be sunk by Ohka aircraft, near Okinawa on 12 April 1945. Over the course of the war, Ohkas sank or damaged beyond repair three ships and significantly damaged three more ships, with a total of seven U.S. ships damaged or sunk by Ohkas.

The Ohka pilots, members of the Jinrai Butai (Thunder Gods Corps), are honored in Japan at Ohka Park in Kashima City, the Ohka Monument in Kanoya City, the Kamakura Ohka Monument at Kenchō-ji Zen temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa, and the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

The only operational Ohka was the Model 11. Essentially a 1,200-kilogram (2,600 lb) bomb with wooden wings, powered by three Type 4 Model 1 Mark 20 solid-fuel rocket motors, the Model 11 achieved great speed, but with limited range. This was problematic, as it required the slow, heavily laden mother aircraft to approach within 37 km (20 nmi; 23 mi) of the target, making it very vulnerable to defending fighters. There was one experimental variant of the Model 11, the Model 21, which had thin steel wings manufactured by Nakajima. It had the engine of the Model 11 and the airframe of the Model 22.

The Ohka K-1 was an unpowered trainer version with water ballast instead of warhead and engines, that was used to provide pilots with handling experience. Unlike the combat aircraft, it was also fitted with flaps and a landing skid. The water ballast was dumped before landing but it remained a challenging aircraft to fly, with a landing speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). Forty-five were built by Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho.

The Model 22 was designed to overcome the short standoff distance problem by using a Campini-type motorjet engine, the Ishikawajima Tsu-11, giving a level speed of only 276 mph at 13,125 feet but extending the range to 81 miles. This engine was successfully tested, and 50 Model 22 Ohkas were built at Yokosuka to accept this engine. The Model 22 was to be launched by the more agile Yokosuka P1Y3 Ginga "Frances" bomber, necessitating a shorter wing span and much smaller 600-kilogram (1,300 lb) warhead. The first flight of a Model 22 Ohka took place in June 1945; none appear to have been used operationally, and only approximately 20 of the experimental Tsu-11 engines are known to have been produced.

The Model 33 was a larger version of the Model 22 powered by an Ishikawajima Ne-20 turbojet with an 800-kilogram (1,800 lb) warhead. The mothership was to be the Nakajima G8N Renzan. The Model 33 was cancelled due to the likelihood that the Renzan would not be available.

Other unbuilt planned variants were the Model 43A with folding wings, to be launched from submarines, and the Model 43B, a catapult/rocket-assisted version, also with folding wings so that it could be hidden in caves. A trainer version was also under development for this version, the two-seat Model 43 K-1 Kai Wakazakura (Young Cherry), fitted with a single rocket motor. In place of the warhead, a second seat was installed for the student pilot. Two of this version were built. Finally, the Model 53 would also use the Ne-20 turbojet, but was to be towed like a glider and released near its target.

Operational History

The Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka was used mostly against U.S. ships invading Okinawa, and if launched from its mothership, could be effective because of its high speed in the dive. In the first two attempts to transport the Ohkas to Leyte Gulf using aircraft carriers, the carriers Shinano and Unryu were sunk by the U.S. submarines Archerfish and Redfish.

Attacks intensified in April 1945. On 1 April 1945 six G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. At least one made a successful attack; its Ohka was thought to have hit one of the 406 mm (16 in) turrets on the battleship West Virginia, causing moderate damage. Postwar analysis indicated that no hits were recorded and that a near-miss took place. The transports Alpine, Achernar, and Tyrrell were also hit by kamikaze aircraft, but it is unclear whether any of these were Ohkas from the other G4Ms. None of the G4Ms returned.

The U.S. military quickly realized the danger and concentrated on extending their "defensive rings" outward to intercept the G4M/Ohka combination aircraft before the suicide mission could be launched. On 12 April 1945 nine G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. The destroyer Mannert L. Abele was hit, broke in two, and sank. Jeffers destroyed an Ohka with AA fire 45 m (50 yd) from the ship, but the resulting explosion was still powerful enough to cause extensive damage, forcing Jeffers to withdraw. The destroyer Stanly was attacked by two Ohkas. One struck above the waterline just behind the ship's bow, its charge passing completely through the hull and splashing into the sea, where it detonated underwater, causing little damage to the ship. The other Ohka narrowly missed (its pilot probably killed by anti-aircraft fire) and crashed into the sea, knocking off the Stanly's ensign in the process. One Betty returned. On 14 April 1945 seven G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. None returned. None of the Ohkas appeared to have been launched. Two days later, six G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. Two returned, but no Ohkas had hit their targets. Later, on 28 April 1945, four G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa at night. One returned. No hits were recorded.

May 1945 saw another series of attacks. On 4 May 1945 seven G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. One Ohka hit the bridge of a destroyer, Shea, causing extensive damage and casualties. Gayety was also damaged by an Ohka's near miss. One G4M returned. On 11 May 1945 four G4Ms attacked the U.S. fleet off Okinawa. The destroyer Hugh W. Hadley was hit and suffered extensive damage and flooding. The vessel was judged beyond repair. On 25 May 1945 11 G4Ms attacked the fleet off Okinawa. Bad weather forced most of the aircraft to turn back, and none of the others hit targets.

On 22 June 1945 six G4Ms attacked the fleet. Two returned, but no hits were recorded. Postwar analysis concluded that the Ohka's impact was negligible, since no U.S. Navy capital ships had been hit during the attacks because of the effective defensive tactics that were employed. In total, of the 300 Ohka available for the Okinawa campaign, 74 actually undertook operations, of which 56 were either destroyed with their parent aircraft or in making attacks. The Allied nickname for the aircraft was "Baka", a Japanese word meaning "foolish" or "idiotic".

Variants

MXY-7: Rocket powered suicide attacker, unpowered glider prototypes; ten built

Navy Suicide Attacker Ohka Model 11: Long designation of the operational attacker

Ohka Model 11: Suicide attacker powered by 3 × 2.616 kN (588 lbf) Navy Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 solid-fueled rocket motors, firing for 8–10 seconds; 755 built

Ohka Model 21: Suicide attacker, fitted with steel-built wings built by Nakajima; one built

Ohka Model 22: Suicide attacker, powered by an Ishikawajima Tsu-11 thermo-jet engine with reduced span wings and 600 kg (1,300 lb) warhead, to be carried by Yokosuka P1Y1 Ginga bombers. 50 built by the First Naval Air Technical Arsenal (第一海軍航空技術廠, Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho)

Ohka Model 33: Suicide attacker, powered by an Ishikawajima Ne-20 turbojet engine, with an 800 kg (1,800 lb) warhead, to be carried by the Nakajima G8N1 Renzan bomber

Ohka Model 43A Ko: Suicide attacker, powered by a Ne-20 turbojet engine, with folding wings, to be catapult launched from submarines

Ohka Model 43B Otsu: Suicide attacker similar to the Model 43A for catapult launching from caves

Ohka Model 53: Suicide attacker for aerotow launch, powered by a Ne-20 turbojet engine

Ohka K-1: Suicide attack training glider

Ohka Model 43 K-1 Kai Wakazakura (若桜, "Young Cherry"): Two-seat suicide attack glider trainer with flaps and retractable skid undercarriage, fitted with a single Type 4 Mark 1 Model 20 rocket motor, for limited powered flight

"Suzuka-24" (Japanese designation unknown): Alleged interceptor version with warhead replaced by a fuel tank for a Ne-20 jet engine and two 20 mm autocannon (Unknown Ho-5 or Type 99 with 60 / 150 rounds per gun) mounted on top. Supposedly employed at least twice against B-29 formations in April 1945

Bibliography

Aeronautical Staff of Aero Publishers in cooperation with Edward T Maloney (1966). Kamikaze. Fallbrook, California, USA: Aero Publishers.

Ellis, Ken. Wreck & Relics, 23rd Edition Manchester: Crecy Publishing Ltd, 2012.

Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War (2nd ed.). London: Putnam & Company.

Francillon, René J. (1971). Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" and Ohka Bomb. Aircraft in Profile, Vol. 9. Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd.

Maloney, Edward T. and the Aeronautical Staff of Aero Publishers, Inc. Kamikaze (Aero Series 7). Fallbrook, California: Aero Publishers, Inc., 1966.

Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft, 1910–1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books.

O'Neill, Richard (2001). Suicide Squads: The Men and Machines of World War II Special Operations. Washington DC: The Lyons Press.

Sheftall, M.G. Blossoms in the Wind: Human Legacies of the Kamikaze. New York: New American Library, 2005.

Stafford, Edward P. Little Ship, Big War: The Saga of DE343. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 2000.

Zaloga, Steven J. (2011). Kamikaze: Japanese Special Attack Weapons 1944–45. New Vanguard #180. Botley, Oxfordshire: Osprey Publishing.

An Ohka Model 11 being disarmed. Possibly the I-13 captured April 1, 1945 at Yontan airfield.

Notice intake ducts for the jet Engine on the side just forward of the tail section. This is an experimental Model 22 which never went into production. From the background hangers, this appears to be taken at Yokosuka Naval base where all model 22's were built. It is unlikely the Model 22 could have been anywhere else since testing of the integration of troublesome Tsu-11 jet engine occured here. Unlike the Alameda example now in the NASM, this unit has intact ducts and appears from the exhaust tube to have one of the 3 TSU-11 hybrid Jet engines known to have been produced.

MXY7 K-1 Kai Two-seat trainer powered by a single Type 4 Mk I Model 20 rocket motor and fitted with flaps and landing skis; 2 built at Yokosuka. These are the two being inspected by Navy personnel.

Yokosuka Ohka Model 22.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka" bomb) being towed behind a truck after its capture, 20 April 1945. Note insignia and coding, I-13.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka") piloted flying bomb which had been captured on Okinawa. Photographed 26 June 1945, while under study by experts at N.A.M. (Navy Air Material) Unit.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka piloted flying bomb which had been captured intact by Marines on Okinawa, while under study by experts at N.A.M. Unit. 26 June 1945.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka which had been captured intact by Marines on Okinawa. Photographed while under study by experts at N.A.M. Unit. 26 June 1945.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka piloted flying bomb which had been captured intact by Marines on Okinawa, while under study by experts at N.A.M. Unit. 26 June 1945.

A Japanese MXY-7 Model 11 Okha suicide plane captured on 1 April 1945 at Yontan airfield, Okinawa.

MXY7 Model 11 Manufacture Number 1049 Number I-18 captured April 1, 1945 at Yontan airfield, Okinawa.

Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka, Okinawa, 1 April 1945.

Japanese Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka "Baka" flying bomb on the deck of USS Core (CVE-13) as part of a shipment of Japanese warplanes being loaded in Japan, 21 November 1945. Note that this is a two seat training glider version of the "Baka". Plane in background is a Mitsubishi Ki-67 "Peggy" bomber.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka "Baka" flying bomb on the deck of USS Core (CVE-13) as part of a shipment of Japanese warplanes being loaded in Japan, 21 November 1945.

Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka rocket motor.

Stills from gun camera footage of an attack on an Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi G4M2e Model 24 Tei ("Betty") bomber carrying a Kugisho/Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka") Model 11 manned rocket-propelled suicide plane.

Mitsubishi G4M2E Model 24 Tei bomber from Kokutai 721 carrying an Ohka.

Imperial Japanese Navy Stand-by aircrews relax in front of a Mitsubishi G4M2e Model 24 Tei ("Betty") bomber carrying a Kugisho/Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka") Model 11 manned rocket-propelled suicide plane.

Mitsubishi G4M2E Model 24 Tei bomber just released MXY7 Ohka.

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka ("Baka" bomb) control panel, April 20, 1945. [National Archives 80-G-192464]

A MXY-7 Ohka Model 22 at Yokosuka minus its wings. Note the air intakes indicating jet, not rocket power, 1945.

Cockpit of a captured model 11, from the angle of the wings. (Model 22 were swept back more).

A Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka at the Yokosuka naval district, in September 1945.

Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka human-guided anti-shipping kamikaze attack planes at Kōnoike Airfield, Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan, August 1945.

Keesler Army Air Field, USAAF

Early Development: 1941 - 1949

In early January 1941, Biloxi city officials assembled a formal offer to invite the U.S. Army Corps to build a base to support the WWII training buildup. The package included an early airport, the old Naval Reserve Park, and parts of Oak Park sufficient to support a technical training school with a population of 5,200 people.

On 6 March 1941, the War Department officially notified Mayor Braun that Biloxi had been selected. The War Department activated Army Air Corps Station No. 8, Aviation Mechanics School, Biloxi, Mississippi, on 12 June 1941. City officials wanted the base named after a notable figure in the local area's history, but it was War Department policy to name installations after service members killed in action. In late June, Mayor Braun received word that the new school would be named in honor of 2d Lt Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr., of Greenwood, Mississippi. Lieutenant Keesler had died of wounds during World War I while serving in France as an aerial observer assigned to the 24th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service. On 25 August 1941, Army Air Corps Station No. 8 was officially designated as Keesler Army Airfield.

Base Construction

Congress initially appropriated $6 million for construction at Biloxi and an additional $2 million for equipment. By the time the War Department allocated the funds in April 1941, the projected cost had risen to $9.6 million. On 14 June 1941, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded Newton, Glenn, and Knost Construction Company and J. A. Jones Construction Company contracts totaling $10 million to build Biloxi's technical training school. At the time, it was the most expensive government project to have been undertaken in the State of Mississippi.

First Soldiers Arrive

Captain Samuel A. Mundell arrived in Biloxi on 12 June 1941. He was joined two days later by a start up cadre from Scott Field, Illinois, consisting of a second lieutenant and 20 enlisted personnel; they established a temporary headquarters at the Biloxi Armory. Lieutenant Colonel William J. Hanlon arrived on 16 June to assume command from Captain Mundell. The same Arthur W. Brock who had first examined the site in January, now promoted to colonel, arrived on 17 July to become the base's first permanent commander.

On 8 September 1941, the 310th Technical School Squadron (the mess unit) became the first squadron to move to the new barracks. Before the end of the month, three basic training units, the 301st, 303d, and 304th Technical School Squadrons, had also moved into permanent quarters.

Basic Training

When the War Department activated Keesler Field in June 1941, the local community thought it was getting a technical training center with a student population, which might peak, at 20,000 people. Not only was Keesler to house a technical training center, but it would also host one of the Army's newest replacement, or basic training centers. Keesler's population almost doubled overnight.

The first shipment of recruits arrived at Keesler Field on 21 August 1941. During World War II, the Army's basic training program was little more than a reception process. At Keesler, basic training lasted four weeks, during which classifiers determined the type of follow on schooling that each recruit would receive. Many stayed at Keesler to become airplane and engine mechanics, while others transferred to aerial gunnery or aviation cadet schools. Trains passed through Keesler daily, dropping off new trainees and picking up graduates.

By September 1944, the number of recruits had dropped, but the workload remained constant, as Keesler personnel began processing veteran ground troops and combat crews who had returned from duty overseas for additional training and follow on assignments. Basic training wound down drastically after the end of World War II, and it was finally discontinued at Keesler on 30 June 1946.

Technical Training

Technical training school officers and staff began arriving at Keesler Field in mid July 1941, primarily from Chanute Field, Illinois. The new academic buildings were still under construction when the Airplane and Engine Mechanics School opened. Basic Branch students received instruction in five barracks buildings; Instructor Branch students were assigned to temporary classrooms set up in commandeered circus tents. In mid-1942 the Army Air Forces directed Keesler to focus upon the training of mechanics for B-24 Liberator heavy bombers. The school received its first B 24 in late September 1942. Six more arrived shortly thereafter, and specialized B 24 maintenance training began on 19 October. Over time, Keesler gradually replaced them with civilian instructors, including many women.

Women began training here in 1943, as did international students. Students from more than 50 countries have received aviation, personnel and electronics training at Keesler.

Generally unknown to most was the role that the Tuskegee Airmen and other African American troops played on Keesler. In fact, more than 7,000 African American Airmen were stationed at Keesler Field by the autumn of 1943. These soldiers included pre-aviation cadets, radio operators, aviation technicians, bombardiers, and aviation mechanics.

Keesler continued to focus upon specialized training in B-24 maintenance until mid-1944. Thereafter, the base was directed to expand its mechanics training curriculums to include other aircraft. Changing requirements forced the consolidation of all air-rescue training at Keesler in early 1945, however, and many of these programs had to be moved elsewhere for lack of facility space.

Specialized Flying Training

The rapid buildup of heavy bomber units overseas demanded additional aircrew, and Keesler was tasked to assist in the spring of 1944. A B-24 Copilot School began operation in July, and its curriculum was expanded to include B-32 copilot training in October. The need for B-24 crews had also diminished, and Keesler stopped training B-24 copilots two months later. In late July 1944, the Army Air Forces (AAF) consolidated all air-sea rescue training at Keesler. The situation worsened on 4 January 1945, when the AAF Training Command ordered Keesler to give first priority to air-sea rescue training. The Emergency Rescue School was disbanded in April 1946. Thereafter, air-sea rescue training passed to the Air Transport Command's newly established Air Rescue Service.

Previous Names

    Biloxi Air Corps Technical School, 13 June 1941
    Keesler Army Airfield, 25 August 1941
    Keesler Air Force Base, 13 January 1948 – Present

Major Commands to Which Assigned

    Air Corps Technical Training Command, 7 Feb 1941

    Re-designated: Army Air Forces Technical Training Command, 1 March 1942

    Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, 7 July 1943

    Re-designated: Army Air Forces Training Command, 31 July 1943

    Air Training Command, 1 July 1946

Major Units Assigned

    HQ and HQ Sq, 69th Air Base Group, 12 June 1941
    59th Air Base Squadron, 4 August 1941
    Re-designated: 59th Base HQ and Air Base Squadron, 22 June 1942
    51st Training Group, 5 August 1941 – 30 April 1944
    52d Training Group, 6 August 1941 – 30 April 1944
    55th Training Group, 29 August 1941 – 30 April 1944
    56th Training Group, 21 July 1941 – 30 April 1944
    57th Training Group, 5 March 1942 – 30 April 1944
    58th Training Group, 22 February 1943 – 30 April 1944
    59th Training Group, 22 February 1943 – 30 April 1944
    60th Training Group, 22 February 1943 – 30 April 1944
    Army Air Fores Basic Training Center #2, 14 August 1941 – 1 August 1947
    Air Corps (later Air Forces, later USAF) Technical School, 14 August 1941 – 15 August 1973
    Air Corps (later Air Forces) Mechanics School #2, 5 August 1941 – 30 April 1944
    Air Corps (later Air Forces) Mechanics School #7, 13 April – 3 June 1942
    602d Training Group, 13 April 1942 – 30 April 1944
    603d Training Group, 5 March 1942 – 30 April 1944
    607th Training Group, 15 April 1942 – 30 April 1944
    611th Training Group, 23 July 1943 – 29 February 1944
    1169th Training Group, 18 December 1942 – 30 April 1944
    1170th Training Group, 18 December 1942 – 30 April 1944
    21st Training Wing, 22 February 1943 – 29 February 1944
    61st Training Wing, 23 July 1943 – 30 April 1944
    3704th AAF (later AF) Base Unit, 1 May 1944 – 22 August 1948

Keesler Army Airfield: The Main Entrance to Keesler Army Airfield.

Keesler Army Airfield: Officer’s barracks at Keesler Army Airfield.

Keesler Army Airfield: Inspection of squadron personnel at Keesler Army Airfield.

Keesler Army Airfield: Air mechanics study training plane at Keesler Army Airfield.

Squadron mail call at Keesler Army Airfield.

Chapel Three at Keesler Army Airfield.

Cadets march at Keesler Army Airfield.

B-24 mechanics class in session.

Graduation of Free French Air Force mechanics trained on the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt at Keesler Army Airfield.

Free French Air Force mechanics undergo training on a Martin B-26 Marauder at Keesler Army Airfield.

Free French Air Force mechanics undergo training on a Martin B-26 Marauder engine at Keesler Army Airfield.

Free French Air Force pilots at Keesler Army Airfield for training.

Airplane mechanics working on a trainer at Keesler Army Airfield.

Aircraft Mechanic Students at Keesler Field performing a general inspection of a Bell P-39 Airacobra ground training aircraft.

Mock-up of aircraft equipment for training at Keesler Army Airfield.

Free French Air Force mechanics undergo training with aircraft equipment mockup at Keesler Army Airfield.

Five months after the beginning of construction, the Biloxi Airport, ball park, and golf course were all but erased by the new construction. Training personnel used the large circus-type marquees to house the air mechanic school classrooms until permanent structures were ready.

Colonel Brock, during a visit to Biloxi from 17-19 May 1941, speaks with Major Robert E. York of the Army Engineers, left, and Biloxi Mayor Louis E. Braun.

Army and civilian officials present when the announcement was received that Biloxi was accepted as a site for an Air Corps technical training school, left to right, upper row: Captain L. O. Ryan, City Attorney G. B. Cousins, Jr., Major William P. Sloan, and Major Robert G. York; lower row: City Commissioner F. A. Tucei, Captain M. C. Young, President (Dr.) Riley Burnett of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Brig. General Rush B. Lincoln, Mayor Louis Braun, and City Commissioner John A. Swanzy.

As the activation of the Army Air Corps training site neared, the Biloxi Airport became the scene of many visiting military planes during 1941.

An ox team was used on the fringe of the golf course to move heavy timbers felled to make room for the barracks and school buildings.

One of several tent chapels in use by August 1941. This field type facility was located in the Naval Reserve Park.

By July 1941, the warehouse area of the new base was in the early stages of construction as heavy equipment cleared and leveled the site.

The first indoor Chapel at Keesler Field was completed on 29 October 1941 and was located near the Biloxi Airport hangar. It was used for all services until other chapels were completed in 1942.

The massive "Glennon Oak" still stands at the corner of Meadows Dr. and First St. (formerly the intersection of F and I Sts.). During ground-clearing in 1941, the impressive oak stood squarely in line with a projected road. Lieutenant O. E. Glennon and General Rush B. Lincoln intervened as it was about to be destroyed and the commanding officer directed that the road would be built around it.

The first mess cooking facilities were outdoor brick grills constructed along the south shore of Back Bay near the tent area in Naval Reserve Park. Until the field's mess halls were ready for use, every day was "barbecue" day.

Until the standard Monel metal trays were obtained for use in the newly-completed mess halls, outside field mess kit clean-up was routine following each meal.

In the shadows of great live oaks, festooned with Spanish moss, the first military personnel for Air Corps Station No. 8 were settled into the former Boy Scout Camp in Biloxi's Naval Reserve Park.

Where Wall Studio now stands, the scene in mid-1941 was one of two-man pup tents for the new air station's first personnel. In the background, the engine test block facility was beginning to take shape.

School training facilities in October 1941 were located on the Biloxi Airport. Six classroom buildings (in foreground) and the engine test cell complex (background) were nearing completion.

Seventy days after activation, the warehouse complex, built concurrently with the barracks, gave the site of Keesler Field a new appearance.

A ward in the Keesler Field hospital in late 1941. The medical facility was 93.7% complete by Pearl Harbor Day.

Officials who inspected this photo showing the progress of construction in late 1941 must have said, “It's beginning to look like a military encampment.” Of note is the steel water tower structure with the tank still to be installed.

Colonel Arthur W. Brock, a member of General Lincoln's staff at Chanute, was the first permanent commander of Air Corps Training School No. 8, later named Keesler Field.

In August 1941, the first 369 recruits were on station, and by Pearl Harbor Day recruits were in basic training and students were undertaking mechanics training.

The first barber shop on Keesler Field had three chairs, fresh air, a wood floor, and a cot with mosquito netting for the night guard detail.

In August 1941, the major shelter facilities on Keesler Field were tents. Four men occupied each tent and each man did his share to maintain pride in the prosaic living quarters.

The first basic recruits and aircraft mechanic trainees messed at crude tables under pavilion-style sheds in the Naval Reserve Park.

Keesler Field’s first student unit, the 310th School Squadron, was located in Naval Reserve Park. The “blister bag” was a plumbing substitute to provide drinking water until the barracks and water distribution system were completed.

Long lines at mess call were a common sight soon after the activation of the station. Makeshift dining facilities were used to serve the heavy influx of basic trainees and mechanic students.

The first recruits at Keesler Field, candidates for aircraft mechanic training, were drilled by Regular Army non-commissioned officers.

Officers' Club at Keesler Field as it appeared during World War II. "Partial view of the Dining Room, Officers' Club, Keesler Field, Mississippi. The mural scene, painted by Cpl. Claude Marks, shows the harvesting and processing of cane sugar in Louisiana around 1859." Source: U. S. Government postcard. Date of postcard unknown, probably about 1944.

Keesler Air Force Base - 1940s Main Gate.

Assembly Room.

Chow Line.

Giving a plane the once-over, 1943.

Headquarters, 1943.

Lowering the Flag at Retreat, 1943.

New Soldiers Arrive, 1943.

Night Training, 1943.

Repairing a Camouflaged Plane, 1943.

Retreat at Keesler Field, 1943.

Retreat, 1943.

Typical Street Scene, 1943.

Army Air Corps Station No. 8 was officially designated Keesler Army Airfield on 25 August 1941, in honor of 2nd Lt. Samuel R. Keesler, a World War I aerial observer. Keesler, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi, died after being shot down in air combat with four German aircraft in World War I.