22 Oct Air Force Historical Research Agency

Wright Flyer monument sculpted by Alabama’s Larry Godwin in 1985

This week I spent two days at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Colonel Gordon Pickler who “showed me the ropes.”

I asked Gordon, “Why is all of this located in Montgomery?” He explained that the Wright Brothers had a flying field here in 1910. During World War I the federal government leased this land and later bought it. It expanded and grew through the years. Today it is the site of Air University, established after World War II, a primary site for Air Force professional military education.

First of all, the campus is beautiful. The colonial style Senior Officer Quarters were built before World War II and sit elegantly on wooded lots. Historic and modern planes are on display in the Air Park, including the Wright Flyer monument.

Where I spent my time was at the Air Force Historical Research Agency.  Before visiting Maxwell, be sure to follow carefully their directions on what is required in order to get on base.   They mean it.  And no talking on your cell phone while you drive around.  The research building is shared with the Air University Library … huge with what must be one of the most complete collections anywhere of modern and historic military books.

Much like the National Archives, historical Air Force records are stored here, going back to the 2nd World War. You search through their catalogues (or on-line ahead of time ) and ask for boxes of (in my case) historic files to be brought to you. There is a copy machine right there (small fee.) I was able to set up my laptop and scanner and get right to work.  The staff was extremely patient and helpful.  For the most part I was the only researcher in the Reading Room.

Finding what you want is like looking for the golden egg at an Easter Egg Hunt. You look through file after file, searching for clues … for a name you recognize. For the dates you need.

I found the summary data on each day of Herman’s missions. I did not see individual pilot’s reports or logs. And surprisingly, there was little to be found on the Big Week missions. (The 8th Air Force Museum in Savannah helped me more with the 306th Bomber Squadron.)

As for the Swedish Internees, I did get new and helpful information. What I was looking for in particular were individual reports on each crew that force landed. Many were put on microfilm years ago, and in some cases the original documents were destroyed. I was unable to read the microfilm well enough to find what I was looking for.

Here is one of my “Golden Eggs” … This was published in Sweden the day after the Liberty Lady crashed on the island of Gotland.  I would be very grateful if someone reading this could let me know the particulars.  Perhaps it was in a newsletter circulated in the Internment Camps.

As always, I am searching for clues …

Update: Read about my 2nd visit to the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

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