When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
SCARCE ORIGINAL KOREAN WAR-ERA U.S. AIR FORCE PILOT TRAINING GRADUATION PROGRAM
GRADUATION CEREMONY — CLASS 52-B3525th Pilot Training WingAdvanced Single-EngineWilliams Air Force Base, ArizonaAir Training Command — United States Air Force
Dated March 22, 1952.
This remarkable original program documents the graduation of USAF pilot training Class 52-B at Williams Air Force Base near Chandler, Arizona, during the Korean War.
The ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 1952.
The program contains the names of the graduating United States officers and aviation cadets as well as allied student pilots from the Netherlands, France, Norway and Belgium, making it an excellent primary-source roster for aviation and military researchers.
United States graduates include First Lieutenants, Second Lieutenants and Aviation Cadets.
The ceremony included:
Invocation by Chaplain Roy M. MacLeodIntroduction by Colonel James D. MaydenAddress by Clarence Budington KellandPresentation of Wings and Diplomas by Colonel James D. MaydenOath of Office by Major George W. FranklinBenediction by Chaplain Damien A. NeidhammerNational Anthems performed by the Williams Air Force Base Band
The booklet also contains a detailed graduation buffet menu, history of Williams Air Force Base, a base diagram showing the graduation ceremony and aerial review locations, and information on the graduation-day AIR REVIEW.
Of particular aviation interest, the program describes a performance by the ACROJETS, the famous early U.S. Air Force precision jet aerobatic team based at Williams AFB.
The Acrojets section names the participating pilots and describes their precision jet formation flying.
The front cover features a dramatic period image of a U.S. Air Force jet aircraft.
Williams AFB was one of the Air Force's important advanced single-engine pilot training installations during this period, preparing pilots at the height of the Korean War.
An outstanding piece of original 1952 USAF aviation history with named American and NATO/allied pilots and strong research potential.
Ideal for collectors of Korean War aviation, USAF pilot training, Williams AFB, 3525th Pilot Training Wing, Air Training Command, early jet aviation, Acrojets, F-80 Shooting Star history and original military ephemera.
