Malden Army Airfield celebrates 75th Anniversary

Malden Army Airfield Preservation Society (MAAPS) celebrated 75 years on Saturday, September 1, 2018.

Paula Reeder, President of MAAPS provided history of how the Malden Air Base came about.

Photo by Heather Hammond

In 1941, the need for fighter pilots and additional training facilities grew as the United States entered into the war against Japan and Germany. Construction began on the Malden Army Airfield in 1942, when the property north of Malden was purchased by the War Department. The first class of aviation cadets graduated in 1943, before moving to other bases for advanced flight training as fighter and bomber pilots. In the later years of the war, the field was also used to train troop carrier and glider pilots. At one time, the base had a military population of 3,000.

According to information provided, when the war came to an end, the number of training fields were reduced and in 1948 the War Department declared Malden Army Airfield excess to the War Assets Administration’s needs and was deactivated.

In 1950, the United States entered the Korean Conflict and the U.S. stepped up its pilot training program. The base would be reactivated in 1951 after an intensive rehabilitation and remodeling of buildings and barracks.

Photo by Heather Hammond

When officials announced the replacement of the T-28 by the twin jet T-37 trainer, the Air Force decided the cost factor was too high to equip the base to accommodate the jets. It was then the government announced the Malden Air Base would be closing.

The base officially closed on July 22, 1960, and ownership was turned over to the City of Malden. The former Malden Air Base is now Malden Industrial Park and Regional Airport.

“We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary today so that we could bring people to realize how important Malden Air Base was, as well as all of the other Missouri air bases that were used.” Reeder stated.

Photo by Heather Hammond

Among many veterans in attendance, World War II Veteran, William Alton Bohannon was present for the celebration. In 1945, Mr. Bohannon, originally from Morehouse, Mo., was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces. “I did my basic training at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Mo.,” said Bohannon. “From there I was sent to Statin Island, N.Y., before being shipped out to Trinidad.”

The Wall of Honor ceremony started off with the Malden Boy Scout troop #4076 Honor Guard presenting the American flag, followed by Mrs. Kathie Gibbs singing the national anthem.

The Wall of Honor, located at the large flagpole at the airport, was constructed of bricks from an original Malden Army Airfield WWII hangar. The Wall honors all military men and women, past and present, living or deceased, to give thanks and offer our gratitude. “On May 24, 2003, during our first ceremony, we had 30 plaques on our wall,” said Linda Stewart. “Today, we are continuing to grow with 542 plaques on the Wall of Honor.”

Photo by Heather Hammond

To close out the ceremony Taps was played by Malden High School Student, Seth Churchill, for the final salute.

Retiring of Colors was the Civil Air Patrol with Tony Wood, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant David Wood, Cadet Caleb O’Neal, and Cadet Andrew O’Neal.

The members of the Malden Army Airfield Preservation Society would like to say thank you to everyone who attended the 75th celebration ceremony. Volunteers are devoted to the preservation of the Malden Army Airfield and honoring all Veterans.

Caleb O'Neal, David Wood, and Andrew O'NealPhoto by Heather Hammond