Volume 8 , Issue 16

Spring 1944 - Squadron D, 92nd College Training Detachment U.S. Army Air Corp...

This is NSTC's Squadron D, 92nd College Training Detachment U.S. Army Air Corp, in the Spring of 1944 (front and reverse side, with names on back). Just came across a picture from the past that I thought would fit into Alva history since it was taken in Alva by Ellis Studios in June of 1944 ... 62 years ago. WOW!! Most all of the cadets were 18 to 19 years old at that time going through our initial stages of training to become pilots. In fact we all received our first 10 hours of flight training right there in Alva. The picture was taken at one of the main entrances to what was then called Northwestern State Teachers College. We were put up in the school's dormitories, which was far better than some of the barracks we were to experience later on in our training. We also had our meals right at the school, which were far superior to the regular army food later on. Squadron D was just part of a much larger total group of cadets on campus at this time.

I hope the picture turned out OK in my transmission to you. I suppose it, plus the names could fit into page 2 of Oakie Pics where McCarrick's Alva Memories is located. Our Squadron shipped out of Alva in July, the next month after the picture was taken. I often wondered what the natives of Alva thought of our presence for those few months, Feb. to July and whether or not they were happy to see us leave. We did represent quite a bit of extra population for the small town. It would be interesting to hear from someone who lived in Alva at the time, as to what their reaction was to our temporary presence.

I continue to enjoy your newsletter every week. It brings back some great memories, and, after all I did meet and enjoyed the company of an Alva girlfriend. Thanks again." -- Tom McCarrick - San Jose, California ttmc21@aol.com   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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