12 Aug WWII Army Air Force National Training Memorial
Honoring a Forgotten Chapter of Service
During World War II, more than 15,500 men and women of the Army Air Forces and Women’s Air Service Pilots lost their lives in training accidents, many before ever reaching combat. Because so many of these individuals were never formally assigned to a unit, their sacrifices have often gone unrecognized compared with those who died in battle. The World War II Army Air Force National Training Memorial is now being planned to correct this historical oversight by creating a permanent tribute to their courage and dedication, ensuring that these service members are remembered for generations to come.
During World War II, more than 15,500 men and women of the Army Air Forces and Women’s Air Service Pilots lost their lives in training accidents, many before ever reaching combat. Because so many of these individuals were never formally assigned to a unit, their sacrifices have often gone unrecognized compared with those who died in battle. The World War II Army Air Force National Training Memorial is now being planned to correct this historical oversight by creating a permanent tribute to their courage and dedication, ensuring that these service members are remembered for generations to come.
A Historic Site of Service and Sacrifice
Plans call for the memorial to be built at Historic Wendover Airfield in Utah—the largest and most original remaining Army Air Force training base in the nation. Tens of thousands of airmen trained at Wendover Field, and more than 130 perished during bomber and fighter training at this very location. With its 80 original buildings, authentic flight line of hangars, and rich wartime history—including ties to the Manhattan Project—the airfield offers visitors a rare opportunity to walk where these heroes once walked and gain a deeper understanding of their service.
Plans call for the memorial to be built at Historic Wendover Airfield in Utah—the largest and most original remaining Army Air Force training base in the nation. Tens of thousands of airmen trained at Wendover Field, and more than 130 perished during bomber and fighter training at this very location. With its 80 original buildings, authentic flight line of hangars, and rich wartime history—including ties to the Manhattan Project—the airfield offers visitors a rare opportunity to walk where these heroes once walked and gain a deeper understanding of their service.
A Lasting Tribute for Future Generations
If funding and approvals proceed as envisioned, the memorial’s centerpiece will be a monumental bronze relief sculpture by nationally recognized artist Dan K. Snarr. Depicting an airman’s final farewell before his last flight, the sculpture is planned to stand 18 feet long and 9 feet tall, surrounded by six granite panels inscribed with the names of all 15,500 who died in training. Marble benches, flags, and a thoughtfully designed visitor area with shaded walkways, solar lighting, and security are also part of the proposal. As planning continues, Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation invites individuals, families, and organizations to learn more, spread the word, and consider supporting the effort to ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten.
If funding and approvals proceed as envisioned, the memorial’s centerpiece will be a monumental bronze relief sculpture by nationally recognized artist Dan K. Snarr. Depicting an airman’s final farewell before his last flight, the sculpture is planned to stand 18 feet long and 9 feet tall, surrounded by six granite panels inscribed with the names of all 15,500 who died in training. Marble benches, flags, and a thoughtfully designed visitor area with shaded walkways, solar lighting, and security are also part of the proposal. As planning continues, Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation invites individuals, families, and organizations to learn more, spread the word, and consider supporting the effort to ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten.
Crashes at Wendover
Tens of thousands of airmen served at Wendover Field. Over 130 aviators perished during bomber and fighter training at this desert airfield. With over 80 period buildings, an original flightline of hangars, and opportunities to walk where these heroes walked, Historic Wendover Airfield stands as a tribute to those who served in the Army Air Forces.
Click the image above for a downloadable / printable information sheet about this training memorial project.
