WWII contributions recognized as Malden airbase honors 75 years

Robert Gibbs parachutes in above the ceremony with the United States flag on Saturday in Malden, Mo.

SMNS photo

MALDEN, Mo. — An event Saturday drew hundreds to honor the 75th anniversary of the Malden Army Airfield and Malden’s contribution to World War II.

The Malden Army Airfield Preservation Society organized the event, which also recognized veterans, both those who have passed and those still serving.

“During World War II, the United States didn’t have enough airbases to teach pilots and the government employed many airbases across the country at the same time. The Malden base was one of them,” local aviation historian Terry Irwin explained during the event. “The Malden airbase was meant to train pilots the basics of flying in nine weeks. Thirty percent of the of pilots couldn’t make it through the training.”

Irwin explained there wasn’t a moment of the day or night that planes couldn’t be heard or seen in the sky during the height of the second World War.

A high turnout for the event surprised even organizers. With the continuous loss of World War II veterans, Paula Reeder, president of MAAPS, believed the number of people that would show up would be low.

“People have flew in from everywhere,” Reeder said. “People flew in from places in Missouri, Mississippi, Texas and Illinois.”

Ken Davenpart of Newport, Arkansas flew in to participate in the celebration and be a part of honoring the airbase.

“I have an interest in World War II air history and wanted to participate by bringing my plane to make sure this event would continue,” Davenpart explained.

After presentations, an honorary ceremony was held to spotlight those who have served and are currently serving. During the ceremony, the Wall of Honor built to honor passed veterans was discussed. Families of those who served at the military airbase were also honored.

“The families of these passed veterans and of those who are still living are the reason this event is still happening,” Reeder explained. “You all have donated and given support to keep this airbase going and that is so amazing. What you all have done to preserve this place has allowed everyone to come together and celebrate these wonderful memories and to remember the sacrifices made by those who served.”

Over 20 aircrafts were present and over 200 community members showed up to support the event. Organizers said they were excited about the community presence and plan to have another event next year.