March Air Reserve Base/March Field

Overview

The March Air Reserve Base was originally known as March FIeld. Since it was located away from the more populated regions near the Pacific Coast of California, yet relatively close to Hawaii and Japan by plane, March Field was the perfect place for a World War II air base. Since it was also within close driving distance to Hollywood, the base received a lot of popular guests, such as Bob Hope and professional athletes, who promoted the base. While March Field was essential in training troops and sending and receiving warplanes, it was also crucial in fundraising for the general war effort.

Before the War

The March Air Reserve Base, originally known as March Field, is located in what is now Riverside County, California. The base is situated between the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris. March Field was founded to support cross country flights from San Diego in support of the war effort prior to the United States entering World War I. “On March 20, 1918, Alessandro Flying Training Field became March Field, named in honor of Second Lieutenant Peyton C. March, Jr., son of the Army Chief of Staff, who had been killed in a flying accident in Texas the previous month.”[1]

World War II

Just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American public had shown much concern regarding their national defense. Many, who had heard about the blitzkrieg in England, feared the possibility of bombings in the United States.[2] The attack on Pearl Harbor guaranteed this national outcry. The United States declaration of war against Japan and the rest of the axis power fostered an intense nationalistic mindset among Californians. Due to its close proximity of California to Hawaii, March Field was at a critical location for the Pacific Theater. Many feared another bombing attack, and thus it was imperative that March Field be developed to defend Southern California. The Army Air Corps began training pilots from all over the United States.[3] Within months, March Field became populated. Just like many other bases in California, March Field began employing women, especially those who wanted to join their spouses in the fight. While the pilots prioritized their training, these work-ready women became chauffeurs, driving officers and guests around the base.[4] The organization and quick response became essential to the overall functions of the airfield. Not only were women expected to drive standing officers around the base, but they were also tasked with fixing flat tires and performing standard vehicle maintenance that was usually undertaken by men. Meanwhile, in terms of aircraft and planes, the March Air Force Base was given twenty five B-17 flying fortresses.[5] Many speculated the orders of disposal, others presumed it was part of the lend-lease program between the United States and Great Britain. Overall, March Field was significant for its contributions to aircraft mobility and the training of military pilots.

           March Field’s location was also ideal for air operations, as it was situated in a sparsely inhabited area. The location also allowed for special visits from celebrities because of its relative proximity to Hollywood. Big celebrities like Bob Hope and his traveling entourage visited March Field on several occasions in support of the troops. Hope even broadcast his radio program from March Field on February 3, 1942.[6] He visited the base again in 1944, putting on a great performance for over 3,500 airmen stationed at March Field. Braven Dyer wrote, “Bob Hope in the flesh is far funnier than Bob Hope on the radio. That after-show at March Field merely proved it again. The boys fairly tore the roof off as he raced through a series of acts while maintaining a constant stream of quips.”[7]

           The airmen and soldiers stationed at March Field also participated in many sporting events and sports exhibitions with and against professional athletes from sports like football and boxing. These events were not only morale boosters but also served as fundraisers. In August of 1944 the Washington Redskins came to Los Angeles to play the March Field Flyers, a group of Army Air Corps all-stars from airfields throughout the country. Proceeds from the event went to aid Army Charities.[8] Boxing legend Fidel La Barba didn’t just make appearances at March Field; he was hired to train boxers there as part of the physical education program. La Barba was one of the greatest boxing champions of all time.[9] However, he joined a list of other professional athletes, such as Woody Strode, who dedicated their talents towards fundraising for the war.

Footnotes

[1]“History of March Air Reserve Base,” March Field Air Museum, accessed May 6, 2018, https://www.marchfield.org/about-us/march-air-reserve-base-history/.

[2]"March Field Air Base Becomes Training Center as Air Defense is Speeded," Los Angeles Times, Jul 22, 1940, B. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (165052879).

[3] “March Field,” B.

[4]"Women Drivers Serve Air Base," Los Angeles Times, Aug 09, 1942, 14. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (165347401).

[5] “Flyers Moving to March Field,” Los Angeles Times, May 11, 1927, 10. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (161951757).

[6]“Dial-Lites,” Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 3,1942, https://tinyurl.com/ydfy3k34.

[7]Braven Dyer, “The Sports Parade,” Los Angeles Times, May 14, 1944, A5. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (165507195).

[8]“Redskins Play March Field: Pro Football Team Tackles Flyers at Coliseum Aug. 25,” Los Angeles Times, July 13, 1944, A9. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (165552017).

[9]“Fidel La Barba Back in Action: Ex-World's Champion Trains Boxers at March Field Air Base,” Los Angeles Times, November 3, 1942, A10. ProQuest Historical Newspapers (165369992).