March 1944: Single Engine Flying Training, in the 429th Squadron in Napier Field Air Force Base
On March 1944, Critz received single engine flying training in the 429th squadron in Napier Field Air Force Base. This facility was used for advanced pilot training throughout World War II, and it was named in honor of Maj. Edward Napier, the first aviator from Alabama to be killed in service to his country, in September 1943.
Overhead view of Napier Field Base in Alabama. [Source: Troy University Library Archives]
Overhead view of Napier Field Base in Alabama. [Source: Troy University Library Archives]
May 1944: Dale Mabry Army Airfield in Florida
After his training at Napier Field, Critz was transferred to the Dale Mabry Army Airfield in Florida, and he was in the 335th Army Air Force Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Fighter). The 335th Army Air Force Base Unit replaced the deactivated 338th Fighter Group. Dale Mabry was used for training of numerous service groups from 1941 until 1943 prior to their overseas deployment, including Critz’s service group.
Overhead view of Dale Mary Army Airfield in Florida. [Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency]
August 1944: Key Field Air Guard Station in Meridian Mississippi.
On August 1944, Critz was training as a member of the 347th Base Unit Combat Crew Training Squadron at the Key Field Air Guard Station in Meridian Mississippi. Key Field is also the home to the Air National Guard 186th Refueling Wing.
December 1944: Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia
Needing new air bases to accommodate its growth for World War II, the Air Corps Selected Hunter Field as a light bombing training base in 1940. The Air Corps transferred 3,000 personnel of the 3rd and 27th Bomb Groups, a hundred A-18 trainers, A-30 light bombers, and B-18 medium bombers to the new base, and the airfield was shared with the civilian airport. Critz was a member of the 302 Base Unit Strategy and Tactics Analysis Group Wing.
Overhead view of the Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. [Source: United States Geological Survey]