Named for Virgil
Just as it did when first opened in June 1942, Grissom AFB near Peru, Indiana, rises abruptly out of level farm fields. You can see why navy pilots jokingly labeled this base USS Cornfield. Nevertheless, by 1945, the base had turned out thousands of aviators for the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, in addition to British and Canadian flyers. Pilots trained at the base, then called Bunker Hill, went on to distinguish themselves in every theater of operations during World War II.
In May of 1968, the base was renamed to honor Mitchell, Indiana native Virgil "Gus" Grissom. Gus Grissom perished in the pre-launch accident of the Apollo I space mission. Grissom takes his place in American history as one of the original seven astronauts in the space program.
Although it has undergone various alterations in it's fifty-two year history, in fact it has twice been closed, Grissom AFB is still holding it's own. As of October 1994, it was realigned as an Air Force Reserve Base under the 434th Wing. Grissom today has an airpark featuring 17 restored aircraft and an indoor museum, which displays memorabilia relating to World War II and the USAF. Aviators trained at the base often return to reminisce about their time in central Indiana.
You needn't be an aviation buff to admire and appreciate the cluster of planes resting silently now in much- deserved retirement. Each plane has done it's part to preserve and protect our nation.
The hard-working and dedicated volunteers at the museum are particularly proud of their rare B-17G Flying Fortress. Although twelve thousand of these aircraft were built, it is believed less than 50 survive. The B-17 has been immortalized in films such as Twelve O'clock High and Memphis Belle, among others. There is undoubtedly a long- standing mystique surrounding this aircraft.
The B-17 at Grissom was dubbed Miss Liberty Belle and the curvaceous Miss Belle is depicted on the plane, topless and perched atop the famous bell. School groups from around the Midwest are frequent visitors to the airpark and the children often ask why Miss Belle is missing her blouse. The tour guides are quick to explain that the wind is so strong up there, her clothes simply blew off.
The B-25 Mitchell on display at Grissom was used in the movie "Catch 22." After the filming was complete, it was flown to Grissom and retired.
A more recent museum acquisition is the A-10A Warthog, the primary attack aircraft of the USAF. It was specifically built as a "tank killer" and during Operation Desert Storm inflicted numerous losses on Iraqi units. The Iragis' so detested this airplane, they called it "The Forked Tailed Devil."
Another aircraft on display which was also used in Desert Storm is the EC-135L, Post Attack Command and Control Aircraft. It served a dual role, providing a communication link with command and as a tanker. Besides Desert Storm, this plane was utilized in Vietnam.
If you like gadgets and things related to flying, you won't want to miss the inside portion of the park. The building is equiped with a twenty-three seat theater and a special room designated as the Hall of Honor. Veterans and others who have donated to the museum are commemorated in the hall.
On display you'll find a jet engine used on a C-135, as well as a Link trainer. Squadron emblems line the walls. Some of the smaller items include airplane models, 1000 pound bombs and various cockpit instruments. Their collection continues to grow in both size and scope.
The museum also contains both a library available for research and a gift shop. All the proceeds from gift shop sales go towards the maintenance and restoration of the artifacts in the collection.
Admission to both the museum and airpark is free, however, donations are accepted. At this time the hours for the musuem are 10:00 to 4:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The airpark is open everyday. If you're planning to visit, it might be a good idea to call ahead to double check the hours. For more information phone: (317) 688-2654.
