The Keesler Field News Archive 

Biloxi, on the Mississippi gulf coast, was chosen as a site for one of several new technical training centers as the United States Army expanded its force to meet the demand brought on by World War II. Named in honor of Second Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler, Jr., a Mississippi-born World War I hero, Army Air Corps Station No. 8 was renamed for Keesler August 1941, and it operates as Keesler Air Force Base today.

Service people acted as newspaper editors to produce The Keesler Field News (1941-19??), beginning September 24, 1941, when the field was still under construction. The local Daily Herald (1910-1985) published the two-to-four page weekly for the airbase. The News provided information of interest to field personnel, such as the commencement and expansion of classes for the Airplane and Engine Mechanics School and the arrival of recruits for basic training. The newspaper also covered the war overseas and contained local advertisements directed towards the soldiers. In "The Chaplain Speaks" column, post chaplain Kenneth M. Gearhart offered motivational and faith-oriented advice. Named after the iconic Southern plant that drapes from tree limbs, the reoccurring "Spanish Moss" comic depicted life at the airbase as seen through the eyes of cartoonist Private First Class, Gerald O. Erdahl.

In addition to informing readers about base and military operations, the Keesler Field News carried abundant social goings on and personnel updates. A regular column "Propwash from the Squadrons," later named "Keesler Klips," contained personal news including promotions, marriages, transfers, furloughs, and other such information. Coverage of sports, including high school, military, college, and professional teams, appeared on the second page. Recreational opportunities were announced such as the base softball and football team schedules, boxing club bouts, dances, lectures, exhibitions, and various club meetings. Perhaps the most unique event at Keesler was a sport fishing rodeo, or tournament, for alligator gar, a sizeable, prehistoric-looking fish found in Southern waters, in the Back Bay of Biloxi. The October 1, 1941, issue of the News announced that Corporal Joseph Lazar won the second round of the contest for catching the largest fish; a 60-pound gar.