Museum
Eagle Field Museum - Preserving the Legacy of WWII Aviation
The Origins of Eagle Field
As war consumed Europe, and tensions rose in the Pacific, the U.S. War Department turned to civilian flight schools to meet the urgent demand for military pilots. One such contractor was Coast Aviation of Palo Alto, California. After establishing their first school in King City, California (Mesa Del Rey) in March 1941, they were soon awarded a contract to build a second training base.
A broad, flat stretch of desert land 10 miles south of Dos Palos was selected, and construction began immediately following a ground breaking ceremony on March 12, 1942. This new base would be called Eagle Field.
Even before construction was complete, the first Army cadets arrived by train in June 1942, stepping off at the South Dos Palos station. From there, they were transported to the base on a tram originally used in the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island.
​
Activated on June 24, 1943, Eagle Field, also known as Dos Palos Airport - became a Primary (Level 1) Army Air Forces pilot training airfield, part of the West Coast Training Center (later Western Flying Training Command). Operated by Coast Aviation Corp., the base featured three turf runways and several satellite fields for overflow and emergency landings.
​
Cadets primarily trained in Ryan PT-22s, with additional PT-17 Stearmans and a few P-40 Warhawks. They were expected to solo after no more than 10 hours of dual instruction - or be sent back to the Army infantry. Those who succeeded advanced through two more levels of flight training before entering combat overseas.
During its 30 months of operation, Eagle Field trained approximately 5,000 cadets, with three training fatalities - an exceptional safety record. Each graduating class celebrated with ceremonies and dances in the hangars, often featuring big-name swing bands brought to the small town of Dos Palos.
​
Eagle Field became known as the “country club of training bases”, boasting steam-heated barracks, air-conditioned offices, a soda fountain, bowling alley, landscaped grounds, and a recreation hall. Most of the personnel were civilians - flight instructors, mechanics, cooks, gardeners, office workers, fuelers, and base security - performing the many jobs necessary to keep the base running. Many came from nearby towns, finding stable work and a sense of pride in their contribution.
​
Eagle Field graduated its last cadets and was officially inactivated on December 28, 1944. The field was then used to store surplus training aircraft - UC-78s, BT-13/15, AT-6 Texans and others - before being turned over to the War Assets Administration (WAA).
​
In the post-war years, the site saw various uses, from a crop-dusting airfield to a brief stint as a golf course. In 1980, it was auctioned off. A notable piece of Eagle Field’s story includes its appearance in a scene from the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The Making of Eagle Field
Eagle Field was founded in 1942 as a U.S. Army Air Field and primary pilot training school for American pilots. A broad, flat stretch of desert land 10 miles south of Dos Palos was selected, and construction began immediately following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 12, 1942
On May 4th, 1942, Captain Richard L. Ault, the Commanding Officer of the detachment, made the first landing at Eagle Field.
The first official inspection also took place while the construction continued. Buildings such as gatehouses and hangars began to take shape on the site.
Construction of Eagle Field continues, driven by the dedicated efforts of various subcontractors on site. Follow the step-by-step journey of the main hangar floor installation as it takes shape. Each stage marks a tangible step forward in the making of this historic airfield.
On May 20th, 1942, workers laid the first roofing and raised the flagpole — a symbol of the site’s growing spirit and purpose. Construction of new facilities such as kitchens, a recreation building, and a vital water supply line started to take place. This rare footage captures more than just construction — it reveals the determination, skill, and care of those who shaped what would become a lasting piece of history.
From late May to early June, 1942, several important and carefully executed steps were taken in the underground construction of Eagle Field. Underground piping was laid, and pumps were set for the wells, which successfully drew water at this remote location. The dedication and careful work by the skilled workers at Eagle Field are well captured in this footage.
Enjoy the panoramic view of historic Eagle Field, captured here at a pivotal moment in its creation. The expansion was still underway, but the air buzzed with anticipation. On June 15, 1942, the first training aircraft arrived from the Ryan factory - Ryan PT-22 Recruits - marking the beginning of Eagle Field’s proud legacy as a World War II pilot training base.
Even before construction was completed, the first Army cadets arrived by train in June 1942, stepping off at the South Dos Palos station. From there, they were transported to the base on a tram that had originally been used at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island. The same morning, Major Malcolm made an unofficial inspection, arriving in a P-35 Seversky, and was greeted by Harry White and Captain Richard Ault.