WWII Flight Training Museum

05/27/2026

Lieutenant Colonel Roland Frank Martens, United States Air Force is buried in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Minneapolis, Minnesota. His gravestone records that he was a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. His birthday was August 18, 1915, and died July 11, 1997.

Here is what we know about Martens from our research. Born in Dane, Wisconsin, he was a 1932 graduate of Madison Central High School in Madison, Wisconsin. While attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison, he took part in military studies and was a cadet lieutenant. Roland graduated in 1939 from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He enlisted in the Army on April 7, 1941.

The next time we see Roland, he is a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, Class 1942-F, at the WWII Flight Training Base in Douglas. A photo from that time shows him in flying gear. The handwritten caption reads “1ST LT ROLAND F. MARTENS AT DOUGLAS, GA. HE 'WASHED' OUT 1-20.42”.

We cannot confirm what comes next for him. Records show Roland was discharged from the Army on February 8, 1946. we know that on September 18, 1947, former Captain and Mrs. Roland Frank Martens of Badger, Wisconsin had a son. They chose to name him, James Conrad. The birth announcement in the Capital Times on September 23, 1947, also said, “Mr. Martens served overseas for two years.” Other online information shows that he possibly flew 30 combat missions over Europe.

So many questions we wish we could answer about Roland’s life. Regardless of how little we know, we must not forget to remember Lieutenant Colonel Roland Frank Martens, Class 1942-F. If you have any stories or information about Martens or anyone who worked or trained with the 63rd Flying Training Detachment, please contact us. Do it before their stories are lost.

Can you help?

05/26/2026

the WWII Flight Training Base - Douglas,GA had its own “Band of Brothers”? In the very first class, Class 1942-D, there were two brothers. The brothers were thought to be twins because few could distinguish one from the other.

Edward Martin Rex and his brother, John Leo Rex Jr, were born in Rochester, New York. They enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 2, 1941, trained, flew, and served together during the War. Both were assigned to the 833rd Bomb Squadron 486th Bomb Group based at Sudbury, England. On D-Day, the brothers flew together in a B-24 Liberator supporting the Normandy Landings. They were discharged in November 1945 and entered the University of Rochester. January 1946, they applied for and received Regular Air Force Commissions.

Edward went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received his Masters and Doctorate. His career took him to the rank of Colonel with his last assignment as Commander of the Rocket Testing Site at Edwards AFB, California. He died on April 3, 1980.

John reached the rank of Colonel and was the Base Commander, Niagara Falls AFB, New York. He went to the Army Language School to learn Russian and then reported to USAF Security Service. He attended several service-oriented schools, including Command and Staff, Naval Intelligence, and Tactical Staff College. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for over thirty years for Rochester Products. John died April 19, 1996.

A third brother, James Foster Rex was a Naval Academy and veteran of both WWII and Korea. Like many families of that time, all the brothers went into the armed forces.

Do you remember other families who had all their brothers in uniform?

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

“When you go home tell them for us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Roughly 405,399 U.S. military personnel died during World War II. Over 5,700 of these were from Georgia. Today in ceremonies across the Nation, their names will be spoken in honor of their sacrifice. Our Nation's flags will be placed on their graves in cemeteries around the World.

This Memorial Day remember all who died while in service to our Nation. Let us make sure that heroes like them never truly die but live on forever as inspiration to us all. Make sure that we make our tomorrows great.

05/25/2026

At tonight’s National Memorial Day Concert was one of our cadets. Joseph A. Peterburs, Class 1944-C, was among the WWII Veterans honored on stage. We salute you, Col. Pete. 🫡

05/23/2026

Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Commemorates Memorial Day Weekend Across Georgia

Trail Partners across the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail will commemorate Memorial Day weekend with ceremonies, remembrance programs, educational exhibits, aviation events, and special tributes honoring the Americans who gave their lives in service to the nation. Among...

Read more at https://www.georgiawwiitrail.org/trail-commemorates-memorial-day-weekend-across-georgia/

Please take advantage of these events and Memorial Day events in your community. Memorial Day is the day to remember all who paid the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the uniform of our Nation's Armed Forces. Freedom isn't free. Those we remember on Memorial Day paid that price.

05/22/2026

Recently, this artifact resided in the Heritage Station Museum in downtown Douglas, Georgia. It measures approximately four feet by five feet and is made of wood and plexiglass. It depicts what appears to be an Army Airfield.

Part of an Eagle Scout’s service project, it gives a glimpse back in time. To when the skies over Coffee County, Georgia were filled with 200 PT-17 aircraft and off duty “Airport Cadets”, as they were called by local residents, watched the last Hollywood feature films at the Martin Center.

To see what we are talking about, stop by the Douglas Municipal Airport Terminal. It is open Monday through Friday from 8a to 5p. While you are there, check out the large brass plaque on the easel next to this exhibit. Though hard to read, it reads as follows.

“Raymond - Brinkerhoff Aviation School
(October 1941 - December 1944) Douglas, Georgia

Raymond Brinckerhoff Aviation School (later Known as Raymond - Richardson Aviation Company was under the jurisdiction of the Southeast Air Corps Training Center of Maxwell Field Alabama and as a Primary Flying School for the U.S. Army during World War II. Located on the grounds were hangers, a mess hall, barracks, administration buildings, an infirmary, a school and several multi-use buildings.

Cadets from across the country made their way to Douglas, Georgia for primary flight training prior to assignments at more advanced training facilities and then on to combat.”

Both these artifacts help tell the story of the 63rd Flying Training Detachment. It is fitting that they reside side by side. Our thanks to Sonny Roberts, who spent hours depicting the Airbase as it was before shut down in 1944.

Have you seen either of these artifacts?

05/22/2026

The CAF does more than keep ‘em flying. They educate and inspire. CAF Airbase Georgia is one of our Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Partners.

This month's CAF Digital Dispatch is all about how America built its air forces, focusing on WWII pilot training. Read it now at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/5f66ca69