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How Minnesota trained the daring glider pilots of D-Day
The Army trained about 200 pilots there to fly unpowered troop gliders used in airborne raids, and the school produced its first wings in October 1942.
- On May 21, 1942, the U.S. Army announced plans to open an air school in Rochester to train Waco CG-4A glider pilots, relocating dozens of trainees and 40 training aircraft to establish the city as a military training hub.
- Rochester Airport's recent modernization—including paved runways and a radio guidance system installed in 1940—made it ideal for military operations, supported by Dr. William Mayo of Mayo Clinic, who championed airport president Albert Lobb's infrastructure requests.
- Cadets trained in groups of 30 at Rochester Junior College and performed emergency 'dead stick' landings with Piper Cub trainer aircraft; instructors shut off engines at 1,000 feet and commanded 'Land it,' says local historian Lee Hilgendorf.
- Staff Sergeant Leslie L. Van Pelt of Clayton, N.M., earned his wings as the first cadet in October 1942; an estimated 200 pilots graduated before the school closed November 10, 1942.
- Less than two years later, an estimated 800 gliders—possibly piloted by Rochester trainees—delivered roughly 4,000 troops to Normandy on June 6, 1944, for D-Day, though these 'flying coffins' remain overshadowed by beach landings.
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14 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left0Leaning Right8Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Right
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources lean Right
73% Right
C 27%
R 73%
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