Dow Books and Photograph Albums

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  A Guide to Dow AFB

  Dow Air Force Base

  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base. In its role as a Strategic Air Command heavy bomber base, Dow is one of the most vital and historic installations in the United States Air Force.

  Dow is located in the suburbs of Bangor, Maine and as such, is one of the eastern-most bases in the Continental United States.

  Because of the fact that a permanent change of station is most often a strange and confusing experience, probably the most important questions you have now are those concerning facilities that are available at Dow, the local community, the people with whom you will work and the machinery at your disposal to help minimize "settling in" problems.

  We hope the information contained in this guide will answer most of your questions and that you will find Dow and the city of Bangor a friendly community and that you will enjoy your tour here.

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  Guide to Dow Air Force Base and the Vacationland

  Dow Air Force Base

  It is a pleasure to welcome you to Dow Air Force Base and the State of Maine. You will find the base a beautiful installation and the community a friendly place in which to live and work.

  We are a part of the Strategic Air Command whose strength and deterrent posture is known throughout the world. Our success depends upon you; we can remain alert and strong only through your dedicated and energetic efforts.

  we know you will be proud to be a part of the Dow community and we invite you to join in the cordial relationship between the base and the cities of Bangor and Brewer.

  This guide will acquaint you with the facilities and services at Dow and in the State of Maine. Again, welcome on behalf of all the personnel presently enjoying their stay at Dow.

  Colonel George W.R. Zethren, Commander USAF

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  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base 1957

  Dow Air Force Base

  A guidebook for new airmen at Dow Air Force Base. Details activities and sites on base as well as in the Bangor area.

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  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base 1956

  Dow Air Force Base

  In March, 1955 the 4060th Air Refueling Wing officially replaced the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing, which transferred to Tinker AFB, Okla.

  Dow gives logistical support to the Deblos Bombing Range, Columbia Falls, Maine; the 907th AC & W Squadron, Bucks Harbor, Maine; Portsmouth AFB, Portsmouth, New Hampshire: and Plattsburg AFB, Plattsburg, New York, and the 765th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Charleston; Maine.

  Dow is also the home of the 101st Fighter Interceptor Wing of the Maine Air National Guard.

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  Brief History of Dow Air Force Base and the 4060th Air Base Group

  United States Air Force

  Dow Air Force Base played a very active part in World War II. Such organization and commands as the 1st Fighter Group, 91st, 92nd, 93rd, 97th, 303rd, 306th and 308th Bombardment groups were here [in Bangor, Maine] as well as the 92nd Reconnaissance Group, the 332nd Sub-Depot, the Air Transport Command, the 1905th, 1906th, 1913th and 942th Aviation Engineer Regiments, and the Headquarters of the 135th Army Airways Communications System operated from here.

  No author is ascribed. No date of authorship provided either. Last year referenced in this brief history is 1956.

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  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base 1955

  Dow Air Force Base

  The 4060th Air Refueling Wing, Medium was organized at Dow Air Force Base on 8 March 1955, thus becoming one of the first Air Refueling Wings in the history of the United States Air Force. The wing is assigned the 506th Air Refueling Squadron, equipped with KB-29 type aircraft and is combat ready; the 7lst Air Refueling Squadron, which is being equipped with KC-97G type aircraft the first of which arrived at Dow Air Force Base on 9 April 1955; the 4060th Armament and Electronic Maintenance Squadron; the 4060th Periodic Maintenance Squadron and the 4060th Field Maintenance Squadrono

  The 4060th Air Base Group was organized at Dow Air Force Base on 8 March 1955 and assigned to the 4060th Air Refueling Wing. Personnel assigned to the 506th Air Base Group, which was inactivated 8 March 1955, were used in manning the Group.

  The 4033rd USAF Hospital and the 33rd Crash Boat Rescue Flight at Southwest Harbor, Maine, were assigned the 4060th Air Refueling Wing on 8 March 1955.

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  Dow AFB -- Historically, Economically, and Strategically (Presentation of Colonel Orie O. Schurter, 4060th ARW Commander)

  Orie O. Schurter

  Covers the history of Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Includes: early history from 1923-1945; Dow's role during World War II, post WWI to 1955, the strategic location and use of the base, the base's mission, and the economic impact of the base on Bangor and the surrounding area.

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  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base 1954

  Dow Air Force Base

  Provides an overview of Dow Air Force Base for members of the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing. Includes a roster of key personnel on the base.

  The 506th Strategic Fighter Wing was activated at Daw Air Force Base on 25 January 1953. The 4009th Air Base Squadron which had been responsible for the operation of Dow Air Force Base prior to the activation of the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing, was redesignated and implemented as the 506th Air Base Group, and 506th Medical Group. Also assigned, for administrative purposes, was the 33rd Crash Boat Rescue Flight at Southwest Harbor, Maine.

  The Wing was assigned F-84G type aircraft and placed in a training status. The pilots assigned were mostly recent graduates together with some combat Korean returnees. An intensive training program was initiated to raise the combat potential of all concerned.

  Beginning 19 July 1953, the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing left for a three-month TDY tour in Japan. Upon arrival in FEAF, the primary mission of the Wing was the Air Defense of Northern Japan; however, combat crew training of all crews in the Wing continued.

  On 7 November 1953, after 90 days TDY, the Wing was relieved by the 31st Strategic Fighter Wing of Turner Air Force Base, Georgia, to return to Dow Air Force Base. On the 15th of January 1954, the Wing became the first operational unit in the Air Force to receive the new F-84F Silverstreak Jets. These new Republic Aircraft replaced the F-84G, Thunderjet, and Dow was termed as the "Proving Ground" for this new aircraft.

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  Welcome to Dow Air Force Base 1952

  William B. David and Dow Air Force Base

  A Message from Your Commanding Officer:

  I welcorie you to Dow Air Force Base and sincerely hope that your tour with us will be a pleasant one.

  My desire is to make your duty and off duty time as pleasant as possible. I urge each member of the military service regardless of rank to take advantage of the opportunities described in this booklet .

  The airman who takes advantage of the environmental surroundings of Maine will find himself well rewarded.

  As your commander I urge you to participate wholeheartedly in the base activities as it is a direct means for raising your efficiency, morale, and the development of better airmen and future citizens.

  William B. David, Colonel USAF Commanding

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  Album of Photographs of 43rd Bombardment Group Overseas, After Training at Dow Field, Bangor, Maine

  Annis G. Thompson

  Photographs, drawings, and war-time pamphlets compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer for Dow Field / Dow Air Force Base, in Bangor, Maine, from 1943 to 1944 for the 43rd Bombardment Group.

  Photographs reveal far-ranging movements and locations for the 43rd. Many close-ups of airplane nose art are included. Drawings appear to be primarily by the very talented W. Clark Gamble, which include his rendition of the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

  Bangor Public Library added this scrapbook to our collection in 1948. We are not certain when the scrapbook was completed. Photographs with dates included are primarily from 1943 and 1944.

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  A Brief History of Dow Field

  Annis G. Thompson

  Details the history of Dow Field / Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, covering the years 1923 to 1946. Focuses primarily on military uses, but also discusses briefly the commercial use of the airport.

  First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, or A.G. Thompson (as identified on this document) was Historical Officer for Dow Field.

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  Scrapbook of Photographs from Dow Field, Bangor, Maine

  Annis G. Thompson

  Scrapbook consists primarily of photographs of the soldiers and officers of the 43rd Bombardment Group and the 1379th AAF of Dow Field circa 1945 in Bangor, Maine.

  Military exercises on the base are shown, as are leisure activities on the base, and in the Maine woods. Several photographs reveal an open house event for the public on the base.

  Most of the photographs are not dated. The few that are are dated 1945.

  We do not have much information regarding this book and its photographs. It is presumed to have been compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field, who gave the library a similar scrapbook.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 2, Part 1

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 2, Part 1 features photos at Dow Field of various construction projects, several airplane nose art pictures (several of the "Hag of Hardwyke"), aerial photgraphs of planes on the ground at Dow Field, several parties on the base and drills at the base (including office work being performed while wearing gas masks), scenes of coastal Maine, and a snow storm on the base in December 1944. All photographs presumed to be from 1944.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 2, Part 2

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 2, Part 2 features photographs of soldiers from Dow Field serving as firefighters on Exchange Street in downtown Bangor in January 1945, music performed for patients at the base hospital, airplane nose art, the Flying Torah, an open house at Dow Field in which the public was shown a display of paratroopers in action, Maine lake leisure activities by soldiers and their families, and more. Most photographs presumed to be from 1944, some known to be 1945.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 2, Part 3

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 2, Part 3 has many photographs of soldiers and families at leisure spots around Maine, a few photographs of the Flying Torah, two dozen photographs of base members visiting the Lac-Beauport area in Quebec, several weddings at the base, sled dogs on a military plane, and more.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 2, Part 4

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 2, Part 4 shows soldiers at the train station in Bangor, office activities on the base at Dow Field, parties and other events at the base, religious ceremonies at the base, a few photographs of soldiers serving as firefighters in Bangor, soldiers and family members on a ski trip, and more.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 1, Part 1

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browsable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 1 Part 1 covers many aspects of Dow Field, but is most notable for itse xtensive amount of photographs of Women's Army Corps (WAC) members and activities.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 1, Part 2

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 1 Part 2 features a series of photographs of Army patrols in the Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, and other Acadia areas. Army Patrol Boat P-359 is among the boats included.

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  Dow Field, Bangor, Maine: Album of Photographs Relating to Dow Field, Bangor, Maine -- Volume 1, Part 3

  Annis G. Thompson

  This two-volume scrapbook set of over 1400 photographs compiled by First Lieutenant Annis G. Thompson, Historical Officer at Dow Field is presented in seven parts. Each part has about 200 photographs each. Each group of 200 photographs are more or less related to each other.

  These photographs should be of particular interest to anyone knowing a family member served at Dow Field around 1944. If you know a family member served around this time, there is a strong chance you would find a photograph or more of your relative. Almost all of the photographs that are dated indicate 1944. These photographs primarily cover activities on the base in Bangor, such as drills, at the base hospital, at commander's offices, and much more. However, large groups of pictures covering parties and outings with service member families are included too. Service members travel to Mt. Katahdin area, Schoodic Point, Pushaw Lake, Lake Lucerne, and more -- including a snow skiing trip.

  The photographs have been compressed so that we could present all of them in a more browseable format. If you have questions about any photograph, contact Patrick Layne at Bangor Public Library.

  Volume 1 Part 3 is predominantly leisure activities around the base, near Mt. Kineo, Buckport, and elsewhere across the state. Near the end a few dozen photos show training at Dow Field in September and October of 1944. The last few images are group pictures of servicemen in 1944.