Disclaimer

The findings in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorizing documents. The use of trade or manufacturers’ names in this report does not constitute an official endorsement of any commercial products. This report may not be cited for purposes of advertisement.

Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.

Prepared by: U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command G–5 Historical Operations Division ATTN: AMSRD–SCH Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010–5424

Writers: Jeffery K. Smart, Command Historian Richard L. Wiltison, Historian Egon R. Hatfield, Historian Benjamin T. Sepulveda, Intern Historian Kyle E. Gallup, Intern Historian

Scanning: William H. Hauver

Published: February 2012 The Water Battery at Aberdeen Proving Ground Cover: Pooles Island Lighthouse Table of nConte ts

3 Preface 52 Part IV: World War II 54 Aberdeen Proving Ground 5 Part I: Early History 56 Edgewood Arsenal 6 Bush River Neck 58 1940: The Stones— 8 Gunpowder Neck 60 Ordnance School 10 1608: Captain John Smith 1940: The Flamethrower 13 1661: Nathaniel Utie 64 1941: Leased Training Areas and APG 14 1669: Old Baltimore 66 1942: The Doolittle Raid 16 1720: Quiet Lodge 68 1942: The Bazooka 19 1773: Gunpowder Meeting House 70 1942: Atkisson Dam 22 1814: Waterfowling 72 1943: Testing the Jeep 24 1825: Pooles Island Lighthouse 74 1943: The Women’s Army Corps 76 1944: Prisoners of War 28 Part II: World War I 30 Aberdeen Proving Ground 78 Part V: Post World War II 32 Edgewood Arsenal 80 Aberdeen Proving Ground—North 36 1917: Eminent Domain and 82 Aberdeen Proving Ground—South the Founding of APG 88 1946: Operation Paper Clip and APG 38 1918: The Main Front 94 1947: Eniac 40 1918: The Influenza Epidemic 98 1950s: "Davy Crockett" 120MM Atomic Weapon Testing at APG 42 Part III: Between The Wars 100 1954: Nike Missile Battery 44 Aberdeen Proving Ground 102 1966 Lunar Roving Vehicle Testing 46 Edgewood Arsenal 104 1971: Merger of APG and 48 1920–1939: Early Aviation Edgewood Arsenal 50 1922–1940: Fort Hoyle 106 2005: Base Realignment and Closure 109 ...And Beyond Preface

Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Md., was established in 1917 during World War I. The site for APG was one of the most scenic and productive farming areas in Harford County. Once the Army took control of the land, APG quickly became a critically important asset for national defense. It provided the testing, development and training necessary for modern military forces.

APG’s primary mission has changed little. Organizations have changed names frequently, new organizations have come and gone and APG grew in physical size during World War II. Otherwise, it has remained focused on providing the best equipment and materiel possible.

This brief history of APG is dedicated to our primary reason for existing — the Warfighter.

As you read the text, you will notice that we have divided APG’s history into five major time periods. Each time period is introduced by an overview narrative, and is followed by a series of vignettes.

aberdeen Proving Ground | 3 part i eARLY hISTORY

4A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 5 Bush River Neck

he site of Aberdeen Proving Ground– For the next 100 years, additional settlers Top Right T North is a peninsula created by the Bush arrived because of the good soil and 1889—Spesutie Rod River and Chesapeake Bay. Before the first abundant natural resources. Robert Smith, and Gun Club The New York Rod and Gun Club European settlers came to the area, Native Secretary of the Navy (1801–1809) for purchased 700 acres on Spesutie Americans used the land for hunting and President Thomas Jefferson and Secretary Island in 1889. The Gun Club was fishing. In 1608, Capt. John Smith explored of State (1809–1811) for President James converted to apartments in 1945, the upper Chesapeake region, including the Madison, built a house about 1810 on damaged by a deadly fire in 1949 and was demolished in 1976. Bush and Susquehanna rivers. By the late Spesutie Island. Although the house was 1600s, European settlers arrived and built demolished long ago, portions of the Top Left small log houses, none of which stand today. foundation of this grand “villa” remain today. c1810—Robert Smith Villa Nathaniel Utie was one of the first settlers Robert Smith was the Secretary of Navy (1801–1809) and Secretary to live on Spesutie Island (Latin for Utie’s After the Civil War, the area became known of State (1809–1811). He built this Hope). He constructed a manor house on for duck–hunting clubs and farms. The New house on Spesutie Island about 1810. the north end of the island. As a military York Rod and Gun Club purchased 700 acres leader, he helped solve conflicts with Native on Spesutie Island in 1889 and built a large Left Americans in the 1660s. hunting lodge. For farming, the area was c1800—Quarters 1 The oldest part of this farmhouse was known as the Garden of Eden for its shoe peg probably built in the late 18th century. William Osborne, another early settler, corn and the canneries to process it. Several It became the APG quarters during owned land on the Bush River. Before prominent cannery owners lived in the area, World War I. It was renovated and Harford County was created from Baltimore including Charles W. Baker (at Plumb Point) expanded several times. County, the county seat was on Osborne’s and F. O. Mitchell and Brothers (near land and named Baltimore in 1674. Although Perryman). Three farmhouses from the early it was not much more than a courthouse 19th century remain: Quarters 1 (Baker and an inn, it remained the county seat until House), Building 84 (Hopkins House) and 1696. No buildings remain today from what Building 5650 (Mitchell House). The Baker is now called Old Baltimore. and Hopkins houses are used for officers’ quarters today.

6A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 7 Gunpowder Neck

Top Left berdeen Proving Ground–South is Army general and lawyer from Philadelphia, 1720—Quiet Lodge located at Gunpowder Neck, a bought most of the peninsula. He The brick portion of the house A peninsula created by the Bush and constructed a summer mansion (demolished (the dark color section) is the oldest. The Army added the wooden Gunpowder rivers in Harford County. Before in 1924) on Maxwell Point and leased portion for officers’ quarters. the first European settlers arrived, Native portions of his land to tenant farmers. Americans used the land for hunting and Top Right fishing. In 1608, John Smith explored the During the Civil War, the railroad bridges 1773—Gunpowder Meeting House upper Chesapeake region, including the over the Gunpowder and Bush rivers on the The first church built on this site Bush River. The small island just south of northern end of the peninsula were partially was probably a log cabin. The cur- the peninsula, called Pooles Island today, was burned by Southern sympathizers in 1861 rent brick structure was completed named after Nathaniel Powell, one of Smith’s to prevent Union troops from entering in the early 1800s. explorers. By the late 1600s, European settlers Baltimore. In 1864, Confederate Maj. Harry Right began to move into the region and construct Gilmor partially burned the Gunpowder Early 1900s— small log houses, none of which stand today. River Bridge and skirmished with a small Cadwalader House Union infantry force protecting it. Called the Thomas Francis During the 1700s, settlers began constructing Cadwalader House, it became officer’s quarters during World War I. larger, permanent buildings. Two structures After the war, the Cadwalader family remain from that period. Quiet Lodge, or continued to own the largest portion of Presbury House (Building E4630), was built Gunpowder Neck. George Cadwalader died in 1720 and home to James Presbury, high in 1874, and his nephew John inherited his sheriff of Baltimore County. The Presbury land and continued to use Maxwell Point as family became staunch Methodists. In 1773, a summer resort. Most of the remaining land Bishop Francis Asbury ordered the construction was leased to tenant farmers. of Gunpowder Meeting House (Building E5715) just north of Quiet Lodge. It was one In addition to the Cadwaladers, there were of the first Methodist churches in Maryland. several hunting clubs using Gunpowder Neck before World War I. Many famous people In 1825, Congress approved the construction visited the clubs, which became prominent. of a lighthouse on Pooles Island. It stands today and is Maryland’s oldest lighthouse. By the middle 1800s, George Cadwalader, an

8A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 9 1608

Captain John Smith

"[We called] a rocky river where the t 27, John Smith arrived at the Within a few days of returning from his A mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in first voyage, Smith set out on a second. Massawomeks went up “Willowbyes River,”in 1607 after a lengthy and miserable voyage He kept most of the same crew from the honor of the town our Captain was born in and across the Atlantic Ocean. Taken prisoner first voyage. Of those he took with him under mutiny charges during the trip, he were James Bourne, Richard Featherstone, that honorable house [of] the Lord Willowby, discovered that the King of England had Thomas Momford and Michael Sicklemore. designated Smith a member of the newly He added Nathaniel Powell and dropped his most honored good friend. "Powell’s Isles” formed governing council of Jamestown. William Cantrill and Ralph Morton. "In all those places and the and “Smal’s Point” is by the river Bolus, and Anthony Bagnall replaced Walter Russell The first summer in Jamestown was as the physician. Edward Pising took furthest we came up the rivers we the little bay at the head “Profit’s Pool” […] deadly as many died from disease and Robert Small’s place as carpenter, William cut in trees so many crosses as we are named after the discoverers." malnutrition. To escape the rivalries of the Ward replaced John Powell as tailor and colony, find passage to the western ocean, blacksmith James Read remained behind. would, and in many places made Captain John Smith discover gold and locate the colonists Included in the second voyage also were holes in trees, wherin we writ of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, Smith Fisherman Jonas Profit, fish merchant gathered 14 men for a voyage up the Richard Keale and soldiers James Watkins notes, and in some places crosses Chesapeake. Throughout this voyage and and Anas Todkill. a second one later the same summer, he of brass to signify to any [that] kept a journal of the incidents that befell The trip was devastating to his men. Only Englishmen had been there." his crew, along with detailed descriptions six, including Smith, remained physically fit. Captain John Smith of his surroundings. He charted the land Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake took and waterways and later constructed an nearly all summer, and after exploring elaborate and fairly accurate map of the the major waterways (including the Bush and Chesapeake Bay. In the key of the map he Gunpowder rivers) by August, he reached published in 1612, Smith stated that “you the high water mark of their exploration see the little crosses on rivers, mountains, and proceeded up the Susquehanna River or other places, [that] have been discovered; to its falls. During the course of his travails, the rest was had by information of the Smith also explored Carroll’s Island (naming savages, and are set down according to it Smal’s Point after Robert Small, a soldier their instructions.” from the first voyage) and Pooles Island (naming it Powell’s Island after a member of his first exploration team). On Aug. 8, Smith returned south to explore other rivers on the way to Jamestown.

10A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 11 1661

nATHANIEL uTIE

ne of the most colorful figures New Amstel (New Castle, Del.) in September Left in early Maryland history is Col. 1659. He claimed the Delaware region belonged Map O Map of Captain John Smith's Nathaniel Utie, who was born around 1620. to Maryland under the Lord Baltimore Exploration of the Chesapeake Bay He was a soldier of fortune, Indian trader, Charter. The dispute continued until 1664 politician, landowner and mediator. when English forces overran New Amstel. Utie was also involved in a controversy After political intrigues caught up with him involving Thomas Thurston, a Quaker. in Virginia, Utie moved to Maryland in 1649. By May 1658, he held a license to trade with By 1661, Utie’s reputation and experience Indians for fur and to apprehend unlicensed dealing with Indians made him a key figure in traders. In July, he was appointed to captain negotiations. The Provincial Court often met local forces. at his house for deliberations, culminating in a meeting in May with the governor to Also in 1658, Utie began to acquire property. investigate Indian attacks on colonists. As a His first holding was 350 acres in Towne result of this investigation, a peace treaty with Neck. At year’s end, he recieved a grant of the Indians was concluded. 300 acres on the Sassafras River. In February 1659, he received an additional grant of 800 Utie turned to politics in 1662, serving as a acres at Oakington. In 1661, he was granted representative for Baltimore County in the 2,300 acres of Spesutia Island, which he Lower House of the Assembly. He also held originally named Spesutie or Utie’s Hope. a seat in 1666 and 1669. In 1666, he was As the grant was a manorial grant, Utie took appointed as a commissioner to negotiate an the title, Lord of the Manor. The federal agreement among Maryland, Virginia and government purchased Spesutia Island in North Carolina to suspend tobacco planting 1945 and incorporated it into APG. for one year to raise its price.

Utie was not a stranger to controversy. Utie was married three times (Mary Baltimore County was in the middle of the Lawrence, Elizabeth Carter and Elizabeth international fur trade between the English, Goldsmith), but his only son, John, died in Swedes and Dutch. The spheres of influence infancy. Utie died in 1675, and his estate meeting each other caused friction, leading passed to a nephew, George. Utie to be sent to meet with the Dutch at

12A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 13 1669

OLD BALTIMORE

here is not an exact date when the tavern, which was in his house. In the T Baltimore County, Md., was founded. same year, Maryland’s General Assembly The first European colonists settled the area designated Old Baltimore as an official in search of fertile soil for tobacco farming. tobacco port and appointed Phillips and Land surveys began in the county around Osborne to complete the town’s first land 1639, and the county was established by survey. In 1688, Phillips was appointed 1659. The original limits of the county as port officer with the responsibilities included the current Harford and Carroll of weighing and inspecting tobacco and counties, part of Cecil County and Baltimore tracking all other imports and exports. “The artifacts convey 'a vivid City. Its first county seat was organized in picture of 17th Century daily 1669 and was named Baltimore Town or The death of James Phillips in 1689 probably Baltimore on the Bush River. The site is now signaled the end of Old Baltimore serving as life abuzz with various activities, known as Old Baltimore. the Baltimore County seat. Records indicate including food and beverage the county court met in Gunpowder in 1691. Old Baltimore was established on Chilbury By 1712, the county seat had moved to consumption, smoking and Point between the Bush River and Romney Joppa Towne. socializing at Old Baltimore.'” Creek (part of APG today). It was easily accessible by water, an important mode of Old Baltimore was considered a memory Brochure, Old Baltimore, R. Christopher Goodwin travel, and it lay on the Post Road, a principal by 1773. In late 1997 and early 1998, & Associates, Inc., undated. north–south route between New England archeologists and the Cultural and Natural and Virginia, between the ferries on the Bush Resource Management Office at APG and Susquehanna rivers. unearthed a site at Old Baltimore’s location. Because the site is in a restricted area, there By about 1671, Old Baltimore had a had been no development. More than 17,000 courthouse. Maryland’s Governor Council artifacts have been uncovered, which indicate ordered that a tavern (then called an a developed, European lifestyle at the edge ordinary) be built at the courthouse to of the wilderness. Included are English and provide lodging for people who traveled to Dutch architectural and kitchen items; the town when court was in session. James English, Dutch and locally produced tobacco Phillips, a prominent and wealthy man pipes; a coin (farthing) dating to King living in the area, built the tavern on land Charles II of England; and a hand–blown belonging to William Osborne, who operated glass wine bottle seal. Some artifacts from the Bush River ferry. In 1683, Baltimore Old Baltimore are displayed at APG for County issued Phillips a license to operate public viewing.

14A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 15 1720

Quiet Lodge

uiet Lodge, also known as Presbury brickwork attested to the skill of the workers. Left Presbury House QHouse, is in the Edgewood Area of As a “signature” in the bricks, the workers APG and overlooks the Gunpowder River. placed a patterned geometric diamond shaped The origin of the name Quiet Lodge is hallmark on the east wall. This hallmark was unknown. The land was originally deeded to evidence of the pride shown by the masons. John Collett Jr. Collett came from England The pattern was created by a mixture of in 1658 with his father and two brothers, glazed brick and intricate masonry. Around but he did not have the land surveyed until the front door were placed bricks with the 1662. On his death in 1673, Collett left the Presbury family information on them. Inside, property to his cousin, Matthew Gouldsmith. the walls were simply plaster over the bare Gouldsmith then left the property to his bricks. Large arched fireplaces were constructed niece, Martha Gouldsmith Presbury, the wife at each end of the basement for cooking. A of James Presbury, high sheriff of Baltimore central staircase led to the second floor. There County. They had the land resurveyed in were two rooms both upstairs and downstairs. 1718. The site they selected for their house was on Elk Neck between Canal Creek During the late 1770s, the Presbury house (formerly called Elk or Elk Neck Creek) and was closely connected with early Methodism. Wright’s Creek (formerly called Deep Creek). The house was frequently mentioned in the journals of early Methodist preachers. Francis Although the date of construction is Asbury, the first Methodist bishop in the unknown, Presbury probably completed the United States, visited the house and stayed house in 1720. The design was a 20–foot overnight about 14 times from 1772 to 1777. by 40–foot two–story brick house with The Rev. John Littlejohn also visited the a fireplace at each end. There was also a house at least once in 1777. narrow attic running the entire length of the house. The bricks for the house came from In 1799, Etienne J. Raphel (also spelled England as ballast aboard ships or were made Raphael) and his wife, Jane Elizabeth, locally, according to conflicting accounts. purchased the house. The Raphels were The wood supporting beams were all hand French refugees and parishioners of St. sawn or hewn from native timber. The fancy Ignatius Church. Etienne Raphel died in

16A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 17 1773

Gunpowder Meeting House

he Gunpowder Meeting House could was sold to a black Methodist Episcopal T be one of the oldest Methodist meeting congregation and was used as a schoolhouse houses in America. The building is 26 feet by and church. One account described how the 35 feet and consists of one room with a loft. “white folks” stood in the balcony to watch Above 1811 and was initially buried in a brick vault addition and porch were added at this time. The construction materials were brick and their servants “get religion.” The one–room Presbury House (a.k.a. Quiet Lodge) under what is currently Weide Field. He was In 1940, Fort Hoyle was disestablished, and mortar, Which contained oyster shell. schoolhouse held classes throughout the later reburied in the cemetery at St. Stephens the Presbury house became part of Edgewood week, and church services were held in the Church in Bradshaw, Md. His son, Stephen Arsenal again. The history of the church was closely evenings and on Sundays. The name of the J. Raphel, lived in the house for many years connected with the Joseph Presbury House church was changed to the Gunpowder until he sold it to Gen. George Cadwalader in The house continued to be used as officers’ or Quiet Lodge, built in 1720, and the Station of the Methodist Church of Magnolia 1854. The Cadwalader family owned the land quarters and was remodeled periodically. In establishment of Methodism in America. but was often referred to as “Old Presbury.” until 1917. 1958, the original floor joists and center Bishop Francis Asbury directed construction A small cemetery was apparently established supporting timbers were replaced. The of the church in 1773 on one acre of land, in the 1890s behind the church, although no The Army purchased the entire Gunpowder original wooden banister remained in place. commonly known as “Presbury Discovery,” evidence remains. Neck peninsula in October 1917. The All the interior walls were covered with deeded on March 13, 1773, to nine trustees Presbury house was included in the land plasterboard, and the floors were covered for one shilling by Joseph Presbury. A later After the Army took over Gunpowder Neck appropriated for a chemical–shell filling with wooden tiles. In the 1980s, the living deed, dated Oct. 4, 1838, in which Mary in 1917, the Harford County Board of plant during World War I. The post was later room fireplace, covered with plasterboard for Ann Watters conveyed to Mary Saunders the Education, which then operated the school, named Edgewood Arsenal and grew in size many years, was uncovered and brickwork tracts of “Collett’s Neglect” and “Presbury’s sold the building to the government for $225 throughout the war. After the end of World completed to reflect the original brickwork Discovery” contained the clause: “Excepting in 1919. The Army used the building as a War I and demobilization, part of Edgewood of the house. and reserving one acre of ground with band headquarters and then as a grenade was designated Fort Hoyle and assigned to building thereon as formerly conveyed by storage facility. the Field Artillery in 1922. Fort Hoyle was In 1974, Quiet Lodge was declared a national Joseph Presbury to certain trustees for a named after Brig. Gen. Eli D. Hoyle of the historic Site. By the 1990s, the house was no place of worship.” The building decayed, and by the 1960s, it was 6th Field Artillery, who died in 1921. At least longer suitable for officers’ quarters because described as “unsightly and in a hazardous one account stated that the Presbury house of its age and restrictions on modifications. It The church eventually became known as condition.” On Jan. 31, 1963, the building was became the temporary headquarters of Fort was then used as an office for the Army the Gunpowder Neck Methodist Episcopal approved for destruction, but it was removed Hoyle. In 1924, the headquarters was moved Community Services. Church and its membership came from from the list Dec. 13, 1963. The church was to another building, and the Presbury house Edgewood, Magnolia and Gunpowder Neck. again placed on the destruction list April 19, was remodeled into officers’ quarters. A frame In 1886, the congregation divided, and the 1966, with the approval of the Edgewood church was abandoned. In 1890, the church Arsenal commander as the last requirement.

18A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 19 Right Later in 1966, Col. William W. Stone Jr., the in mixing the mortar to make sure it Methodist Meeting House new commander, saw the building during his matched the existing mortar. They replaced orientation tour. Instead of destroying it, he all the existing door and window frames instructed the post engineers in November with replicas ordered from a supplier that 1966 to check with historical societies specialized in 18th century hardware. They about the buildings. The response from the also installed a new roof, deck overlay and Methodist Historical Society and others plaster ceiling and rebuilt the balcony and convinced Stone to try to have the building stairway in the back of the building and the declared a historical site and preserved. A pulpit in the front. federal survey of the building was completed Jan. 20, 1972. Calvin Dixon, chief of the Architectural Branch of the Facilities Engineering The first step for renovation consisted of a Directorate, was in charge of the restoration. structural review. An architect completed a He said: “We made every effort to restore the historical and architectural study to estimate building exactly as it was. The construction the restoration cost. Orin Bullock Jr., the workers put in a lot of hard work into making historical architect, concluded the building the building look like it had originally.” was restorable and the current structure was built between 1820 and 1860 on an older Additional work included a new concrete foundation. He thought portions of the subfloor and electrical service. In January earlier structure still remained. 1983, the Army completed the project, and the building was added to the National The cost of the restoration project was Register of Historic Places. $70,000. Much of the work involved restoring the original brick facing because The first church service in 66 years in the many bricks were worn or missing. Workers building was held Aug. 4, 1983, and conducted replaced some of the missing or damaged by Lt. Col. W. R. Ward, chaplain at the bricks with bricks taken from other parts Edgewood Chapel. Today, the Army continues of the building. They also were careful to preserve the church for historical tours.

20A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 21 1814

Waterfowling

t has been said the best part of Harford He eventually owned about 7,000 out of Left ICounty, the Bush River and Gunpowder 13,000 acres of the Neck, which included Maxwell Point, Duck Hunting Spot River Necks, was given away in the early 20th about 40 miles of shoreline. The Cadwalader century through land appropriations by the family constructed a large timber hunting federal government. lodge at Maxwell’s Point. The infrastructure was constructed to support duck hunting, The 70,000 acres of land purchased by the Army stables, race tracks, greenhouses and formal in 1917 to establish APG included a fertile gardens. The Cadwaladers added to their farm area, linked by railroads supporting wealth by leasing portions of shoreline to local canneries. In addition, there was another other duck hunters for up to $2,000 annually. natural resource found along the long coastline that bordered the new post – waterfowl. Two of the wealthiest clubs, both with New York members, were The San Domingo Farm From 1814 until APG’s construction, hunting Club (more than 200 acres near Maxwell’s clubs were established in eastern Harford and Point) and The Spesutia Island Rod and Baltimore counties. The shores of Gunpowder Gun Club (about 1,700 acres on Spesutie Neck, Bush River Neck, Carroll Island and Island). The San Domingo Clubhouse was Spesutie Island provided the ideal nesting and described as a three–story frame house with feeding grounds for flocks of waterfowl. high ceilings; large, open fireplaces; carpets; Influential and wealthy sportsmen purchased antiques; and oil paintings. Famous visitors or leased portions of the shoreline for duck to these two clubs included President Grover hunting. The first known club was The Cleveland and New York Gov. David B. Hill. Maxwell’s Point Gunning Club, founded by an association in 1819 from Baltimore, who One of the most famous clubs was the Carroll hunted on 180 acres. Island Gunning Club (about 1,200 acres) on Carroll’s Island. In addition to hunting, Gen. George Cadwalader from Philadelphia the club held the pedigree of the Chesapeake knew the area’s value and started buying Bay dog breed for more than 100 years. To a property on Gunpowder Neck in 1840. hunter, a dog was as important as a weapon.

22A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 23 1825

Pooles Island Lighthouse

warfed by America’s tallest lighthouse Construction of the lighthouse and the Dat Cape Hatteras, N.C., (207 feet), one–story keeper’s house began in April the Pooles Island Lighthouse, the oldest or May 1825. One of the builders, John standing lighthouse in Maryland, is 40 Donahoo, received a commission to build 12 feet tall. Pooles Island Lighthouse is one of lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay, one of six lighthouses owned or managed by the which was the lighthouse at Concord Point Department of Defense. in Havre de Grace, a virtual twin to Pooles Island. The granite used to build Pooles The land known as Pooles Island was first Island Lighthouse was mined from nearby mentioned in historical records in 1608. That Port Deposit. Nine oil lamps provided the summer, John Smith explored and mapped lighthouse’s protecting beacon. much of the Chesapeake Bay, including the island, which he named Powells Isles, after one Although a primitive technology, the beacon of his companions (the plural may be based was visible for more than 11 nautical miles. on an incorrect impression that there were In 1867, improvements were made to the two islands). The name evolved into Pooles lighting system. Additionally, throughout Island. Besides the lighthouse, the island’s the remainder of the 19th century, the only other settlement was a farm, which grew lighthouse’s support facilities were upgraded, hay and vegetables and later, peaches, which including construction of a cow stable, were known for their good taste. poultry house and boat house. None of those buildings survived. By 1824, Congress realized that the island’s location was strategic and authorized building Pooles Island Lighthouse is now part of a lighthouse by the Lighthouse Service APG. In 1917, the federal government under the Department of the Treasury. The acquired the majority of Pooles Island lighthouse would protect shipping on the (approximately 200 acres) from the estate Bush and Gunpowder rivers and the shallow of Charles C. Homer to include in the channel of the Chesapeake Bay located west establishment of APG. The Bureau of of the island. The lighthouse would not serve Lighthouses, under the Department of the deeper channel east of the island. Commerce, retained approximately seven acres for the lighthouse complex. The

24A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 25 acquisition of the island ended the era of the the guidelines established by the National lighthouse keeper at Pooles Island and began Park Service. The project included mortar automated lighting operations. repair, sanding and painting. The Directorate of Safety, Health and Environment kicked Time has not been kind to the lighthouse. off the project by cleaning the inside and In 1939, the Bureau of Lighthouses merged outside of the lighthouse. Coast Guard with the U.S. Coast Guard, which deactivated Reserves Lighthouse Maintenance Unit the lighthouse and removed the lighting (Curtis Bay, Md.) performed mortar repair. mechanism. Pooles Island served as an The USAG’s Department of Public Works artillery impact area until the early 1970s. Carpentry Shop and Lead Abatement Team Twenty years of disinterest elapsed until 1994 performed woodwork and sanding/painting, when the Army submitted a proposal to have respectively. A local resident volunteered to the lighthouse placed on the National Park paint the lighthouse. Service’s Register of Historic Places. On Feb. 19, 1997, Pooles Island Lighthouse While the proposal went through the approval was officially listed as a historic place. In process, a major lighthouse restoration and 2010, the lighthouse celebrated its 185th stabilization project began in October 1995 anniversary. Today the lighthouse is symbolic and continued through the fall of 1996. for the increasing growth and importance of The work adhered to requirements set for APG, “lighting a path to the future.” National Register–eligible properties and met

26A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 27 part Ii World War I

28A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 29 A berdeeN Proving Ground

Top Right n April 1917, the United States entered The Army constructed 324 buildings World War I— World War I and quickly realized the by 1918 for $3.4 million. The first post Aerial View of APG I Plum Point was the location for nation was unprepared to provide the commander was Col. Colden Ruggles, who officers’ housing, the parade field, equipment and weapons necessary to win the assumed command Jan. 1, 1918. enlisted soldiers’ barracks and the war. For the testing of artillery and weapons, hospital. The civilian barracks were in the upper right corner. Sandy Hook Proving Ground, N.J., proved The next day, the first artillery gun was fired The test ranges, including the inadequate, and a search started for a new from the main front in a heavy snow storm. Main Front and Trench Warfare proving ground site. After considering Kent The wife of Edward V. Stockham, a former Range were a short distance away. Island across the Chesapeake Bay, the Army landowner, had the honor of firing the 3–inch

Bottom Right selected the peninsula in Harford County Model 1905 field piece. The Army fired more APG Post Headquarters Building because of its rural location and accessibility than 5,000 rounds in January. In 1918, the post’s mission grew from artillery (BLDG 310) by train and water. firing. The site of Old Baltimore became a For mission work, the Army constructed a post balloon bombing range for the 28th Balloon On Oct. 6, Congress authorized the headquarters (Building 310), an assembly plant Company. A small airfield was constructed purchase of about 35,000 acres of land (Building 314), a machine shop (Building for the 271st Aero Squadron. Other projects (excluding Spesutie Island). The president 315), an instrument building, warehouses and included the testing of anti–aircraft weapons issued three proclamations taking over the magazines. To house the civilian and military and tanks. The Railway Artillery School and land, which allowed the Army to buy out personnel, a small city was constructed. In the Ordnance Engineering School moved to landowners, many of whom protested the Aberdeen, the Army built 65 single houses the installation to start a training mission. As loss of the prime agricultural land owned and five dormitories for civilian employees. part of the testing program, an early version of by their families for generations. The Army They also built 50 civilian barracks on post. a modern computer was completed when the took possession and on October 20 started For the military, they constructed 60 enlisted Aberdeen Chronograph started calculating the construction of a proving ground Oct. 20. barracks, 12 single–family quarters (Buildings velocity of artillery shells. Civilian and military personnel worked on 2–10, 20–23, 25 on Plum Point) and six the project, which was called the Proving two–family officers’ quarters (Buildings By the end of the war in November 1918, the Ground at Aberdeen. Peak civilian strength 70–71, 80–83 on Hopkins Loop). In addition, post had tested almost every type of weapon was about 3,600, and more than 3,800 the Army completed a hospital for 250 used by and developed for the Army. In contractors also contributed. The peak patients, a YMCA and guest quarters. A small recognition of this important mission, War military strength was about 5,000 soldiers. cemetery was started in August 1918. Department General Order No. 6, 1919, named the post Aberdeen Proving Ground and made it a permanent installation.

30A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 31 E dgewood Arsenal

Top Right n April 1915, Germany initiated large–scale the street from the plant (Buildings E5179, World War I— chemical warfare in an effort to break the E5165 and E5158). The Army later completed APG Main Front Testing I A 3–inch field gun set up for test Allied lines at Ypres, Belgium. The attempt a second shell–filling plant but was unable to firing at the Main Front in 1918. failed, and soon, both sides escalated the use complete a third before the end of the war. of chemical weapons. Despite the continuing Bottom Right use of chemical weapons, when the United In addition to the shell–filling plants, the Edgewood Arsenal Administrative Building (BLDG 11) States entered the war in April 1917, the U.S. Army built four chemical–agent production With a growing population, Edgewood Army had no training programs, equipment plants at Edgewood. Chlorine, phosgene, constructed a 314–bed hospital. Most patients or weapons to fight a chemical war. chloropicrin and mustard agent were in 1918 suffered from influenza. There were selected for production. By the summer of as many as 1,300 patients, some lying in In October 1917, President Woodrow 1918, chlorine and chloropicrin were no corridors because of the lack of room. Almost Wilson approved Gunpowder Neck as the longer considered important because of 200 died from disease during the war. A small site for the Army’s first chemical weapons improvements made to gas masks during the cemetery was started behind the hospital for arsenal. This led to a massive government war. Portions of the mustard and phosgene those not sent home for burial. construction project that quickly displaced plants remain today. In addition to the the Cadwaladers and their tenant farmers. chemical agent production and shell–filling Although most troops working in the plants operations, the post also completed its first lived in temporary wooden barracks, the During one of the coldest recorded winters, chemical laboratory. Army completed 16 permanent two–story civilian construction workers began building troop barracks for enlisted men. Most officers what was initially called Gunpowder Neck Because of the dangers of chemical agents, lived in abandoned farmhouses throughout Reservation and later Edgewood Arsenal. The military personnel assumed the operations the post or in the new officers’ quarters power plant (Building E5127) of Shell Filling of the chemical–agent filling and production building (Building E4650). Plant No. 1 was the first permanent building plants from civilians. Despite little knowledge completed. The rest of Shell Filling Plant No. or experience in running these plants, only By the end of World War I, the post had 1 became operational in April 1918. Within a three soldiers died at Edgewood Arsenal shipped 450,000 chemical shells to Europe, short time, 75mm chemical shells were being during the war from chemical–agent exposure although most arrived too late to be used. filled and then readied for shipping in the out of 7,000 military assigned to the post. Still, the soldiers of Edgewood Arsenal and three warehouses (called shell dumps) across its parent organization, the Chemical Warfare Service, contributed to the war and helped bring about the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918.

32A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 33 Top Left World War I— Mustard Agent Plant Mustard agent was considered “King of the Battlefield” during World War I. The last of the plant’s four buildings was removed in 2010.

Bottom Left World War I— Shell Filling Plant Shell Filling Plant No. 1 consisted of four filling wings and the central power plant. Only the power plant remains today.

Top Right World War I—Laboratory The first chemical laboratory was completed in 1918 and was used until the early 1970s.

Bottom Right Armistice Day The end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, was celebrated at Edgewood Arsenal with a ceremony.

34A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 35 1917 Emin ent Domain and the Founding of APG

Left hortly after the United States entered and he believed the county could supply Col. Colden Ruggles World War I, APG was founded in the land and isolation needed by the Army S Right 1917 out of necessity. Sandy Hook Proving for ordnance testing. After surveying the On Oct. 14, 1917, President Woodrow Several of the original land Ground, N.J., the Ordnance Department’s town and surrounding area, Ruggles agreed Wilson proclaimed the post at Aberdeen to owners’ homes were left primary proving ground, was too close to that Aberdeen was an appropriate spot for be formally established (making it the Army’s standing and became targets for ordnance testing on firing a large population in New York City. The a new facility. Ruggles suggested Aberdeen oldest active proving ground). Six days later, ranges. This is one such home, water transportation lanes to and from the to the War Department, which sent the the U.S. government took formal possession originally owned by the installation were constantly congested and recommendation to Congress for approval. of the land and assigned the Maryland “Patriotic citizens, responding to Malcolm Family. competed with New York Harbor traffic for Dredging and Contracting Company of space. Land was also limited at Sandy Hook. Using the sparsely applied principle of Baltimore to begin building. On Jan. 1, 1918, their country’s call, vacated their eminent domain, the U.S. government Ruggles assumed command of APG. The next lands and, in some cases, left As a result, the Army was forced to look sought to ensure what happened at Kent day, Ruggles presided over the firing of the for other locations to establish operations. Island would not occur in Aberdeen. Like the first gun, which began ordnance testing. their homes, businesses, Col. Colden Ruggles was assigned to find a citizens of Kent Island, the residents south of livestock, and equipment; all location for the new installation. Aberdeen initially objected to losing their land The land owners lost their farms, homes to the government for the construction of the and any possessions they left behind in the within 72 hours. Relying on Ruggles was extremely qualified to complete new post. However, unlike the Kent Island hurried evacuation, mostly without initial the word and assurance of their the task given to him by Secretary of War residents, they lacked the political support compensation. Some farmers who gave up Newton D. Baker. As the commandant of from legislators in Annapolis to successfully their land would not receive compensation country’s representatives for Sandy Hook Proving Ground, Ruggles was oppose Ruggles’ decision. Eminent domain for almost 20 years (in a few cases, it came one of a few men who knew what was needed states the federal government has the ultimate only after their case was taken to the Supreme compensation of their losses in for the construction of the proposed testing right to all property as long as the seizure is Court and Congress). Their sacrifice (in property and business, these site. After extensive surveying across the “in the best interests of the country” and the most cases a patriotic and willing sacrifice) country, he initially chose Kent Island for the owners of the land are compensated according allowed for the vital establishment of APG, Harford Countians gave up new proving ground. However, he soon found to “set requirements.” As long as Aberdeen which contributed to the research, testing their livelihoods in support that Kent Island residents did not want to live land owners were offered compensation, they and development of weapons and armor that near an Army installation. Protests escalated, had to turn over their land to the Army. On saved thousands of lives during the wars and of the war effort.” and the pressure to find an alternative to Kent Oct. 6, 1917, Congress approved legislation conflicts after 1917. “An Assessment of the Applications of Island became overwhelming. Frustrated, designating $7 million for the purchase of Eminent Domain in the Founding of APG,” Ruggles turned to his friend, Maj. Edward lands and housing in the Aberdeen area for V. Stockham, who suggested the farms near the new proving ground, displacing more Harford Historical Bulletin; (No. 85; 2000) Aberdeen in Harford County. Stockham was than 3,000 people. Local farmers were offered a native of Perryman and Harford County, $100 per acre.

36A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 37 1918

The Main Front

he Main Front is the designation for one of The opening ceremonies took place in Left T several ordnance testing sites at APG today. a blinding snowstorm. Mrs. Edward V. Main Front It was established in 1918, only a few months Stockham, Ruggles' longtime friend and after President Wilson’s proclamation founded confidant fired the first shot. The first APG. One of the Army’s primary reasons for projectile fired was a Bartlett–Hayward establishing a proving ground at Aberdeen was Company 3–inch shrapnel shell. Spectators to create a location where ordnance could be cheered as a white cloud of smoke and metal fired, tested and evaluated for improvement. shot out from the gun. The casing of the The Main Front’s mission was to test guns and first shell was given to Howard Bruce, a munitions to give the Army the research it representative of Bartlett–Hayward Company. needed to improve the Warfighters’ weapons Not long after the first shell was fired, a during World War I and beyond. second shell was fired 400 yards before exploding in a white cloud over the test range. Originally referred to as a Main Proof Battery, Witnesses said that the 90th shot was delayed the recently established Proof Department as civilians were walking toward houses operated the Main Front. This Main Proof on the testing field 2,000 yards away from Battery was a half–mile long, making it the the firing line. A safety officer removed the largest firing range at APG at the time. The pedestrians so firing could resume. Main Front, along with Trench Warfare, Railroad Range, Water Range and Aviation More than 5,000 rounds were fired in the Field, included 16 range towers that assisted in first three months of operation. By the end the coordination and firing of ordnance. In of the war, 70,768 rounds had been tested. continual operation since 1918, the Main The Proof Department at APG estimated that Front is one of the oldest firing ranges in use more than $338 million was spent on primers, today in the Army’s ordnance testing program. fuses, powder, munitions and other items needed for proof work by the end of 1918. Col. Colden Ruggles, Commander of APG, his staff and spectators, both military and civilian, gathered to witness the first firing on Jan. 2. That day was one of winter’s coldest days.

38A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 39 1918

The Influenza Epidemic

Top Right PG and Edgewood Arsenal were affected hospital. All of the wards are filled so The APG Rapid Fire Newspaper by the Spanish Influenza Epidemic they have placed cots along each side of Healines for Oct. 10, 1918. A of 1918 that killed about 50 million people the long corridors and divided them off Middle Right worldwide. The virus attacked one–fifth of into [additional] wards.” More than 200 The doctors, nurses and staff the world’s population. Within months, it Edgewood soldiers and civilians died of of the Edgewood Arsenal had killed more people than any illness in influenza and other diseases during the war. Station Hospital in 1918 recorded history. Influenza affected the sick and those who cared The APG Rapid Fire Newspaper Headlines for Oct. 10, 1918. Bottom Right for them. At least three female nurses of the Pvt. Jet Parker, assigned to the Edgewood A local newspaper, the Harford County Aegis, Army Nurse Corps died at Edgewood Arsenal. Arsenal Station Hospital in 1918 during reported Oct. 25, 1918, that influenza came the influenza epicdemic from Valencia, Spain. However, others Among those who died at APG was Gilbert speculated that the virus had not originated Ames Bliss’ wife, Helen Hurd. Bliss was an from the Orient, not Spain. Their evidence American mathematician known for his was that influenza first appeared on the work on the calculus of variations. During German’s eastern front in the summer of 1917. World War I, he and Oswald Veblen worked together at the APG range firing area, 1918 was the height of U.S. involvement in applying the calculus of variations to correct World War I, and many influenza deaths shell trajectories for the effects of wind and The doctors, nurses and staff of the Edgewood Arsenal Station Hospital in 1918. occurred in military camps, where soldiers density factors on accuracy. lived in close proximity. This made it easy for the disease to spread rapidly. It is unknown how many Harford County civilians died during the influenza epidemic, At Edgewood Arsenal, there were as many as but the county did incur deaths, as did the 1,300 patients packed in the station hospital. rest of the United States, which lost between Pvt. Jet Parker, who was stationed at the 500,000 and 700,000 lives. hospital, wrote: “Conditions are bad at the

40A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 41 part iii B etween The WArs

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Top Right fter World War I, a major demobilization course, mud course, circular track and rough 1920s—Aerial View reduced APG’s military personnel to terrain course to test vehicles. The World War I troop barracks on A Plum Point have been replaced by tents 377. The Ordnance Engineering School and around the water tower. The Main Railway Artillery School were discontinued. APG’s mission again grew when the Front across the upper right was the Despite this reduction, the testing work Ordnance School headquarters moved to The creation of a new Research Division in primary focus of the testing program. continued, and the post constructed new APG from Watertown Arsenal, Mass., in 1935 led to the start of construction of a large

Middle Right facilities in the 1920s. Additions included 1932. In 1938, construction started on three three–story laboratory building (Building 1920s—Vehicle Testing a sea coast battery and a small–arms range. Ordnance School buildings for barracks and 328) in 1940. This facility focused on the The testing of tracked and wheeled A new mission, the Aberdeen Ordnance classrooms (Buildings 3071, 3072, 3073). study of ballistics, which was eventually called vehicles in all types of terrain became Reserve Depot, was created in 1921 to store In 1940, elements of the Ordnance School Ballistics Research Laboratory. a specialty of APG. Munson Test Area was started in 1933 and included ammunition and equipment. were consolidated at APG and moved into a mud course, circular cobblestone the new buildings even though they were not With the outbreak of World War II in Europe course, a loop and a washboard. One major addition in 1922 was the completed. Five noncommissioned officer in 1939, the Army expanded the size and assignment of a large Army dirigible to quarters (Buildings 2020–2021, 2025–2027) workload of APG. To meet the demand for Bottom Right conduct bombing missions. This new mission were constructed across the main road from more ordnance soldiers, the Army approved 1935—Tschappat Hall 1920s - Vehicle Testing Building 305 was completed in 1935 lasted only a few years, and in 1926, the school buildings. an ordnance training center at APG. To as a barracks for the 44th Ordnance fixed–wing aircraft replaced the dirigible. create space for this new organization, APG The testing of tracked and wheeled vehicles in all types of terrain became a Company. It included a mess hall, pistol Following the start of the Great Depression, purchased 924 acres between APG and the specialty of APG. Munson Test Area was started in 1933 and included a mud range, a store and handball courts. In course, circular cobblestone course, a loop and a washboard. 1941, four bowling lanes were added Some items tested during the 1920s included APG received funding in 1933 from the railroad line near Aberdeen in 1940. The new in the east wing. It was named after 4,300–pound bombs (witnessed by Brig. Gen. Federal Emergency Works Administration Ordnance Training Center was established Maj. Gen. W. H. Tschappat, APG Billy Mitchell), .50 caliber machine guns and to construct new officer (Buildings 25–58) in January 1941, adding 167 barracks and Commander from 1922 to 1925. semi–automatic rifles. and NCO (Buildings 100–119) quarters at 235 other buildings. APG purchased 4,780 Plum Point. Additional construction included acres south of Perryman for a new airfield and During the 1930s, another growing mission a firehouse (Building 300), guardhouse training areas in July 1941. was the testing of vehicles and tanks. APG (Building 150), explosive magazines, barracks 1935 - Tschappat Hall demonstrated the importance of caterpillar for the 44th Ordnance Company (Building tracks for mechanized vehicles by 1931, 305), officers club (Building 30), a hospital Building 305 was completed in 1935 as a barracks for the 44th Ordnance Company. It which led to significant modernization of (Building 45) and improvements to the included a mess hall, pistol range, a store and handball courts. In 1941, four bowling the Army’s armor vehicles. APG also tested airfield. A unit of the Civilian Conservation lanes were added in the east wing. It was named after Maj. Gen. W. H. Tschappat, APG

the 1/4–ton utility truck, nicknamed the Corps also provided ground improvement Jeep. In 1933, APG constructed a water projects from 1935 to 1938.

44A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 45 E dgewood Arsenal

Above Left fter World War I, the Chemical Warfare main ground weapon of the CWS for the and designated as Fort Hoyle. Fort Hoyle (Building E1675). One of the adjacent Top The Gas Mask Factory School mission was centralized at next 20 years. A grass airfield was completed headquarters was located in a World War I hospital wards (Building E1677) was 1920s—Edgewood Arsenal Edgewood Arsenal made most of the A Headquarters Edgewood Arsenal. Edgewood received the for bomb and spray–tank development. The troop barracks (Building E4405). Fort Hoyle converted to the Officers Club. During the Army’s gas masks in the Gas Mask The World War I hospital administration Factory until World War II. research, development and training missions. key defensive work was the improvement of added horse stables to the area just east of 1920s, the Army constructed new officer building became the Edgewood Arsenal The filling and agent production plants were protective masks. A portion of the World War the permanent troop barracks for the Sixth housing for Edgewood Arsenal and Fort Headquarters after the war. It remained Above Right placed on standby. A chemical agent storage yard I chlorine plant was converted to the Gas Field Artillery Regiment, the horse–drawn Hoyle near their respective headquarters. the post headquarters until 1963. 1932—Post Theater on the Bush River was established in 1931 to Mask Factory. Most of the Army’s gas masks artillery unit assigned to the fort. In 1938, There were also improvements to the living The Post Theater was built in the Fort Bottom Hoyle area of Gunpowder Neck, and it hold the existing stockpile of chemical weapons. were assembled in this facility until after the post also constructed a large stone riding conditions of the enlisted troops. A movie Fort Hoyle: 1922–1940 was shared by Fort Hoyle and Edgewood World War II. hall (Building E4210) for training horses. theater (Building E4810) was completed in The headquarters and riding hall of Fort Arsenal. It is now the Conference Center. For research, the World War I chemical Fort Hoyle remained a separate facility 1932. After several drownings in the Bush Hoyle are still standing. Troop barracks laboratory was designated Laboratory No. The chemical training mission was conducted by until 1940 when the land was returned to and Gunpowder rivers, a swimming pool was replaced the horse stables in the 1960s. 1. A similar building used as a guardhouse the CWS in a new complex near the Edgewood Edgewood Arsenal. The riding hall was later added halfway between Edgewood Arsenal (Building E5183) was converted to Laboratory gate. A portion of its field training occurred converted to a gym during World War II and and Fort Hoyle headquarters. Individual No. 2. A medical research complex was built on nearby land that is now a golf course. designated Hoyle Gymnasium. A monument NCO houses were built during the 1930s southwest of Laboratory No. 1. to the Sixth Field Artillery Regiment stands near the northeast end of the airfield. Despite these new missions, budget cuts next to the gymnasium. Development projects focused on weapons significantly reduced the number of personnel and defensive equipment. The key weapon assigned to Edgewood. Because of the While Fort Hoyle was in existence, the development during this time was the 4.2– reductions, a portion of Edgewood Arsenal headquarters of Edgewood Arsenal was the inch chemical mortar, which became the was turned over to the Field Artillery in 1922 former hospital administration building

46A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 47 1920-1939

Early Aviation

Top right lthough established as a research, No. 18 Balloon Company (1920), 49th Launched as ZR–1 from Lakehurst, development and testing center, APG Bombardment Squadron (1922 / 1925) and N.J., the rigid airship made its first A flight Sept. 4, 1923. The was also a base for the fledgling U.S. Army the 18th Airship Company (1924 / 1925). 682–foot–long dirigible, later given Air Service, which was organized during the Algonquin Indian name World War I. Units at APG shortly after Starting in 1919, the Air Service began Shenandoah, made a 1924 World War I were involved in recruiting, to replace the personnel losses because of cross–country demonstration flight lasting 235 hours. publicity, testing and relief missions. demobilization following the end of World War I. The future of aviation promised new, Bottom right Shortly after the establishment of APG in interesting and lucrative professions, so an JN–4 Jenny biplane at Phillips Field 1917, an air detachment arrived and set up Air Service recruiting campaign was launched a base for airplanes and dirigibles. By the nationally. A recruiting party from APG summer of 1918, the post had built a landing attracted 34 applicants in a week for the field, hangars and shops and designated a School of Aerial Photography. bombing field. The mission of the new airfield was to operate aircraft supporting the creation To assist in the recruiting campaign, the Air of bombing tables that were used to improve Service turned to publicity. Air shows, aerial bombing accuracy. cross–country flights and aerial contests “Billy” Mitchell was a strong advocate of the in alleviating two winter emergencies. In attempted to create interest in aviation, win supremacy of aviation over surface ships. March 1923, planes bombed an ice jam on The 1920 amendment to the National Defense public support and collect information to By early 1921, preparations for bombing the Delaware River. Three years later, planes Act of 1916 provided for the legislative further develop military and civil aeronautics. captured World War I German warships bombed an ice jam on the Susquehanna River. sanction of the Air Service organization The parade welcoming President Wilson home (off Cape Charles) were under way. and the establishment of nine multi–state from the Paris Peace Conference in February APG also conducted weather research. Planes organizations for the administration, training 1919 provided a publicity opportunity for the Special aerial bombs were developed at APG and pilots worked with Harvard University in and tactical control of the Army. The Third Air Service. There was an air parade, which and aircraft prepared. The 258th Heavy the early 1920s on dispersing fog by dropping Corps Area, headquartered in Baltimore, included a bomber that took motion pictures. Bombardment Squadron, based at the APG electrically charged sand on clouds. comprised Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia APG provided a balloon with a cameraman airfield, assisted Mitchell in testing bombs, and Washington. Air Service units assigned from the 29th Balloon Company. fuses, releases, flares, machine guns and APG continued to contribute to aviation to the Third Corps Area and stationed other equipment. Mitchell made at least technology in the 1930s. Dive bombing, at the airfield on APG included the 29th In early 1919, the Army and Navy began the three visits to APG. Additionally, bombing which was important in World War II, Balloon Company (1919), the 258th testing process to ascertain the effect of aerial instruction was provided. was first attempted at APG. Additionally, Heavy Bombardment Squadron (1920), bombing on surface ships. Brig. Gen. William a 75mm aircraft cannon on a bomber was The Air Service started humanitarian tested in 1939. flights in 1919. APG aircraft participated

48A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 49 1922-1940

Fort Hoyle

hortly after the end of World War Camp Dix, N.J., Oct. 11 and arrived at SI, the War Department initiated a Fort Hoyle Oct. 18. chapel, stables and gun sheds. In 1938, Fort war in Europe, the War Department soon Top Left demobilization policy to reduce troop Hoyle added a riding hall used to train responded to the CWS request. A 75mm gun being fired.

numbers and return the Army to a peacetime The artillerymen quickly discovered that the officers in the management of horses. In General Orders No. 8, dated Sept. 16, 1940, Top Right status. This demobilization plan severely fort consisted of empty fields, some troop addition, the artillerymen cleared many firing disestablished Fort Hoyle and returned the Fort Hoyle Headquarters Building. affected Edgewood Arsenal, a Chemical barracks, two old farmhouses, three wartime ranges and built observation towers and a new land to Edgewood Arsenal. Warfare Service post covering most of warehouses and not much else. There was road to the Magnolia gate that allowed them Gunpowder Neck in Maryland. Edgewood no officers’ housing, stables, gun sheds or to bypass Edgewood Arsenal. Although little remains as visual evidence of Arsenal began in 1918 and consisted of recreation center. The other Field Artillery the existence of Fort Hoyle, several buildings chemical–agent production plants, shell– units soon referred to them as “mud hens.” In 1939, problems with the jurisdiction constructed during the Fort Hoyle period filling plants, troop barracks and artillery of the firing ranges resulted in ill feelings exist today. In 1942, the CWS converted Fort ranges. The reductions resulted in many Although the commander of Fort Hoyle between Edgewood Arsenal, Fort Hoyle Hoyle’s riding hall (Building E4210) to a buildings being underutilized. wanted to create a self–sufficient post, lack and APG, which also used the ranges. These gymnasium and recreation hall and renamed of funding prohibited a large expansion disagreements intensified as the United States it Hoyle Gymnasium in 1962. Adjacent to the A War Department directive on April 7, 1921, and forced Fort Hoyle to work closely began emergency planning as war seemed gym is the Sixth Field Artillery Monument. selected Gunpowder Neck as the site for a with Edgewood Arsenal. This meant Fort imminent in Europe. On June 7, 1939, the Fort Hoyle’s headquarters (Building E4405) new Field Artillery post. Many in the CWS Hoyle and Edgewood had to share facilities original range agreements were rescinded. The was in one of the original 1918 troop barracks were unhappy with the plan. However, the and personnel assignments. This awkward new directive gave APG the highest priority and still has the decorative columns on protests went unheeded, and General Orders relationship caused numerous petty disputes for use of the ranges. The next priority went the front of the building. Fort Hoyle’s Post No. 40 on Oct. 7, 1922, created Fort Hoyle. between the posts. to the CWS. Fort Hoyle came last. Theater (Building E4810) was built in 1932 The fort was named after the late Brig. Gen. and remodeled into a conference center in Eli D. Hoyle, a former commander of the The artillerymen spent much of their time With World War II on the horizon on 1985. The Fort Hoyle officers’ houses built in Sixth Field Artillery Regiment, who died July upgrading the firing ranges and training. The Aug. 21, 1939, Maj. Gen. Walter C. Baker, the 1920s near the Gunpowder River are still 27, 1921. training often consisted of marches up to 135 chief of the CWS, called for the removal used as officers’ quarters. All of Fort Hoyle’s miles that lasted six days. They worked closely of Fort Hoyle from the former Edgewood horse stables were removed, and the site was Field Orders No. 4, dated Sept. 22, 1922, with the CWS on experimentation, tactics Arsenal land because the space was needed used for additional troop barracks in the 1960s. assigned the Sixth Field Artillery Regiment to and training for the use of chemical warfare. to expand the CWS. With the outbreak of the new post. The regiment was part of the 1st Artillery Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division During the 1920s and 1930s, Fort Hoyle and had served in Europe during World War I. started a limited construction program that The regiment, a horse–mounted unit, left added housing, a club, theater, gymnasium,

50A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 51 part iv W orld War II

52A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 53 A berdeen Proving Ground

Havre de Grace areas. These included Baldwin Manor (dormitories and apartments), Concord Fields (family units), Swan Meadows (family units), Poplar Park (dormitories and trailer–type family units) and Swan Creek Park (trailer–type family units).

In April 1943, the first Women’s Army Corps (WAC) detachment arrived at APG. By June, the WAC had grown to two companies of 495 military personnel. They assisted with Above Left ollowing entry in World War II in The major construction program started in testing ordnance, research, support operations World War II— F December 1941, APG again became the 1940 continued during the war. In 1941, and administrative work. Women’s Army Corps Army’s main testing facility for ordnance and APG added a second hospital that increased The WAC arrived at APG in 1943 and quickly demonstrated their capabilities. vehicles. This led to the need for more space. the normal patient capacity to 570 and four APG tested many of the key weapons and They assisted with many tasks, including An additional 1,189 acres along Swan Creek new wooden chapels. In 1942, the post added vehicles used during World War II. These weapon testing and conducting were purchased in 1942. The same year, APG Ordnance School classrooms, barracks and included: M1 Carbine, M3 submachine complicated mathematical calculations. purchased 244 acres near Churchville for a other support buildings. A speed course gun, M1 2.36–inch bazooka, M4 Sherman

Above Right combat–vehicle development course. APG for testing the cooling systems of vehicles Tank, M26 Pershing Tank, M1 “Long World War II—Munson leased privately owned Spesuite Island for was completed near Perryman. The original Tom” 155mm gun, M1 120mm antiaircraft Test Area rocket testing in 1942. The post constructed Phillips Airfield was too small for the war gun, 36–inch mortar (Little David) and The Munson Test Area was named after a bridge connecting the island and mainland effort and was replaced in 1943 by a new one Norden bombsight. APG test fired about 14 Lt. Max Leroy Munson, who was killed in 1943. The Army purchased the 1,854–acre on recently purchased farms. The United million rounds and dropped 115,000 bombs in November 1941 while conducting a test. Across the top is Spesutie Island, island in 1945. States’ first supersonic wind tunnel (Building during the war. APG also tested protective which was leased to the Army during 120) was completed in 1943 for testing equipment like flak jackets for aircrews. World War II for testing. In addition to the purchases, several off–post bombs, rockets and artillery projectiles. To sites in Harford, Cecil and Kent counties help with traffic control for workers driving Reflective of their contributions, APG received Right World War II—Ordnance were temporarily leased for training during to post, Boothby Hill Road was connected to the Army–Navy “E” Awards five times during Training Center the war. These areas included Camp Howell Route 40 by a new road named Access Road the war for outstanding achievement in the The Ordnance Training Center was (across the Chesapeake Bay), Camp Osborn (later changed to Maryland Boulevard). production of ordnance and equipment. constructed on newly acquired land. (near Havre de Grace), Bata Shoe Company About 167 troop barracks were completed in a short time. A new Phillips Airfield area (near Belcamp), Schanz Bivouac Area To provide civilian housing for APG workers, (top left) was completed in 1943. It was (near Carsins Run) and Elk Neck State Park Government War Housing projects were named after Lt. Wendell K. Phillips, (Cecil County). completed off post in the Aberdeen and who was killed in a plane crash in 1922.

54A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 55 E dgewood Arsenal

Above Left ith the beginning of World War II in office building (Building E3330) southeast of World War II— WEurope in 1939, Edgewood Arsenal the airfield to replace Laboratories No. 1 and Arsenal Operations prepared for another chemical war. By then, No. 2. An adjacent new two–story laboratory Completed as an arsenal operations building during World War II, it all World War I filling plants were gone, and and office building was assigned to the became the post headquarters in 1963. the agent production plants were outdated Medical Research Division (Building E3220) existing World War I barracks. Several of on Tokyo. Other contributions included Top Right After 1971, it became the headquarters and in poor condition. New construction to replace the 1920s complex. these barracks were used to house about protective masks carried by troops landing Walt Disney visited Edgewood Arsenal of several tenant organizations. during World War II to help design a corrected the situation. Edgewood built a 750 German prisoners who helped with in France on D Day, smoke generators used gas mask that a child would be willing Above Right new phosgene plant, renovated the existing The Chemical Warfare School (Building administrative and manual jobs. To ease to screen troops at Anzio, flamethrowers to wear. The Mickey Mouse Gas Mask World War II—Technical mustard plant, added three new filling plants E1570) expanded its facility by connecting traffic problems for civilian commuters, an used to attack concrete bunkers throughout is a collector’s item today. Command Laboratory (Buildings E5185, E5604 and E5188), paved two small school buildings with a new central underpass was added to the Edgewood gate the Pacific and in Europe and the highly Bottom Right and Office Building the airfield, added numerous warehouses portion. The field behind the new school and an overpass built for a new Magnolia gate. acclaimed 4.2–inch chemical mortar, World War II—Chemical This facility had a wing added in the Bush River area and created a new building (now the golf course) continued as a designed for chemical shells, but used to the north during the Korean War. Warfare School Behind it were test chambers chemical agent storage yard next to the training field. The school also set up a Early in the war, President Franklin D. successfully with smoke, incendiary and The taller central portion of this building and research buildings. existing one. To oversee arsenal operations, live–agent gas obstacle course west of Roosevelt established a no–first–use policy for high–explosive rounds. was completed during World War II. the post added a two–story office building Reardon Inlet for realistic chemical warfare chemical weapons. Since Germany and Japan The Chemical School moved to Fort McClellan, Ala., in 1951, and the (Building E5101). A separate organization training. During the war, the school trained chose not to initiate chemical warfare against In 1942, the installation changed its name building was used for offices. called the Ordnance Assembly Plant also built more than 21,750 military personnel in all the United States, the enormous production to Chemical Warfare Center to better reflect warehouses and assembly plants on the west aspects of chemical warfare. of defensive equipment and chemical weapons Edgewood’s mission. The peak civilian side of Canal Creek. went into storage. However, Edgewood still strength of the post during the war was To handle the enormous influx of military made a tremendous contribution to the war 8,800 in 1943. Chemical Warfare Center For research and development, the Chemical personnel during the war, Edgewood effort. For example, Edgewood produced contributed to the success of the war and Warfare Service’s Technical Command constructed several two–story wooden troop incendiary bombs dropped by Lt. Col. James received several national awards. constructed a large, two–story laboratory and barracks in the area south and east of the H. Doolittle during his famous 1942 raid

56A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 57 1940

The Stones— Ordnance School

he construction of Buildings 3071, line. Construction funds were allocated from Left T3072 and 3073 on APG–North fulfilled the Public Works Administration and Works Building 3071 (administrative) multiple requirements at a critical point in the Projects Administration, two government history of the U.S. Army Ordnance School. organizations created following the Great In 1936, after 34 years of officer training Depression. Buildings 3072 and 3073 would at Sandy Hook Proving Ground, N.J. and remain relatively unchanged as planned, Watertown Arsenal, Mass., and 17 years of housing school cadre and students. The enlisted training at Raritan Arsenal, N.J., the administrative building (Building 3071) Secretary of War directed the ordnance chief needed general repartitioning to support to consolidate the two ordnance schools at APG. classrooms, offices, storage areas and the school printing shop for correspondence courses. Buildings 3071, 3072 and 3073, nicknamed the Stones, Lt. Col. George W. Outland were Construction began Dec. 19, 1938. The first planned in 1936. Outland, then serving two–story buildings were constructed with as a department director in the Ordnance reinforced concrete foundation and floors Field Service School at Raritan Arsenal, and exterior walls of stone backed by hollow had majored in architecture at Ohio State terra cotta tile. Granite was procured from University. However, because of the increasing nearby Port Deposit. The roofs were slate. pressure in executing the consolidation of the Building 3072 contained a bowling alley officer and enlisted schools at APG, Outland’s in the basement and a mess hall that could unique plans were dropped to save time. feed 350 people. This building quartered 164 men, and Building 3073 quartered 141 men. Outland, assisted by two draftsmen, used Although still incomplete, the buildings were plans of standard Army barracks. Three occupied in July 1940 on the establishment permanent buildings and a central heating of the new, consolidated Ordnance School. plant (Building 3062) were approved to The buildings were officially turned over fill the requirements for shops, offices, to the garrison Jan. 15, 1941. Construction classrooms, billeting and a mess hall in a costs totaled about $544,600. compact college campus–like setting at Long’s Corner Gate on the APG boundary

58A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 59 Right The original construction plans did not (1885–1957), chief of ordnance from 1946 The Stones (from left): Buildings include sufficient space for shops. In March to 1949. Building 3073 was memorialized in 3072, 3071 and 3073. 1940, as the occupation of the Stones neared, 1956 for Brig. Gen. Thomas Kenneth Vincent planning began for the construction of a new (1895–1956), APG deputy commander from school shop facility and theater adjacent to the 1948 to 1952. Stones. Construction of Building 3074 began July 29, 1940, and was completed April 18, The U.S. Army Ordnance Center and 1941. The building originally included a School had been the primary occupant of machine shop, a portion of the artillery the buildings since construction. However, section and a theater. other organizations also occupied them. These included: U.S. Army Test and By the end of 1943, about 310 buildings were Evaluation Command, U.S. Army Material constructed around the Stones. The combined Command Board, PS Magazine, Army and square footage totaled 12.5 million, housing Air Force Exchange Service, U.S. Army 11,000 men. Cadet Command and Trial Defense Service. Building 3074 formerly held machinist Over the years, the Stones were officially training, utilized by the U.S. Army Baltimore memorialized in the names of influential Engineer District, and is currently used members of the ordnance family. Building as a conference center and storage facility. 3071 was memorialized in 1962 for Brig. Gen. The Ordnance Center and School moved Bethel Wood Simpson (1888–1958), assistant to Fort Lee, Va. in 2010. Today, the Stones commandant, Ordnance School from 1928 are occupied by the Headquarters of the to 1934. Building 3072 was memorialized U.S. Army Research, Development and in 1963 for Maj. Gen. Everett Strait Hughes Engineering Command.

60A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 61 1940

tHE fLAMETHROWER

Top Right lthough employed by European armies Other improvements resulted in the M2–2 An experimental flamethrower tested during World War I, the flamethrower version, which was standardized in March at Edgewood Arsenal in 1941. A was not considered to be a successful piece of 1944. By war’s end, approximately 14,000 Bottom Right equipment by the American Expeditionary M1A1 and 24,500 M2–2 flamethrowers M3A1 STUART Satan Forces. This philosophy kept the Chemical were produced. First combat use of the Warfare Service from conducting research flamethrower occurred near Buna Village on and development until July 1940 when the Papua, New Guinea, in December 1942. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requested a portable flamethrower be developed. After Flamethrower training during World War II the initial model was produced, a redesigned began in earnest in mid–1943 as a result of model was tested at Edgewood Arsenal in increased manufacturing and distribution. March 1941. Concurrently, the development New troops received 10 hours of operation of thickened fuel (napalm) in 1940 improved and maintenance training at Camp Sibert, Ala. Flamethrowers were used against Japanese the weapon’s characteristics. All flamethrower fortifications in the Central Pacific, South models consisted of four main components: After the flamethrower reached the troops Pacific and Southwest Pacific. Italy and North a storage system for fuel, a storage system for in the Pacific, they quickly realized the Africa were less conducive environments for compressed gas, a flame gun and an igniter. flamethrower’s capabilities could be the flamethrower. Northwestern France was The system weighed about 32 pounds empty enhanced and flamethrower operators better the first opportunity to employ the weapon or 70 pounds full. protected by mounting a flamethrower in an in Europe. As opposed to the Pacific, where armored vehicle. The CWS had difficulties Japanese troops preferred death to capture, Besides developing and testing the in obtaining tanks for testing, and it was German troops quickly surrendered if they flamethrower, Edgewood Arsenal was also the spring 1945 before four obsolete lights tanks saw flamethrowers arrayed against them. focal point for exploitation of captured enemy mounted with flame guns were shipped Flamethrowers remained in the Army equipment. The first examination of a foreign from the United States to the Pacific. In inventory after World War II, with the M2–2 flamethrower occurred in February 1942 after the meantime, a cooperative effort among used in the Korean Conflict and the M2A1–7 U.S. forces captured Japanese flamethrowers CWS, Ordnance Department, Navy and and M9A1–7 models used in Vietnam. on Bataan Peninsula, Philippines. civilian personnel on Hawaii modified M3A1 STUART light (nicknamed Satan) Improvements to the flamethrower led to a and M4 SHERMAN medium tanks model (M1) being standardized in March with flame guns. A new unit, the 713th 1942. An improvement, the M1A1, which Tank Battalion, Armored Flame Thrower, used thickened fuel that increased the range Provisional, had 54 of the M4s when they of the flamethrower, followed later that year. landed on Okinawa.

62A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 63 1941

LEASED TRAINING AREAS AND APG

rom 1917 to the eve of World War II, The next leased bivouac area acquisition was a F Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) had 540-acre wooded area owned by the Bata Shoe expanded to a size of approximately 63,500 Company. It was located between US Route 40 acres. However, with the influx of new troops and Philadelphia Post Road in Harford County. arriving as part of the first peacetime draft This lease began April 6, 1943. (enacted in October 1940) in United States history, there was not enough room for some The next lease, one year in length, was types of training. signed on June 4, 1943. The 82-acre tract, located south of Maryland State Highway A solution to obtaining additional land for 157 in Harford County, was known as training was to lease land. The first lease, Camp Osborn. Officer candidates from the signed on December 1, 1941, included Ordnance School spent four of their 17 weeks approximately 173 acres of land at Betterton, at APG under field conditions here. Maryland, across the Chesapeake Bay from APG, to utilize a bivouac area named Camp The final lease, dated August 19, 1943, Howell. Bivouac training consisted of erecting authorized the Ordnance School to utilize a temporary encampment with tents or Elk Neck Park at Thackery Point in Cecil improvised shelters. The training could also County. The tract of land, administered by include perimeter defense, mess operations, the Maryland Department of State Forests field sanitation and night operations. Bivouac and Parks was located on the Elk River and areas needed to be located away from roads Chesapeake Bay. to protect the troops from accidents with vehicles. Camp Howell was utilized by Ordnance troops through 1944.

64A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 65 1942

Thet Doolit le Raid

"The third red light flickered, and, since we were now over a flimsy area in the southern part of the city, the fourth light blinked. That was the incendiary, which I knew would separate as soon as it hit the wind and that dozens of Himalayan mountain in the fantasy novel “Lost Horizon.” The Japanese immediately small fire bombs would molt from it. The moment the fourth red light showed … began searching for the base and realized that U.S.–held Midway Island may uilding E5265 at Edgewood Arsenal enough away from Japan while enabling the have been the location. The Japanese sent Bwas utilized as an incendiary munitions planes to land in China and reinforce U.S. an invasion force toward Midway Island, Top Right filling pilot plant in early 1942. Filling an forces there. resulting in the Battle of Midway in June A Doolittle raider takes off from the order from the Air Staff of the Chemical USS Hornet 1942. It was a devastating defeat for Japan, Warfare Service, the arsenal’s higher On April 18, 1942, 16 B–25s, under the losing four of its best aircraft carriers and Bottom Right headquarters, the plant produced 50 command of Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, turning the tide of war against them. Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle tags a 500–pound clusters of incendiary bombs. launched from the deck of the USS Hornet. An after–action conference between newly bomb for his mission over Japan The M54 4–pound Incendiary Bomb was The raid started farther from Japan than promoted Doolittle and the chief of the manufactured with a steel case rather than planned because Japanese picket boats spotted CWS Incendiaries Branch on May 20, 1942, magnesium, which was in short supply at that the Americans. The surprise attack was still revealed that the incendiaries manufactured at time. The M54 was a hollow steel tube with a achieved over Tokyo and other cities. Each Edgewood Arsenal worked perfectly, setting diameter of 1.56 inches and a length of about bomber carried 2,000 pounds of incendiary fire to oil tanks, warehouses and factories. It 21.5 inches. Each was filled with powdered and high–explosive bombs. The 16 bombers was the first use of incendiaries dropped from material similar to thermite. The bombs were completed their missions without a loss. After U.S. planes. shipped to Benicia Arsenal in San Francisco dropping the bombs, most of the bombers for a secret mission, which would alter the flew toward China, where they ran out of fuel course of World War II in the Pacific. and crashed. Most of the 80 Doolittle Raiders linked up with friendly Chinese troops. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl … I put the nose of the RUPTURED DUCK into a deep dive. I had changed Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, President Roosevelt The initial news reports about the bomb attack the course somewhat for the short run leading up to the dropping of the incendi- tasked his military chiefs to strike Japan. He originated from Radio Tokyo. The United wanted to raise U.S. morale, while showing States remained silent about the mission until ary. Now, as I dived, I looked back and out I got a quick, indelible vision of the Japanese that they were vulnerable to April 21 when President Roosevelt confirmed one of our 500–pounders as it hit our steel–smelter target. The plant seemed attack. A plan was devised in which U.S. that U.S. bombers had attacked Japan. Army North American B–25 twin–engine to puff out its walls and then subside and dissolve in a black–and–red cloud… medium bombers would fly from a U.S. Navy When pressed for the name of the base used aircraft carrier and attack Tokyo and other by the bombers, Roosevelt replied, “They Our actual bombing operation, from the time the first one went until the cities. An Army bomber would have the range came from our new secret base at Shangri– dive, consumed not more than thirty seconds. " when launched to keep the U.S. ships far La.” Shangri–La was a remote, mysterious Ted Lawson, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

66A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 67 1942

The Bazooka

Top Right he technologies of rocket–powered began in May 1942 at APG. The shoulder The original M1 2.36–inch Bazooka and weapons and shaped–charge projectiles fired weapon was quickly nicknamed an improved verision, the M9 Bazooka. T met at APG Nov. 6, 1918. Robert H. the Bazooka, after the tubular musical Bottom Right Goddard successfully demonstrated his 1– instrument of the same name, invented and A nighttime demonstration of the inch, 2–inch and 3–inch recoilless guns, or popularized in the 1930s by comedian Bob Bazooka at APG rocket guns, to the U.S. Army Ordnance Burns. Days later, a formal demonstration Department. Reports concluded that these resulted in immediate requests for the weapons could be developed to operate equipment by the British and Soviet militaries. successfully against tanks. However, the On June 30, 1942, the Ordnance Department war’s end shelved the project. standardized the launcher as the M1 and the 2.36 antitank rocket as the M6. Panzerschreck (tank terror). Follow–on Although the Army created a rocket unit to this design was the one–shot, in 1933, no progress was made until 1940. The Bazooka could be a case study in throw–away, rocket–propelled A high–explosive, shaped–charge, weapon development. The weapon was grenade Panzerfaust (tank fist). anti–tank rifle grenade was standardized, an innovation; met a particular need; and but the search continued for a launcher. was co–operatively designed, developed, U.S. forces first used the Bazooka in Experiments were conducted in 1941 to produced and fielded in a short time and the Tunisia in 1943. Because of limited training convert the grenade to a rocket. The next system combined fire power with simplicity. and malfunctions, the War Department year, Lt. Edward G. Uhl discovered the temporarily suspended issue of the new answer for a rocket launcher—a simple, About 490,000 Bazookas were produced weapon. After in–theater modifications, the hollow tube approximately 5 feet long and during World War II with numerous Bazooka was used later that year in Sicily, 2.36 inches in diameter. Weapon testing modifications. It could penetrate 3 inches knocking out German medium tanks. The of steel armor plate with a maximum range Bazooka was used successfully in Western “Most impressive small arms development of of 650 yards. The weapon was also effective Europe, but it was not powerful enough to against masonry and heavy timber (bunkers), knock out the heavier German tanks. the year was the ‘bazooka’– a rocket– launching girders and hedgerows (in Normandy). It device operated by two men. Armed with this could also fire a smoke rocket. The Bazooka received its highest accolade from the Allied Supreme Commander, weapon, the individual foot soldier possessed, for The Bazooka first saw combat with Soviet Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, when he hailed forces in late 1942. The technology was then it as one of four “tools of victory” that won the first time, the means whereby he could, compromised when the Germans captured a World War II. (The other three were the single–handedly, do battle with a tank.” Bazooka in the Soviet Union. The Germans C–47 transport aircraft, the Jeep and the copied the design and developed a larger atomic bomb.) Chief of Ordnance, 1943 weapon, the 88 mm (approximately 3.5 inches

68A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 69 1942

Atkisson Dam

tkisson Dam was constructed in 1942 of water with a maximum depth of 40 feet. Top Left A|on Winters Run to provide additional In case of severe drought, this quantity would Site of Atkisson Dam on Winters Run water for Edgewood Arsenal. The dam was supply the arsenal with water for 30 to 35 Middle named after Col. E. J. Atkisson, commander days. At maximum flood stage, the flow over Construction of Atkisson Dam of the First Gas Regiment during World War the spillway would be 247,000 gallons per I and Edgewood Arsenal from 1920 to 1923. second. At such a level, the storage capacity Bottom Left would be 675 million gallons. The Completed Dam The Army investigated 18 sites for the dam. Bottom Right These extended from the World War I Van The first water was released over the spillway The Atkisson Dam Plaque Bibber water plant near the junction of Dec. 26, 1942. The dam was completed and modern Routes 40 and 755, to the upper accepted Dec. 31, 1942. A gatehouse was later reaches of Winters Run. The site selected, added before the end of World War II for $1,941. just upriver from where Singer Road crossed Winters Run, was chosen because of the right By 1946, the Chemical Corps School and Training rock formations and the relatively small area Center used the Atkisson Dam area for map of farm land lost to production. Just more reading, reconnaissance, terrain appreciation, than 392 acres of land was acquired for the overnight camping and training. The arsenal site. A Harford County road that paralleled considered selling excess land near the dam because Winters Run was relocated to higher terrain. of the difficulty of policing the area. Also, the arsenal had never used water from the reservoir. The plans for a dam were formulated Feb. 1, This was not from poor planning or an error in 1942, by Whitman, Requardt & Smith of judgment but because a change in production Baltimore. Ground was broken June 8, 1942. schedules greatly reduced the requirements. Cummins Construction Corporation of Baltimore, The land was also in demand for non–military under the supervision of the Corps of Engineers, uses, as several people had approached the built the dam. The cost was $550,000. post commander to purchase the land.

The completed dam was 396 feet long, including In 1947, 245 acres were transferred to the abutments. The height of the spillway was 46 Corps of Engineers as surplus. This left 147 feet. The length of the spillway was 210 feet. acres remaining under post control. The height of abutments was 60 feet. 15,391 cubic yards of concrete was used for the dam. Today, the reservoir is silted in after The dam was designed to hold 375 million several hurricanes, and the area is overgrown gallons of water in reserve, or about 128 acres with vegetation.

70A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 71 1943

Tes ting the Jeep

Bottom Right he storm clouds of war were slowly The initial models were delivered for testing WWII Jeep at APG Tapproaching the United States in June to Camp Holabird, Md., the Army’s wheeled– 1940 when the U.S. Army Quartermaster vehicle testing center with its “Tank Hill” Corps began the search for a light and three test grades. During World War reconnaissance vehicle to replace the Army’s II, Jeeps were tested at APG. On Sept. 12, aging motorcycles and Model T trucks. 1943, a standard Jeep was tested at APG with Three vehicle manufacturers submitted modified tires. Also in 1943, a comparison bids: American Bantam Car Manufacturing test was conducted between Jeeps and a Company, Willys–Overland Motor Company German Army Volkswagen Kübelwagen, and Ford Motor Company. Willys–Overland captured in North Africa from the Afrika and Ford eventually manufactured the Korps. The Jeep outperformed the German majority of new vehicles, which were vehicle in power and rough–terrain handling. standardized with interchangeable parts. The U.S. Army’s Truck, 1/4 ton, 4x4 was an War. On Aug. 21, 1952, Willys–Overland publicly The new vehicle received the nomenclature, icon of the war. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower showed its new M38A1 with a more powerful Truck, 1/4 ton, 4x4, but it was better known named it as one of the four most important engine at APG. A picture from Ordnance as the Jeep. The source of the nickname is U.S. weapons in World War II, along with the Magazine showed the new model, displaying debated, but there are three theories. The Bazooka, C–47 Skytrain and atomic bomb. “Aberdeen Proving Ground” on its front bumper, Army’s designation of certain equipment as America produced about 648,000 Jeeps being driven on an APG test course (above). “General Purpose” was abbreviated “GP.” during World War II. American Bantam Car Ford designed the M151 series Jeep to replace the When slurred, “GP” sounds like “Jeep.” The Manufacturing Company produced about World War II/Korean War–era M38 and M38A1. term “Jeep” was also used since World War I 3,000 vehicles for the Soviet Union and First placed into service during the Vietnam War, in vehicle mechanic jargon as any new vehicle United Kingdom under the Lend–Lease Act. the M151 series played an active part in U.S. received for testing. Finally, the nickname Willys–Overland produced about 368,000, military operations throughout the world, well could have been adopted from the comic and Ford produced about 277,000 Jeeps in into the 1980s, when it was replaced by the M998 strip character Eugene the Jeep in the Popeye variants found in all theaters of the war. Series High Mobility Multi–Purpose Wheeled cartoon strip created by E.C. Segar. Improved models appeared for the Korean Vehicle (Humvee).

"Even without the tremendously widespread public interest that has been shown in the jeep from the very first, it still would be easily one of the outstanding automotive developments of this war." Maj. Gen. L. H. Campbell Jr., Chief of Ordnance, Nov. 20, 1943

72A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 73 1943

The Women’s Army Corps

n May 14, 1942, Congress approved wheeled vehicles. WACs assigned to the Left the creation of a Women’s Army Chemical Warfare Service at Edgewood Some of APG’s WACs loading gun O belts during World War II Auxiliary Corps. U.S. Rep. Edith Nourse Arsenal worked in laboratories and the field. Rogers, of Massachusetts, introduced the first Some women were trained as glass blowers bill to establish a women’s auxiliary in May and made test tubes for the laboratories. 1941. Following its creation, Oveta Culp Hobby was appointed the first director of The Army provided its auxiliaries with food, WAAC. However, WAAC had no military uniforms, living quarters, pay and medical status as an auxiliary of the Army. In 1943, care. WACs assigned to APG initially lived a bill was introduced in Congress to enlist together and had their own city in Aberdeen and appoint women to the Army. President called WAC Village, which they ran. WACs Roosevelt signed the bill July 1, and the had their own beauty shop, barracks and Women’s Army Corps was born. warehouse. They also had an infirmary, recreation hall and pool. APG welcomed its first team of WACs May 12, 1943. Within 15 days of the first More than 150,000 American women served team’s arrival, APG had received 400 WACs. in the WAC during World War II. The Army Some of the women assigned to the Ordnance and American public had difficulty accepting Department (later part of the Women’s women in uniform. Military leaders, faced Ordnance Corps) computed the velocity of with supplying men and materiel for the bullets, measured bomb fragments, mixed war realized that women could supply gunpowder, tested weapons and loaded shells. the additional resources that were greatly WACs also served as clerks, nurses, truck needed. Given the chance to make a major drivers and ferried bombers and other aircraft contribution to the war effort, women seized across the country and overseas. Others field– the opportunity. By the end of the war, their tested equipment such as walkie–talkies and contributions would be widely heralded. surveying and meteorological instruments. Mechanically inclined women repaired and maintained tanks and other tracked and

74A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 75 1944

Prisoners of War

Right ore than 425,000 enemy prisoners of contained barracks, latrines and dining A German prisoner of war camp was war were incarcerated in the United facilities to accommodate 1,000. The number established at Edgewood Arsenal in 1944 M States during World War II. Germans, Italians, of prisoners determined the number of base Japanese and soldiers from Axis allies were camps. Support facilities included a hospital, held in more than 500 camps in America. fire station, officer and enlisted quarters, administrative buildings, warehouses, clubs The first POWs to arrive in America in 1942 and theaters. had been captured by British forces and transferred to U.S. custody. Following the Between 1942 and 1944, there was one POW surrender of the German Afrika Korps in camp in Maryland at Fort George G. Meade. North Africa, the stream of POWs captured By 1944, Maryland farmers, manufacturers by U.S. forces increased. After North Africa, and businessmen were exerting pressure on U.S. forces captured enemy soldiers in the War Department to erect additional Sicily, mainland Italy, France and Germany. camps in Maryland to exploit POW Relatively few Japanese were taken prisoner in labor to alleviate the critical civilian labor Under the Geneva Convention of 1929, Although many POWs were transported to the Pacific Theater. shortage. After February 1944, 18 camps POWs of enlisted rank could be forced work outside the barbed wire enclosures of the were built in the state, including a German to work any job that was not demeaning, camps, there were relatively few escape Camps were located based on guidelines from POW camp at Edgewood Arsenal (the only degrading or directly related to the war effort. attempts. Only 2,222 POWs from all camps the Provost Marshal General, the U.S. Army location in Harford County), which opened Although most POWs in Maryland worked attempted to escape. Three POWs at Edgewood agency responsible for the POW program. Aug. 4, 1944. The camp was in the area of for farmers, canners or pulpwood operators, Arsenal escaped March 10, 1945, but were They were away from cities and industrial Douglas and Leitzan roads and comprised a the majority of POWs at Edgewood Arsenal quickly recaptured. At the end of the war, areas for security reasons, in regions with mild headquarters, guard house, guard barracks, worked in military–related jobs. These there were 17 POWs still at large in America. climates to minimize camp construction costs eight POW barracks, two POW dining included Service Command Activities (about and where POWs could alleviate labor shortages. facilities, two day rooms and a store house. 300), Technical Service Activities Chemical POW repatriation planning began after Some POWs were quartered in winterized Warfare Service (about 300), Technical V–E Day (Victory in Europe) May 8, 1945. Base camps were configured and erected tents. The camp population increased Service Activities Ordnance (about 10) and From the summer of 1945 until the spring of using standard plans prepared by the U.S. from 300 in August 1944 to about 750 in farm contract work (about 70). 1946, POWs gradually departed America. By Army Corps of Engineers. Each camp September 1945. August, only a handful remained, who were confined to hospitals or stockades.

76A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 77 part v Pos t World War II

78A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 79 A berdeen Proving Ground—North

Top Right he end of World War II resulted in extreme climates. In seven months, four M61, 20mm Vulcan Cannon testing another major | demobilization of the officers and 24 enlisted men traveled more at APG T post. Research projects were concluded, than 24,000 miles across the country to the New construction at APG during the 1950s Bottom Right and personnel released. The WACs were hot deserts of the Southwest and to the cold was extensive. The Ordnance School added The hypersonic wind tunnel at demobilized in November 1945. reaches of Alaska. The tires and lubricants two classroom buildings (Buildings 3147 APG in 1966 were tested in temperatures as low as –65° F and 3148). A new post theater (Building Although APG was demobilized following the to as high as 125° F. Designated Operation 3245) that seated more than 1,000 was war, testing and training at APG continued. Greaseball, the testing ended when the completed in 1950. For additional living Some of the most important development vehicles returned to APG March 14, 1949. quarters, 670 Wherry housing units were projects occurred at APG in the years after added from 1951 to 1952, two three–story the war. The Ballistics Research Laboratory The beginning of the Korean War in barracks in 1955 and 1957, three bachelor led the way in ordnance research and 1950 and the ongoing Cold War with the officers quarters units from 1958 to 1961 development. BRL completed a new wing on Soviet Union led to reorganizations and and a two–story noncommissioned officers Building 328 for the Electronic Numerical new construction. In September 1950, the quarters in 1957. For recreation, the post Integrator and Computer in 1947. Considered Ordnance Training Center was reestablished, added a new gym (Building 3330) in 1952 the first modern day computer, the ENIAC and the Ordnance Replacement Training and an eight–lane bowling alley in a weighed more than 30 tons, consisted of Center was established to assist in the converted WWII temporary building in 1954. 18,000 electronic tubes and was operated by training of ordnance personnel at Aberdeen. a 100–foot panel. Its primary purpose was The next month, the Ordnance Training The 1960s was a time of change at APG, to compute the velocity of projectiles. The Command was created and included the with the start of the Vietnam War and a ENIAC functioned until 1955 when it was Ordnance School. The same year, the Human major Army–wide reorganization. In 1962, replaced by the next generation computer. Engineering Laboratory was established under the Army eliminated Technical Services the jurisdiction of the Ordnance Corps. as separate headquarters and replaced In 1948, BRL completed its second supersonic HEL became one of the premier military them with Army Materiel Command. At wind tunnel in Building 120. This new organizations in charge of researching APG, this removed the Ordnance Training The limited warfare laboratory also organized version added a flexible nozzle that allowed the relationship between humans and the Command and designated the Ordnance at APG in 1962. The LWL had the responsibility greater testing of bombs and projectiles at machines that they create through scientific School as the Ordnance Center and School. of creating rapid response strategies to urgent higher wind speeds. and psychological analysis collected at its new A new organization called the Test and military requirements in remote areas. facility in APG. Another new organization Evaluation Command took control of Vehicle testing also remained important. On was the Coating and Chemical laboratory, the Army’s test programs. Initially, the All APG organizations provided extensive Aug. 2, 1948, 14 Army vehicles traveled from established in 1956 from the existing new headquarters was in Building 3071 support to the Vietnam War during the 1960s APG to the Mojave Desert. Their mission was Development and Proof Services. until Building 314 was converted from a and early 1970s. The Ordnance School operated to test experimental lubricants and tires in warehouse to an office building in 1969. three shifts per day of training during the war.

80A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 81 Perhaps the most important construction Limited Warfare Laboratory) was discontinued Top Left project in the 1960s was a new hospital. in 1974 and its mission transferred to HEL. Artillery testing at APG.

In 1964, construction of a three–story C&CL was also disestablished that year. Bottom Left medical facility at APG was completed. Photographing the testing of vehicles The new hospital offered patient care for As part of the changes, Kirk Army Hospital and weapons at APG created many Warfighters, with equipment such as patient– (APG’s primary medical facility) was unique challenges and led to the to–nurse intercom systems, piped–in oxygen development of new types of downgraded from a hospital to a health clinic. high–speed cameras. 1968 also had a major reorganization. In capabilities, 75 self–positioning electronic The designation that required the hospital order to consolidate several Army laboratories beds and a 16–chair dental clinic. It was be reduce personnel and the number of and research organizations at APG, the named Kirk Army Hospital in honor of Maj. patients it could receive, as well as the types of Army created the Aberdeen Research and Gen. Norman T. Kirk, Surgeon General of surgeries and procedures that could be done. Development Center. This new organization the Army (1943–47), who had died in 1960. consolidated BRL, HEL, C&CL, Nuclear One new construction project during the Defense Laboratory (located at Edgewood In the 1970s, economic conditions, political 1970s was the completion of a new Ordnance Arsenal), and, briefly, the new Army Materials changes and the end of the Vietnam War Museum (Building 2601) in 1973. The new Systems Analysis Activity. The same year, reduced government spending. One effect facility, surrounded by tanks and artillery APG’s Development and Proof Services was was the consolidation of APG and Edgewood pieces, became one of the most popular renamed the Material Testing Directorate. Arsenal in 1971. The merger called for public attractions in Harford County. The Edgewood Arsenal’s commissary and post Ordnance School also added another training Four new barracks and two mess halls exchange to close, with their supplies moved facility (Building 5043) in 1974. Other 1970s were added to APG from 1960 to 1962 to to APG–North to “utilize more effectively construction included additional bachelor accommodate Ordnance School students. the purchasing, storage, and retailing officers’ quarters in 1976, a new bowling Building 120 added another wind tunnel in resources.” Most of Edgewood’s installation center (Building 2342) in 1973 and a PX 1961. This new wind tunnel was hypersonic support missions were transferred to APG– (Building 2401) in 1978. and could reach wind speeds of Mach North. These included civilian personnel 6. AMSAA completed a new laboratory offices, security and Military Police. APG’s Reorganization at APG–North continued building (Building 392) in 1968. A new Material Testing Directorate took control of in the 1980s. In 1984, the commanding test facility for testing radioactive materials all range firings. general of TECOM became the senior against equipment was completed in 1968. mission commander at APG. He inherited A new recreation center (Building 3326) was Following the consolidation, APG–North the responsibilities of post commander. In completed in 1966. also saw organizational changes. In 1972, addition, the APG Installation Support Activity ARDC was disestablished and its laboratories was created to run the post’s infrastructure abolished or relocated to different organizations. operations. The same year, the Material The Land Warfare Laboratory (formerly Testing Directorate was designated the

82A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 83 Top Right Combat Systems Test Activity, a separate Laboratory. As part of the reorganization, APG test vehicles for the organization from the APG Garrison. This BRL became the Weapons and Materials Global War on Terror. new activity became the primary Army testing Research Directorate, and HEL became

Bottom Right agency for military weapons, equipment the Human Research and Engineering The Underwater Explosion and vehicles at APG. About the same time, Directorate. Other name changes during Facility provides shock testing for the consolidation of seven Army research the 1990s included CSTA becoming the surface and submarine systems, laboratories into a new command called the Aberdeen Test Center in 1995 and the weapons and structures. Army Laboratory Command in 1985 affected new Aberdeen Acquisition Center being Under base realignment and closure, several organizations at APG–North. HEL established in 1997. APG–North received several new and BRL were transferred to LABCOM. organizations. Fort Monmouth, N.J., was New construction included a state–of–the–art designated for closure, and the movement of The 1980s saw the construction of several new laboratory complex (Building 4600) in 1997 the Communications–Electronics Command buildings at APG–North. A new NCO club for ARL. Other construction included a new and Communications–Electronics Research, was completed in 1982. A new Military MP headquarters (Building 2200) in 1996 Development and Engineering Center Intelligence complex (Buildings 4727 and and a fitness center (Building 3300) in 1997. resulted in the construction of large research 4728) was completed in 1987 for the 203rd With many buildings dating to World War I facilities on APG–North. The first became Military Intelligence Battalion, activated and II, APG–No rth began removing old operational in 2010. The Army Test and at APG in 1982, and the foreign materiel buildings unnecessary and started a complete Evaluation Command also moved to APG. exploitation mission. A new chapel was cleanup of the post. While the post gained new organizations added in 1987. The quality of living for under BRAC, it also lost several long–time the Ordnance School students improved Following Sept. 11, 2001, APG–North again organizations. The Ordnance Center and significantly with the completion of 18 mobilized for the Global War on Terror. School began moving in 2010 to Fort Lee. troop barracks, mess halls and battalion Testing vehicles against improvised explosive This move resulted in the Ordnance Museum headquarters between 1981 and 1990. The devices became a critical new mission. closing and joining the School. A new APG Ordnance School also added three new Museum began organizing to replace the training facilities (Buildings 5046, 5116 and In 2002, APG–Garrison was realigned under 5016). APG–North added extensive military a new, off–post organization designated as family housing near Harford Gate, the largest Installation Management Command. During Ordnance Museum. The U.S. Army Research, called Patriot Village in 1989. the 2000s, the post moved the Maryland Gate Development and Engineering Command farther in and opened Ruggles Golf Course for moved from APG–South and took over the The 1990s started with APG–North public access. Adjacent to the golf course, the Ordnance School headquarters. providing extensive support to Operation Government and Technology Enterprise project Despite many reorganizations and name changes Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990. In provided land for commercial construction. since 1917, APG’s mission has remained the 1992, LABCOM became Army Research same — to provide the best equipment and support in the world for the U.S. Warfighter.

84A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 85 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND—SOUTH

he conclusion of World War II resultedin | chemical–protective equipment and retaliatory Top Left Tanother major demobilization of the post. chemical weapons. Projects included civilian 1950s– Pilot Plant for In 1946, the Chemical Warfare Service became protective masks, bombs for jet aircraft and Nerve Agent This World War II plant was converted the Chemical Corps, and the Chemical Warfare chemical warheads for missiles and rockets. to a nerve agent pilot plant in 1945. Center was renamed the Army Chemical Center. Wound Ballistic Laboratory (Building E3160), After serving as a pilot plant for many The center took on two new challenges after established in 1957, contributed to the design years, it was removed in 1999. the war. The first was the radiological mission. of body armor and analyzed Lee Harvey Bottom Left The Chemical Corps organized a radiological Oswald’s rifle after President John F. Kennedy's 1963—Edgewood Chapel division to concentrate on nuclear war. The assassination in 1963. The Chemical School The World War II wooden chapel division became Nuclear Defense Laboratories moved to Fort McClellan, Ala., in 1951, was completed in 1941 and removed in before moving to APG–North in the 1970s. although it returned briefly in the 1970s. the 1960s. The current red brick chapel was completed in 1963.

The second new challenge involved nerve In 1962, the Chemical Corps was abolished agents, developed shortly before World War as a separate headquarters and the Center II by the Germans but not discovered by the merged into AMC. A year later, the post Allies until after the war. These lethal agents changed its name back to Edgewood Arsenal. required the development of a new generation The post headquarters outgrew its building of munitions, protective masks, protective and moved to Building E5101. clothing and detection systems. A World War II production plant was converted into a nerve The 1960s saw the construction of several new agent pilot plant, where the first large batch of laboratories. The Amos A. Fries Laboratory nerve agent was produced in the early 1950s. (Building E3300) was built in 1963 for advanced studies of chemical compounds, The Army Chemical Center supported radioactive materials and toxins. The U.S. Army the Korean War by providing flame and Environmental Hygiene Agency Wesley C. Cox incendiary weapons. The 4.2–inch mortar Laboratory (Building E2100) was constructed also saw extensive use supporting infantry in 1967. The John R. Wood Laboratory positions, although its success led to the (Building E3100) was finished in 1968 and weapon being transferred from the Chemical replaced the World War II Medical Research Corps to the Ordnance Corps. facility. The Harry C. Gilbert Laboratory (Building E5100) was dedicated in 1969 as a Following the Korean War, the center focused quality assurance chemical testing laboratory. on research and development of

86A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 87 Top Left The arsenal also began replacing its World chemical program and public opposition was 1968—Laboratory Research War I and II troop barracks with newer units reflected in reduced budgets and personnel at Edgewood Arsenal in 1962. These barracks were constructed on cutbacks. In 1969, President Richard Nixon The research laboratories at Edgewood Arsenal changed names many times the site of Fort Hoyle’s horse stables. A year shut down production of lethal chemical following World War II. Today, the later, the arsenal completed a new dispensary weapons at Edgewood. Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (Building E4110) across from the troop barracks. (ECBC) is the Army’s research, development and engineering center In 1971, the post became a portion of APG. for chemical and biological defense. The small wooden frame World War II chapel Edgewood Arsenal (the installation) became built in 1941 was replaced by a new larger known as the Edgewood Area of APG. Bottom Left brick chapel (Building E4620) in 1963. Edgewood Arsenal (the organization) existed 1966—The Edgewood The older chapel was later removed. The old until 1977 when its mission and personnel Arsenal Mission The mission of Edgewood Arsenal was enlisted men’s service club was also replaced were assigned to new, smaller organizations. extensive after it was declared the Chemical by the new Edgar D. Stark Recreation Center Although there was little new building Commodity Management Center. (Building E4140) in 1960. construction in the 1970s, a new front gate In 1977, Edgewood Arsenal (the with an overpass was added to alleviate traffic. command) was broken into separate tenant organizations within APG. Edgewood Arsenal provided extensive support to the Vietnam War. The arsenal provided By the 1980s, Edgewood consisted of a many nonlethal riot control devices and number of tenant organizations. The former designed a new lightweight protective mask Chemical Corps Medical Research Division for the troops. Flame and incendiary research was assigned to the Army Surgeon General played a critical role in support of the war. and became the Army Medical Research The post also studied wound ballistics and Institute of Chemical Defense. The Army contributed to the development of body Environmental Hygiene Agency continued its armor. This support of the unpopular war work on preventive medicine and all drew protesters to the front gate. occupational and environmental health disciplines. The Toxic and Hazardous The image of the Army’s chemical warfare Materials Agency concentrated on installation program was damaged in 1969 after a and environmental restoration. The Chemical chemical testing incident at Dugway Proving Research, Development and Engineering Ground, Utah, and growing environmental Center continued the original Edgewood concerns over the land movement and sea Arsenal mission of developing chemical disposal of old chemical munitions. The equipment for the Army. The Program resulting Congressional concern with the Manager for Chemical Demilitarization

88A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 89 received the challenging assignment to dispose Although production of lethal chemical in 2004. Edgewood constructed the Edward Top Left of the aging chemical stockpiles. Other major weapons at Edgewood ended in 1969, research Poziomek Advanced Chemistry Laboratory 2005—The Last Container of tenants included the Army’s Technical Escort on retaliatory chemical weapons continued. (Building E3400) in 2005 to replace the Mustard Agent Following the end of World War II, Unit, elements of the Ordnance School and Because of growing concern of Soviet Amos A. Fries laboratory. The adjacent Sample there were 1,817 large containers of the Maryland National Guard. chemical warfare capabilities, President Receipt Facility was completed in 2008. mustard agent stored in the Chemical Ronald Reagan authorized the production Agent Storage Yard near the Bush The 1980s and 1990s saw the construction of of binary chemical weapons in 1987. Binary The largest Edgewood tenant organizations River. The stockpile destruction lasted from 2003 to 2005. several new facilities in the Edgewood Area. chemical weapons were much safer to produce changed names often. The Chemical New troop barracks were constructed next and store. Much of the design and testing Research, Development and Engineering Bottom Left to the original World War I barracks. The were conducted at Edgewood. When the Center eventually became the Edgewood 2001—Biosafety Warren D. Hodges Maryland National Guard Soviets agreed to a treaty to end all chemical Chemical Biological Center, part of Level 3 Laboratory Armory (Building E4305) was constructed weapon production, the binary program U.S. Army Research, Development and The Biosafety Level 3 laboratory was established in Building E3150 in on the site of the World War II POW camp. ended in 1990. In 1997, the United States Engineering Command. The Toxic and 2001 to identify, prepare and test The Ordnance School built the Harry M. ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention Hazardous Materials Agency became the microorganisms. It was established Downer training facility (Building E4301) that prohibited the development, production, Army Environmental Command and was just before the anthrax–in–the–mail incidents in 2001. just south of the National Guard Armory. The stockpiling and use of chemical weapons. moved to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Bernard Berger Laboratory (Building E3549), Army Environmental Hygiene Agency completed in 1989, was designed for chemical Edgewood still had a large stockpile of mustard became the Center for Health Promotion defense work. The new Skippers Point family agent from World War II. After much debate, and Preventive Medicine and then the Public housing also helped alleviate a shortage of Edgewood decided on neutralization to destroy Health Command. The Program Manager appropriate housing for military families. this stockpile. Construction of the Aberdeen for Chemical Demilitarization became part The Process Engineering Facility (Building Chemical Agent Disposal Facility started. After of Chemical Materials Agency. The Technical E3835), completed in 1991, provided Sept. 11, 2001, a shorter version of neutralization Escort Unit was designated the 22nd laboratories for biotechnology research. A process was developed. The plant was rushed to Chemical Battalion and became part of the new Emergency Operations Center (Building completion, started neutralization in 2003 and 20th Support Command (CBRNE). E5240) was completed in 1995 to monitor the finished the process in 2005. Edgewood was chemical agent stockpiles at Edgewood and the first chemical weapons storage site in the Since 2001, the ongoing Global War on other storage sites around the country. The continental U.S. to finish destroying its stockpile. Terror has required the Edgewood Area, now Bernard McNamara Life Sciences Building known as APG–South, to deploy personnel, (Building E3150), completed in 1997, also In addition to eliminating the chemical weapons develop equipment and provide specialized included a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory added stockpile, Edgewood also constructed a new training. As it has since World War I, in 2001 for handling dangerous samples. facility called the Munitions Assessment APG–South continues to ensure U.S. military and Processing System (Building E1457) to forces have the best equipment and support to eliminate recovered old chemical munitions accomplish their mission.

90A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 91 1946

operation paperclip And apg

ear Near the end of World War II, the from Dr. von Braun’s location. The time NUnited States and the Great Britain had come to safeguard all the reports and realized the importance of capturing German drawings belonging to Peenemünde projects. civilian scientists, technicians and other skilled The documents represented thirteen years of personnel. This was in order to enhance rocket research and engineering development current and future projects, to see if technology and could serve as a bargaining chip. Three existed which could be used in the war against trucks and two trailers were loaded with the Japan as well as to keep such technology out of paper treasures and driven to an abandoned the hands of the Soviet Union. mine 12 kilometers (approximately seven miles) Forces cleared the mine entrance and 14 tons (instrumentation engineer) were brought Above Left north of Goslar. By April 7, all the documents of documents began their journey to APG. to the heavily guarded industrial area to German V–2 rocket

Operation OVERCAST was established July were stored inside a vault in the mine and the analyze the 14 tons of documents evacuated Top Right 19, 1945 to bring German specialists to work entrance blasted. On September 20, Dr. von Braun and six from Peenemünde and recovered from the German Scientists in the USA and to take care of the German team members landed at New Castle Army mine. 3,500 reports and 510,010 engineering families while the husbands were gone. At the same time, upon receipt of orders from Air Base in Wilmington, Delaware. The next drawings were sorted by project (V-2, etc.) and Bottom Right Due to a humorous compromise of the the SS (Schutzstaffel or military arm of the two weeks were spent at Fort Strong in Boston subject matter (development, design, testing, Transporter Launcher classified name, the operation was renamed, Nazi Party), the personnel were moved further for fingerprinting, photographs and further etc.). 130 captured German naval officers, held on March 16, 1946, to the better-known south to the Oberammergau area, in southern interrogations. On October 2, Dr. von Braun at Fort Hunt, Virginia, assisted with German Operation PAPERCLIP. Bavaria. On May 2, Dr. von Braun managed traveled to Fort Myers, Virginia for meetings to English translations. to contact the US Army and place himself and at the Pentagon, while his six team members The Aberdeen Proving Ground link to his personnel in American custody. arrived at APG. By the end of 1945, the sorting and translation PAPERCLIP began in mid-February 1945, work was completed; the documents would when the technical director of the German Numerous US and UK intelligence and The six individuals, Wilhelm Jungert enable the scientists to continue their Army Research Center Peenemünde , Dr. technical organizations were interested in (technician), Erich Neubert (production experiments where they had left off earlier in Wernher von Braun, made the decision to interrogating Dr. von Braun. They had liaison manager), Theodor Poppel (chief the year. On January 11, 1946, the six team evacuate the the center in the face of the been searching for skilled personnel, records, of ground support equipment branch), members traveled to El Paso, TX to rejoin Dr. advancing Soviet armies. Personnel, files equipment and factories since landing in Eberhard Rees (production), August Schulze von Braun at Fort Blis. and equipment, related to the design and Normandy in June 1944. Noteworthy among (systems engineer) and Walter Schwidetsky production of the V-2 rocket, were sent in a these organizations was the “Special Mission southerly direction, to the Harz Mountains, V-2”, organized by the chief of US Army southwest of Nordhausen in Thuringia, to wait Ordnance Technical Intelligence in Europe. for capture by the Americans. After securing enough V-2 rocket components to build 100 V-2s in the US, one of the On April 1, 1945, the US Army had advanced team members located the treasure trove of to 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) documents through trickery. On May 26, US

92A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 93 1947

Eniac

Right ifty years ago, the U.S. Army unveiled the the Moore School to operate its faster Bush ENIAC Computer Room FElectronic Numerical Integrator and differential analyzer exclusively for the Army. Computer, the world’s first operational, Capt. Paul N. Gillon, then in charge of general purpose, electronic digital computer, ballistic computations at BRL, requested that developed at the University of Pennsylvania’s Lt. Herman H. Goldstine be assigned to duty Moore School of Electrical Engineering. Of the at the Moore School as supervisor of the scientific developments spurred by World War computational and training activities. This II, ENIAC ranks as one of the most influential. put Goldstine, who held a doctorate in mathematics, and BRL annex of firing table The origins of ENIAC, and by extension, the personnel in the middle of talented scientists Ballistics Research Laboratory, date to World and engineers, among them physicist John W. War I. However, it was not until 1938 that Mauchly and engineer J. Presper Eckert Jr. the activity, formerly known as the Research Division at APG, was renamed BRL. Mauchly had come to Penn shortly after his 1941 visit with John Vincent Atanasoff at Iowa The need to speed the calculation and improve State College to discuss the latter’s work on the accuracy of the firing and bombing an electronic computer. In the fall of 1942, placed under the supervision of Brainerd, Aside from the IBM card reader for input, a card tables constantly pushed the ballisticians Mauchly wrote a memorandum, sketching his with Eckert as chief engineer and Mauchly punch for output and the 1,500 associated relays, at APG. As early as 1932, personnel in the concept of an electronic computer, developed in as principal consultant. Goldstine was ENIAC was non–mechanical. By today’s Ballistic Section had investigated the possible consultation with Eckert. Ensuing discussions the resident supervisor for the Ordnance standards, ENIAC was a monster. It contained use of a Bush differential analyzer. Finally, impressed Goldstine that higher speeds could Department and contributed greatly to 17,468 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 arrangements were made for construction, be achieved than with mechanical devices. the mathematical side as well. Three other capacitors, 1,500 relays, 6,000 manual switches and a machine was installed in 1935 as a designers worked closely on the project: and 5 million soldered joints. It covered 1,800 Depression–era relief project. Leadership Early in 1943, Goldstine and professor John Arthur W. Burks, Thomas Kite Sharpless square feet, weighed 60,000 pounds and became interested in the possibility of using Grist Brainerd, Moore School’s director of and Robert F. Shaw. Gillon provided crucial consumed 160 kilowatts of electrical power electrical calculating machines, and staff war research, took to Gillon an outline of support at department level. per hour. There was a rumor that the ENIAC visited International Business Machines in the technical concepts underlying the design caused the city of Philadelphia to experience 1938. Shortage of funds and other difficulties of an electronic computer. Mauchly, Eckert, The original agreement committed $61,700 in brownouts when it was turned on. However, delayed acquisition until 1941, when a Brainerd, Harold Pender (dean of Moore Ordnance funds. Supplements extended this is an urban legend that the Philadelphia tabulator and multiplier were delivered. School) and staff worked rapidly to develop the work, increasing the amount to a total Bulletin reported incorrectly in 1946. a proposal presented to BRL Director Col. of $486,804.22, and assigning technical With the outbreak of World War II, work Leslie E. Simon in April and immediately supervision to BRL. Construction began in A skilled person with a desk calculator could began to pile up, and in June 1942, the submitted to the Chief of Ordnance. A June 1944, with final assembly in the fall of compute a 60–second trajectory in about Ordnance Department contracted with contract was signed in June. Project PX was 1945 and the formal dedication in February 1946. 20 hours. The Bush differential analyzer

94A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 95 produced the same result in 15 minutes, and of succeeding machines was not great. Right ENIAC Vacuum Tubes (left inset) and the ENIAC required 30 seconds. However, its development and the the technological changes since then interactions among people associated with During World War II, a “computer” was a person it critically affected future generations of who calculated artillery firing tables using a computers. Indeed, two activities generated desk calculator. Six female “computers” by the BRL/Moore School programs, a were assigned to serve as ENIAC’s original paper and a series of lectures, profoundly programming group. Although most were influenced the direction of computer college graduates, the “girls” were told that development for the next several years. only “men” could get professional ratings. Finally, in November 1946, many of the From 1948 to 1955, ENIAC operated women received professional ratings. successfully for 80,223 hours. In addition to ballistics, fields of application included ENIAC’s first application was to solve an weather prediction, atomic energy important problem for the Manhattan Project. calculations, cosmic ray studies, thermal Involved were Nicholas Metropolis and Stanley ignition, random–number studies and wind– Frankel from the Los Alamos National tunnel design. Laboratory, who worked with Eckert, Mauchly and the female programmers. Goldstine The Army also made ENIAC available to and his wife, Adele, taught Metropolis and universities free of charge, and a number of Frankel how to program the machine, and the problems were run under this arrangement, women would set the switches according to including studies of compressible laminar the prepared program. The move of ENIAC boundary layer flow (Cambridge, 1946), to APG was delayed so the test could be zero–pressure properties of diatomic gases completed before the machine was moved. (Penn, 1946) and reflection and refraction of plane shock waves (Institute of Advanced Late in 1946, ENIAC was dismantled, Studies, Princeton, 1947). and it arrived at APG in January 1947. It was operational again in August 1947 At 11:45 p.m., Oct. 2, 1955, with the power and represented “the largest collection of off, ENIAC was retired. Portions of ENIAC interconnected electronic circuitry then in existence.” were preserved and can be seen at sites including APG and the Smithsonian. ENIAC, as built, was never copied, and its influence on the logic and circuitry

96A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 97 1950s “davy Crockett” 120mm atomic weapon testing at apg

Above Right he Davy Crockett was another weapons units in the early stages of war in Europe. It Testing the M28 gun system at APG Tsystem tested at Aberdeen. In the remains the only tactical nuclear weapon ever Below Right 1950s, the United States and its NATO fielded with US infantry units. Testing the Davy Crockett allies faced the prospect of a major global Delivery System conflict with the Soviet Union and its Warsaw To effectively fire this weapon, a 20mm M101 Pact satellites. The Soviet Union enjoyed a spotter round was used to determine the significant numerical superiority over NATO range of the target. A larger 37mm round was forces. To offset this advantage, the United used for the heavier M29 Davy Crocket. The States developed and deployed tactical nuclear spotter round was fired from a gun mounted weapons to the front lines to help defend beneath the main barrel, and was weighted Western Europe from an attack by Soviet to approximate the trajectory of the M388 conventional forces. nuclear projectile as accurately as possible. Upon impact, the round would flash brightly The M28 Davy Crockett was the smaller of and produce smoke, which would be seen by the two types of nuclear-armed recoilless guns the team’s observer. The gun team would developed by the US Army, though both fired then adjust fire if necessary. Spotter rounds the same M388 279mm supercaliber atomic for both light and heavy versions of the Davy projectile mounted to the end of a 120mm Crockett gun system were tested at Aberdeen. or 155mm barrel. Both variants were open- Engineers at APG evaluated the stability of breech, muzzle-loading, smoothbore weapons, the rounds in flight, as well as other aspects and typically mounted on tripods. With a such as velocity and flight time, in order variable-yield sub-kiloton warhead equivalent to make the weapon system as effective as to 10 or 20 tons of dynamite, and an effective possible. Testing of the Davy Crockett range of 1¼ mile, the Davy Crockett was spotter rounds ceased in the early 1960s, and intended for use by small teams of infantry the weapon was deployed with the US Army operating against locally superior Red Army through most of the decade.

98A | berdeen Proving Ground aberdeen Proving Ground | 99

1954

Nike Missile Battery

Right ollowing World War II, the United States The Army’s first Nike missile was the Nike Ajax, From Left: Nike Ajax, Nike Hercules, started to consolidate its position as a a guided two–stage supersonic surface–to–air Nike Zeus. F world superpower. The nuclear monopoly missile capable of engaging and destroying that America had enjoyed since dropping two Soviet bombers at a height of 65,000 feet 30 atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945 did miles away. As point–defense systems, Nike not last long. By the end of the decade, the missile batteries were constructed around Soviet Union had tested its atom bomb, and strategic, industrial and metropolitan areas. an arms race between the two former allies If Soviet bombers penetrated American began. With memories of the Pearl Harbor airspace and evaded U.S. fighter aircraft, Nike attack fresh in Americans’ minds, all branches missile batteries were the last defense between of the military worked to develop defenses Americans and nuclear annihilation. APG against Soviet heavy bombers capable of was home to one of the many Nike missile delivering a large–scale nuclear attack against sites that defended the Washington–Baltimore American cities. The U.S. Army’s answer area during the Cold War. FromOver time, left: the Soviets Nikerelied less on Ajax,manned AsNike weapons technology Hercules, and capabilities Nike Zeus. was the Nike missile battery, first deployed bomber forces and more on their arsenal of advanced, the Nike missile batteries became nationally in 1953. One Nike battery was In 1958, the Army deployed a new missile, the ballistic missiles. ICBMs travel much faster obsolete. The Soviet Union and United States constructed in the northeastern section of Nike Hercules. It was a two–stage missile, like and descend at a much steeper angle than relied almost exclusively on ICBMs to deliver Edgewood Arsenal in 1954. the Nike Ajax. While the Ajax was equipped any long–range bomber. Although the Nike their nuclear arsenals to enemy targets. In the with conventional explosives, the Hercules Hercules was fast, agile and, with a nuclear early 1970s, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks The Nike missile system utilized could be armed with a variable–yield nuclear warhead, accurate enough in many cases between the countries ended anti–ballistic ground–based radars and cutting–edge warhead capable of destroying multiple to destroy an incoming ICBM, the Army missile development. The 1972 computer technology to track enemy aircraft enemy aircraft at once, along with the nuclear wanted to develop an anti–ballistic missile Anti–ballistic Missile Treaty also included and guide the missiles to them. The urgency weapons they carried. Capable of reaching specifically designed to counter the Soviet Nike Hercules missiles, even though they of the Soviet bomber threat dictated that the heights of 150,000 feet, the Nike Hercules could missile threat. In the late 1950s and early were not specifically designed to counter Nike project be constructed with as much engage the highest–flying Soviet bombers at a 1960s, the Nike Zeus was developed for ICBMs. Production of these defensive existing technology as possible to expedite range of 90 miles at Mach 2.65. Many this challenge. Larger, faster and with weapons eventually ended, and their production. The most technical and expensive installations utilized a combination of both a more powerful nuclear warhead, the launch facilities were decommissioned. The components would be ground–based, where missile types, while others, like APG, converted Nike Zeus was the product of an American Edgewood Arsenal Nike battery was shut they would benefit from regular maintenance, entirely to the Nike Hercules. The Nike Hercules anti–ballistic missile program in its infancy. down in 1973. The Nike missile battery is a repairs and upgrades. Transponders to receive underwent modifications and upgrades and Despite successful interceptions of long–range precursor to modern American weapons like guidance commands from the ground would was effective to a limited degree against Soviet ballistic missiles during testing, the project the Patriot surface–to–air missile. be installed on the missiles. intercontinental ballistic missiles. was terminated because of technical problems and high costs.

100A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 101 1966

Lunar Roving Vehicle Testing

"Because of the unique lunar environment, the creation of flexible wheels was the most challenging and time consuming aspect of the LRV development." NASA Technical Memorandum 2009–215798

Right ASA Apollo Program’s Lunar Roving diameter) wire mesh wheels, which were tested Lunar Rover Wheel testing at APG NVehicle (LRV) was developed to provide on hard surfaces at Aberdeen Proving Ground astronauts mobility on the lunar surface, to in 1966-1967 and later on desert terrain at allow them to carry more instruments and to Yuma Proving Ground. The tests at APG were enable more soil and rock samples. The LRV successful, but not at Yuma, so the wheels were deployed on the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions redesigned. APG, however, could claim a part (1971-1972). in the history of lunar exploration.

Development of the LRV wheels began The final version of the LRV was a manned, eight years earlier in 1963. During the third joystick-steered vehicle with a maximum phase of development, NASA sponsored GM speed of 10 miles per hour and a range of Defense Research Laboratories to build a approximately 22 miles. It had an empty vehicle to simulate the mobility of the future weight of approximately 450 pounds and could LRV. Some of the key considerations in the carry cargo weighing up to approximately design of the wheels for the LRV were high 1,100 pounds. The LRV had a four-wheel drive temperature variations, rough lunar terrain and configuration with wire mesh wheels equipped operations in hard vacuum/low gravity. GM’s with stiff inner frames. test vehicle had large (approximately five feet

102A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 103 1971

Merger of APG and Edgewood Arsenal

n the 1970s, economic conditions and and their families. Communication and I political changes resulted in a reduced maintenance personnel at APG–South and military. The two largest military installations APG–North were pooled into one unit to in Maryland, APG (North) and Edgewood operate more effectively and increase flexibility Arsenal (APG–South), consolidated. The idea for receiving and transmitting teletype of consolidating APG and Edgewood Arsenal messages. In addition, purchases for logistical had been considered several times since the supplies were centralized. This allowed for a creation of the installations during World larger quantity of supplies to be purchased to War I because they are just miles apart and increase savings. Civilian personnel offices, their similar mission objectives of research security and MP platoons at APG–South and development of weapon technologies and were merged with APG–North under the APG–South (between 8,000 to 13,000 acres “To some, this signaled the end of an training. When the proposed union of the command of the commanding officer, Col. and more than 1,100 buildings, structures, two installations in 1971 promised to save Warren D. Hodges. A fleet of picket boats facilities, machineries and equipment valued at era; they found it difficult to accept $1.9 million, the government could no longer were commissioned into APG’s new “navy.” $122.8 million at the time) was placed under that Edgewood Arsenal, after over 50 justify the separation. In March 1971, AMC Assigned with the duty of patrolling the Hodges’ command. After the merger, he was formally released a statement announcing the waters of the Gunpowder and Bush River now responsible for more than 21 tenant years in existence, could be absorbed consolidation, effective July 1, 1971. areas, the Material Testing Directorate organizations, more than 82,000 acres of land into her sister command APG. To serviced these boats. and water and more than 16,000 civilian and The merger included reducing 131 civilian military personnel. With APG–South’s others, this change in command was and military personnel on both posts by the The only services not affected were medical annual payroll of $51 million and APG–North’s less than noticeable; it would seem end of 1971. In addition, the merger relocated and postal services. These had already been $105 million payroll, the combined installation’s 946 civilian employees and 137 military provided on a joint basis for several years. output made up more than 75% of the more like when an old established personnel (mostly administrative) from Harford County economy in the 1970s. APG–South to APG–North and another 66 The consolidation did not change the overall business firm changes ownership civilian positions (mostly involving procurement missions of either installation, as APG– North On July 1, 1971, Edgewood Arsenal officially (with everyone simply “referring functions) from APG–North to APG–South. continued to focus on ordnance testing and merged with APG. While the installation called training, and APG–South focused on chemical Edgewood Arsenal ceased to exist, the command to Edgewood by its original name Several logistical functions also went through defense research and development. The called Edgewood Arsenal remained until 1977. through long–time habit”).” significant changes. For example, bus services expanded APG Garrison mission focused on After 54 years in existence as a separate and waste–disposal services were combined the management, administration and post installation, Edgewood Arsenal was designated “Aberdeen Proving Ground Absorbs Edgewood Arsenal Function” and rescheduled. The commissary and PX support functions at both parts of the installation Edgewood Area, APG, and later as APG–South. Army Research and Development News Magazine at APG–South closed. Control of housing to maximize the use of non–mission related at APG–South was given to APG–North to funding and increasing efficiency in spending allow for more variety of quarters for soldiers and communication. All real estate at

104A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 105 2005

Base Realignment and closure

Right he Department of Defense uses base School from APG–North to Fort Lee, Va. BRAC at APG is completed. Trealignment and closure to reorganize its Relocated from APG–South was the Army installation infrastructure to more efficiently Environmental Command to Fort Sam Houston, support cantonment operations, increase Texas. Collateral loss because of BRAC at operational readiness and facilitate new ways APG was the demolition of hundreds of of doing business. World War I– and World War II–era buildings (about 188 facilities and 775 housing units) Congress created the 2005 BRAC Commission to make way for 17 new construction projects to maintain integrity of the process. The totaling more than $1 billion. commission provided an objective, non–partisan and independent review and analysis of Major BRAC gains for the installation were the installation recommendations issued by the Team Command, Control, Communications, DoD on May 13, 2005. The final version Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and of the BRAC Commission’s report was Reconnaissance and U.S. Army Test and submitted to President George W. Bush on Evaluation Command at APG–North and the Sept. 8, 2005. Bush accepted the commission’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical ATEC (about 600 newcomers) is also expansion. These changes include road recommendations and signed the law Sept. 15. and Biological Defense at APG–South. commanded by a major general and was improvements and quality of joined by the Army Evaluation Center. life enhancements. BRAC 2005 affected about 800 installations Team C4ISR (about 7,200 new arrivals) Both organizations will enhance APG’s and 123,000 military and civilian personnel. consists of the Communications–Electronics research and development and test and Also part of the changes at APG is the It was completed Sept. 15, 2011. At APG, Command (commanded by a major general); evaluation capabilities. ATEC came from establishment of the Government and BRAC’s impact was far reaching. Aside the Communications–Electronic Research, Alexandria, Va. Technology Enterprise. This is a from the purpose of realigning mission Development and Engineering Center; consortium of defense contractors on capabilities and resources to save money, it the Program Executive Office Intelligence, JPEO–CBD greatly enhances APG’s 416 acres with 11 land bays and up to 3 also strategically positioned APG to become Electronic Warfare and Sensors; and the PEO Joint Chemical/Biological Research and million square feet of development space more efficient and innovative. Command, Control, Communications Development Center of Excellence. It moved inside and outside the secure perimeter Tactical. These organizations came from to APG–South from Virginia. of APG near the Maryland Route BRAC closed out part of the historic mission Fort Monmouth, N.J.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and 715 Gate. The first companies to occupy of APG–North while reinforcing the historic Redstone Arsenal, Ala respectively. The first In conjunction with BRAC, the APG the GATE were CACI, L–3 mission of APG–South. It meant the relocation elements of the Team C4ISR began arriving at 2012 initiative includes the necessary Communications and Raytheon. of the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and APG in 2008. infrastructure changes to handle the

106A | berdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen Proving Ground | 107 ...and beyond

PG's transformation did not end with While this technology transformation A the completion of the Base Realignment continues, the fundamental values that made and Closure process in 2011. Instead, APG APG unique will not change. The focus was continues to transform in other ways. always on supporting the Warfighter. At the same time, the installation became the Having such a large number of research, caretaker for an impressive wildlife population development, engineering, testing and that took refuge behind its gates as well as analysis professionals on one installation the cultural heritage sites left behind by those will create synergies that will pay off in who came before. APG has also connected the ways no one can predict. The focus of surrounding communities to both the world and many of the organizations at APG will the future by working with local schools and define the cutting edge across the science communities to promote science, technology, and technology spectrum. Transformation engineering and math to help grow its own will continue to be at the heart of what the future workforce. This workforce will, in turn, new APG will accomplish. Organizations be essential to the missions of many of the need a workforce with new abilities to push organizations on post that lead not only Army, the leading edge of technology forward and but defense technology from their headquarters facilities with new capabilities to support on APG. No one can predict what future this that mission. The installation will continue workforce will create at APG, but once there, it to transform as the missions conducted on will define that future to help create a new force it change. that is decisive in protecting our nation's interests.

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