Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a genuine WWII license plate from the Goodfellow Airfield U.S. Army installation, today known as Goodfellow Air Force Base. Goodfellow airfield's history traces to the days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but its name registered the valor and sacrifice of an earlier conflict. On 14 September 1918, First Lieutenant John J. Goodfellow, Jr., of San Angelo, Texas, boarded his Salmson 2A2 observation plane at Gondreville Airfield in France to conduct visual reconnaissance behind enemy lines. The mission was part of a larger undertaking just underway, a major American offensive intended to reduce the German salient near Saint-Mihiel. Unfortunately, adverse weather permitted observation only at a low altitude that exposed the lumbering Salmson to enemy pursuit. Three days later, the offensive a success, the young pilot's remains were recovered from his ruined craft and interred at the St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial near Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle.

Later during the build up to WWII, President Franklin D. Roosevelt began a program of preparedness that included the construction of facilities dedicated to advanced air training. The San Angelo, TX area was chosen as one area where a training center would be made. Construction of the new San Angelo Air Corps Basic Flying School began at once. Officially established on 17 August 1940, the base was ready for occupancy by 21 January 1941, and the first classes of students soon arrived. On 11 June 1941, in dedication to a young hero and in tribute to the community that shaped him, the base was officially renamed Goodfellow Field.

The stamped steel plate measures approximately 10" x 4" and features white letters on a green background, reading:

The "Flying Wings" logo is from the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was changed in 1941 with the formation of the U.S. Army Air Forces, so this is definitely a plate from WWII or just prior, as the airfield only opened in 1940.

Offered in good condition, with wear from use and age, as well as some light rust damage. Ready to display!