Fort Wolters Photo Gallery by Keith Robinson at pbase.com

Fort Wolters

FORT WOLTERS. Fort Wolters, established as Camp Wolters in 1925, is four miles east of Mineral Wells in Parker and Palo Pinto counties. It was named for Brig. Gen. Jacob F. Wolters,qv commander of the Fifty-sixth Brigade of the National Guard, and designated a summer training site for his units. Mineral Wells donated fifty acres, leased 2,300 acres, and in World War IIqv provided land to increase the camp's area to 7,500 acres. The camp became an important infantry-replacement training center with a troop capacity that reached a peak of 24,973. Six months after the end of the war the camp was deactivated.

Local businessmen purchased the land and facilities and converted them to private use. The tensions of the cold war, however, resulted in the reopening of the camp in early 1951, under the authority of the United States Air Force. At the installation, then named Wolters Air Force Base, was housed the newly formed Aviation Engineer Force. Special-category army and air force personnel were trained there.

In September 1956 the base became the Primary Helicopter Center directed by the United States Army. In June 1963 it was renamed Fort Wolters. At the time all army rotary-wing aviators received basic and primary flight training there. The Vietnam War increased the need for pilots, and the base became the home for training not just army personnel, but also helicopter pilots for the Marine Corps in 1968 and for the Air Force in 1970. By 1970 Fort Wolters covered 8,500 acres and leased an additional 1,700 to help handle the 1,200 helicopters used at the camp. By January 1, 1973, 40,000 students had completed the twenty-week training program. The base was also the home of the Beach Army Hospital, the Eighty-fourth Military Police Detachment, the 328th United States Army Band, and United States Army Reserve Detachment 20, Sixteenth Weather Squadron.

In 1975 orders deactivating the base were issued. Part of the land and facilities became the property of the city and private businessmen; ninety acres and thirteen buildings became the Education Center of Weatherford College. A portion of the land was also transferred by the United States government to the state of Texas for development as part of Lake Mineral Wells State Park.qv

Main Gate circa 1945	Main Gate. . .circa 1964	Main Gate. . . . April 2006	Main Gate circa 1960	IMG_1070.JPG
Postcard	Arts & carfts center. . .then & now	One of many abandoned barracks	State historical marker at entrance	Remains of heliport #2 tower
Abandoned barracks	Heliport #2	Area I believe was heliport #1	Beech Army Hospital. . .then	wolthosp.jpg
Beech Army Hospital. . .today	Rear of hospital	Beech Army Hospital	IMG_5920.jpg	Fire Station
Camp Wolters Chapel. . .	Camp Wolters Chapel. . . April 2006	Current National Guard Armory	IMG_1050.JPG	IMG_1064.JPG
GasStation2.jpg	FtWolters_TX_66.jpg	Staging Fields	222838242_o.jpg	Wolters_Arena.png

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douglas shortall		04-Jun-2009 01:21
I was 11 years from rhode island whem my family went to fort wolters in 1969. they made us get out of the pool when they landed on the moon! I saw a lot of movies there. rode the horses,split my head open.(poor mom) there were five kids. we stayed at the town & county trailer park. some thing i will never forget. After wolters it was off to rucker. fun times. douglas shortall

Guest		24-May-2009 05:00
If anyone in the area is interested in providing a sort of history tour that trained at Wolters, I would be very interested as would my current soldiers. Ft. Wolters is very active, many do not know this. Soldiers, Marines, Guard, Air Force and the Navy still have pre-deployment rotations through Ft. Wolters. Although Ft. Wolters has changed dramatically it still provides a very precious commodity, training our military forces! If interested e mail me at michael.breito@tx.ngb.army.mil

Corbet		11-Apr-2009 22:29
Great historical photos. I actually was checking out the hospital today taking pictures. I knew it woul've had something to do with the camp, but I wasn't sure until now.

Kay		06-Apr-2009 23:25
I'm searching for info about William Daugherty stationed at Camp Wolters in 1944. Anything would be appreciated.

Fred Fischer		28-Mar-2009 20:44
The area shown in the following: Heliport #2, FtWolters_TX_66.jpg and Remains of heliport #2 tower Are of the only Heliport that existed when I arrived in Aug '65, simply known as The Heliport. After the construction of Downing Heliport it was thence referred to as The Main Heliport. On the map (Staging Fields), it is denoted as Wolters AHP. Item 222838242_o.jpg during WW-II. Items Heliport #2 and 222838242_o.jpg, are roughly looking from the West toward the East. Item FtWolters_TX_66.jpg appears to have been taken from the tower, roughly looking toward the South. The heliports were: Main: On post - Fort Wolters Downing: Adjacent to Mineral Wells municipal airfield. Built late 1967. Dempsey: Out by Possum Kingdom Lake.

Fred Fischer		28-Mar-2009 16:34
Pat Lassalle Pilgrim: I was a Southern OH-23 IP from Aug '65 to Sep '69. Most of those years spent in Billy Choate's flight where your dad was Assistant Flight Commander. Both, two fine gentlemen, of whom I have fond memories.

Ron Heuss		21-Mar-2009 23:49
Someone mentioned setting a chopper down in a mall. I can recall an individual who thought it was fun to chunk beer cans at fishermen on Possum Kingdom lake. All went well until he chunked a few at the post commander.

Ron Heuss		21-Mar-2009 23:47
Hi Tom--great idea! I would love to have a reunion at the old fort, just to remember some pain and misery, if nothing else.

Pat Lassalle Pilgrim		17-Mar-2009 00:15
My Dad, Bill Lassalle, was an IP at Wolters from 1957 to about 1972. I grew up on the base and married a "town" boy. The pictures bring back wonderful memories of all the places I used to go to by the bus that made a loop around the base. Thanks for the pictures and for all of the service you gave to keep us free. My son is in his second tour of Iraq. Thank God for our military. Pat Lassalle Pilgrim

Tom Johnson		10-Mar-2009 15:08
Hi Ron, I think a reunion would be great. Not just for the band, but all who were assigned to Fort Wolters in the past. I would certainly love to see the old Fort again. If you start taking names and emails, I think I've listed mine already, but here it is again: fadingshadows@juno.com Drop me a note if you arrange for a reunion some time.

Ron Heuss		08-Mar-2009 23:45
I served in the 328th Army band from October 1967 - July 1970. I recently visited the old Fort and took pictures. Part of the old band practice room is there and three of the band's barracks that were occurpied during my tenure are still in place, but in ruin. Beach Army hospital is in ruin, as is most of the facility. Most band members remember the end of the month parades and graduation ceremonies that took place on a vacant lot just south of the hospital. I would be interested in a reunion if possible. I do have several contacts.

Ron Harmon		23-Feb-2009 19:59
I was stationed at Fort Wolters from July 1967 to August 1968. I was a Spec5 assigned to the motor pool. I can remember seeing the missiles raised on the north side of the Fort. Many memories there. I can remember the drive-in outside of Mineral Wells that had I think was like .50 cent carload night. I can remember seeing Bonnie and Clyde there with a whole group of us. I drove for Colonel Robert M. Prater.

Tom Johnson		17-Feb-2009 00:17
Hi Tom, I was only there from June '66 to February '67. Not long, but I really liked it at Fort Wolters. I remember one of the trainees setting a "chopper" down in that little Mall just off Post. He had some some trouble with it. I bet he had more trouble when his commander got through with him (lol). But no one was injured in the incident. Loved Mineral Wells also. I guess you went straight to 'Nam when you left Wolters?

T. J. Parry		16-Feb-2009 19:06
Hi, my name is Tom. I spent six months at Fort Wolters back in January-June 1973. Looking back, the experience turned out to be one of the most memorable periods of my life. I was a Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC), attending Primary Helicopter Flight School, I think my class was number 73-35, and I remember with affection my classmates, all twelve or so of us. What an intense period of my life; up at 5:00 AM and off for the daily jog with the TAC Officer, then breakfast and then on to class or the flight line. No walking, it was run, run run, everywhere except the flight line that is. The TH-55 was the primary trainer, and after some trying first few hours, we were soon flying the pattern of the stage fields and practicing autorotations with the instructor. I still remember like it was yesterday, the bus stopping at the Holiday Inn in Mineral Wells and being tossed into the pool by our classmates the day of our first solo flight. The crossed UH-I Huey rotor blades adjacent to the pool were placarded, "under these blades have passed the finest aviators in the world" or something to that effect. The motel is no longer there, but I believe the blades now reside at the WOC Museum at Fort Rucker. While attending a party one weekend at Possum Kingdom, I met a girl from Texas Women's University who I later married and is now my wife of 35 years. I will never forget the fun we had at the class parties and the "purple passion punch." The whole Fort Wolters experience is one of which, I will treasure for life. I have just recently retired after a successful career in commercial helicopter aviation, and to think it all started with the training, knowledge and safety habits I learned at Fort Wolters. In retrospect, the US Army and the training turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.

Kelly Sherman		10-Feb-2009 04:39
Hello , My Name Is Kelly, I just Love Looking at these great pictures, its really amazeing to see the old base in all of its glory, back in its glory days. My Great Grandfather Was a Janitor, at the base, for many years, not sure how long, and what years, but i know he was there in the 60's his name was Earl Watson, from weatherford, texas. i would sure love to see some pictures of him, at the fort, if there is any and if anyone has some. i love history, so i will be checking out your site more, thanks Kelly Sherman Odessa Texas

Dean Peloso		10-Jan-2009 17:16
To Franklin P. Uroda, My name is Dean Peloso my Unlce George Antonhty Peloso was stationed there in the late 40's or early 50's. He was a talented painter and was asked by the chaplin at that time to paint the 12 stations of the cross, which he did. My family used to have photographs of the paintings, but they have been lost. I was wondering if you every saw them in your time there and if you aware of any pcitures of them. Any informtion will be appreciated. My email address is nynydp@aol

Fred Muller		30-Dec-2008 22:04
Fred Muller email is fmuller@associated-allied.net of patandfredmuller@comcast.net

Fred Muller		30-Dec-2008 21:40
I came to Wolters from Brooklyn with the Fighting 328th. I have talked to Streemke and Carpenter and Wong. Anybody else out there? 630-514-5852. God Bless America.

Guest		29-Dec-2008 20:51
Ron. I was a T bone player with the 328th , 65-68. A Ron I remember was from Albany Tx. I have been in contact with a few of the guys that you might remember. A reunion? It would be cool to hear from you, Will give you the E mail addys of the guys I have been in contact with. My email rgs946@ hotmail.com Bob S.

Ron Heuss		28-Dec-2008 23:44
I played trumpet in the 328th Army Band at Ft. Wolters in the late 1960s. Since I was there for over two years, I interested in contacting anyone who served in the band from 1967 - 1970 to discuss a possible reunion. Thanks Ron

Kaye Queen		26-Dec-2008 23:14
I am an avid history buff and would love to go inside some of the abandoned buildings here. I attended class at Weatherford College here on the base. I loved the building. My husband was an instructor at the time and he spent a lot of time in the building (the one that houses the Police Academy, Beauty School and not to long ago the EMT Program) he said alot of unexplainable things happened there. I have driven around the base and can only imagine what it was like back when it was active. If anyone knows who to contact to get into some of the old abandoned barracks and espically the hospital PLEASE contact me. To those of you who were stationed at the base, my hats off to you, thank you for being courageous and taking on the task of defending in our country in Peace and War.

Tom Johnson		10-Nov-2008 18:53
I was with the 84th MPs from about May 1966 to February '67. I loved the unit, town, and the base! A great assignment. We rented off base. I remember buying a house full of furniture from Sears at the little Mall next to the theater off base. I regret not taking any pictures, so was thrilled to find all the photos on your Site. Thanks for the memories.

Judy Richards Shubert		07-Sep-2008 16:56
I was born in Mineral Wells, grew up there, and went to work at the PX in 1962 after high school. Your wonderful photos bring back a lot of memories! I worked in the PX office from 1962 - 1965 under a wonderful woman, Dorothy �Dot� Calhoun, also originally from Mineral Wells. One of my co-workers introduced me to my future husband, a soldier from Tennessee stationed at Fort Wolters with the 303rd ASA. I met a lot of young men who eventually finished their training and went off to fight in Vietnam. Most of their names and faces escape my memory now but their courage and their enthusiasm still are remembered. Thank you for sharing these photographs.

James Connor		02-Sep-2008 03:07
Hi, I was at a place called Edgmeed which was on the old base. Im an Army brat but the place I was in had nothing to do with the service. We were ontop of a hill overlooking the hospital, gym, and pool. I was there in about 1978. We used 2 baricks, a rec hall, admin bldg, 5 houses. Soposadly Edgmeed owend the pool but leased it to the city. Allso owned the hospital and gym. If any one knows about Edgmeed please let me know. We had a softball team one year and allso a bowling team.

Carol (Boling) Short		30-Aug-2008 20:54
My husband was just looking at pictures of my father and saw he had on a t-shirt that said Camp Wolters on it, so I started browsing the internet to see what I could find and stumbled upon your wonderful site. Dad was drafted in March 1942 but I'm not sure if he went to Minnesota first or if it was Texas so need to apply for his military papers and learn more about his time in the Army. Can't tell you how much I appreciate that you brought part of my dad's past to life for me. I tried to get some information from him a few years before he died but he suffered permanent brain damage from a motorcycle accident he had in 1958 so there were many things he knew he should know but just couldn't recall it anymore. He passed away when he was 75 in 1993 so now it's up to me to put the puzzle together for my niece so I can pass on whatever genealogy information I have collected for the past 30 plus years. God bless all of you who serve our country with pride, who stand up for our rights as American citizens. We pray for you every day and appreciate your service to our country. Your patriotism is a thing of pride and we appreciate all you do.

Jessica		08-Aug-2008 13:48
Hi, My husband is training at Fort Wolters right now and has a day pass this weekend so I have to pick him up. I've tried mapquesting directions but it never gives me straight directions on how to get there. I'm worried I will get lost. I will be coming from Dallas, TX. I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

Gennie Merrifield		07-Aug-2008 22:08
I'm only beginning to learn about Fort Wolters. I was wondering if annuals were made of the trainees during each session? Thanks for any information!

Debbie		01-Aug-2008 17:03
TO MATT FISH: I would love to see the pictures you have. Can you contact me?

Franklin P. Uroda		16-Jul-2008 23:24
Hi, I was the Catholic Chaplain at Fort Wolters (June 71-Nov 72). For me it's pretty eerie to visit the post: in my mind I replay the sights and sounds of the men and aircraft back then. Whew! I had a great time being Chaplain. I live in Tyler, Tx now.

Guest		06-Jul-2008 22:33
My father-in-law Lee W. Dreves was stationed at Ft.Wolters from 1943-1944. He recently passed and my husband and I were curious if anyone had any information about him, old photos or anything. He was from Sioux City,Ia. We enjoyed looking at the web site and look forward to any information anyone has. Cynthia Dreves

Tracy Blunk		13-Jun-2008 21:48
JAMES TRAVIS I am looking for James who was stationed at Fort Walters sometime around 1940- 1946. He would probably be deceased, so I am also looking for any children or relatives of his. He is a friend of one of my relatives and from what I was told, he was born in Montreal/Quebec Canada in the early 1900's. He was in the Army as enlisted. He at sometime lived in St.Louis,Missouri,which is where he supposedly enlisted. There is a chance he also was stationed in Chicago, Illinois or Mississippi. If anyone has any knowledge of this James,please email me at ttravi02@hotmail.com. I am doing a family biography so any information would be extremely helpful. I also have a pic of James if interested, just email me.

BETTY BOYCE		10-Jun-2008 21:04
i am looking for a marine named Dennis Kaskovich J.R. who was vacationing in barbados with his parents in 1989 or1990 your waitress all the best from BARBADOS

Guest		27-May-2008 20:00
I am looking for someone that was enlisted at camp walters, I am not really sure what year it was. The person I am looking for is named Clarence E. Williams. I know he was stationed there and that is all I know. If you could help with any information, or anyone that could help me, please e-mail me at smallfrye35@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for any information. stacie frye

mike vigus		20-Apr-2008 21:25
It is nice to see the photos of Ft. Wolters. It is quite nostalgic for me. I spent my growing up years there. My father Raymond E. Vigus was stationed there from 1960 until 1968. My friends and I covered a lot of ground on that base with our bikes. I believe I recognize just about every building that shows up on these old picture sites. This base is kind of like my Home Town (Wolters Village that is. I learned to play baseball and other sports here and even how to make a snowman in the winter. It did get very cold and snowy at times. I remember the Base being integrated when the Town Mineral Wells was still segregated. I have a lifetime of memories from this place even though I only spent 8 of my 54 years there. Mike Vigus

Eddie Carpenter		02-Apr-2008 03:12
Contact info: E. Carpenter, 328th Army Band, Oct. 66-May 68 Sousa----eddie0623@gmail.com

Guest		02-Apr-2008 03:07
Eddie Carpenter eddie0623@gmail.com 328th Army Band, Ft Wolters, TX Oct. 66-May 68.

Eddie Carpenter		02-Apr-2008 02:20
R. McElwee, Schuler, Keiser, VanZanbergen, Schneider, Matos, Skillern, Wong, Reisenhour (?) Chirello(?) , Shank(?)

Guest		11-Mar-2008 20:59
Hey Eddie I was in the band with you. You played the sousaphone I was a trombone player. Have been in contact with some guys you might remember. Visited wolters in 1995 took pics, even our old barrack was still standing. Post your e mail addy and I'll get in touch BS

Eddie Carpenter		06-Feb-2008 05:21
I was with the 328th Army Band when it came to Ft. Wolters from Brooklyn Army Terminal in Oct. 66. A staged marching into Ft. Wolters picture was taken soon after arrival. Our primary assignment seemed to be graduation ceremonies and every kind of parade from rodeo to scouts. I was discharged May 68. Any memories of band and/or pictures?

Diana Orrantia		29-Jan-2008 23:23
I am proud to say that I was born in Beech Army Hospital in November of 1965! My dad, Arturo V. Orrantia, was stationed at Camp Wolters during that time! I hope someone remembers him! While I was too young to remember any of it at all really, I have never let my parents beautiful memory of their time there and in Mineral Wells die! I visit every year because I try to imagine the beauty of hundreds of helicopters in the early morning sky as my parents have described it! Thank you to all who served our country, which allows us the freedoms we have now! Thanks Dad, especially! Diana Orrantia-2008

Pam McDaniel		27-Jan-2008 00:18
My father was a trainer at the fort durring the mid to late 50s. His name was William "Bill" Headrick. I would like to know if anyone that sees these knew him, as he died when I was young and would love to hear something about him. Thanks. Also I heard he got a medal for landing a chopper safely when the engine failed. my email is mcdt1@hillcountrytx.net

J. Wade		19-Jan-2008 19:57
I attended Camp Dallas at Fort Walters in the summer of 1964. All the instructors assured us it was worse than boot camp. After on shift of KP, you were very careful about what you ate at the mess hall. It was rumored that the mess sergeant also had the PX rights and increased his sales by serving less than palatable fare in the mess hall. The nights were hot and the days were hotter. Lots of memories - good and bad!

Matt Fish		19-Jan-2008 03:40
I just came across my grandfather's old pictures from his basic for WWII. There are about a hundred pictures of Fort Wolters and the soldiers who trained with him. SOme are labeled, some are not, but the funny thing is that some of the pictures resemble some of the buildings pictured here - excpet they were taken in 1942. I would love to hear from anyone who may be interested - I am sure some of these pictures are valuable to any families of soldiers who served here....

Dennis Kaskovich		24-Dec-2007 03:33
WORWAC 71-31 and 71-37 at Rucker. Active duty 70-75. Last duty: 121st Avn C0/Ft Benning '75. Eventually discharged from IRR as CW3. Very fond memories......thanks.

usmcsky		16-Dec-2007 21:25
My step-dad graduated flight school and eventually taught there. In fact, I had an uncle that either graduated or taught there. If the names Fletcher or Doughty mean anything to visitors... that was them. I too lived there in the 70's and spent most of the 80's on that raquetball court. 90's I spent occasional weekends visiting the National Guard training facility there but the closest I get now is the old Quonset Hut called Woody's. Really neat finding this site.

Phillip S.		04-Oct-2007 17:35
I lived for 2 years in a house at Fort Wolters housing complex during the late 1970's. The hospital was almost new. There were many, many vacant buildings The city operated the gym as a recreation center and equipment barn in one of the copter maintenance buildings. Played a lot of racquetball with Corny and Dennis. Occasionally do all day Saturday beer joint crawls around town. Worked at EDO-Aire Mitchell

Andy chambers		15-Aug-2007 23:33
I went to ROTC camp there, at Camp Dallas, in the summer of 1961. One of the highlights was going on an all night hike and getting "bombed" with small bags of flour by a piper cub type plane that buzzed us while we were walking through the bush. I still remember getting up in the middle of the night and having to roll down the tent flaps when a storm would come up. There was also the military ball at the Baker Hotel.

Mark McCord		04-Nov-2006 03:14
I came to Fort Wolters in December, 1969 for flight training. I was medically eliminated after several months and was assigned to Beach Army Hospital. I was a clerk in the sergeant majors office working for the Adjutant. I also worked as a projectionist at the Post Theater. I remember Mineral Wells quite well. Remember the Chalet? Possum Kingdom Reservior? Bill's Hamburgers? That was about the only place you could eat real late at night! Mountaineer Lanes? Sonic Drive-in? DewDrop Inn? I was there until March 1974. They were closing the base and I got reassigned to Fort Hood Darnall Army Hospital. Had some good times - and some bad ones too.

Lloyd Elliott		15-Jul-2006 18:36
Adding to D. Fincher's comment: I was a Camp Dallas alumnus of 1939, when close order drill still involved "Squads left" and "Squads right' commands, and "Right shoulder arms" was still executed in three counts rather than four. We slept on cots with ticks stuffed with straw from a few bales thrown in the Company Street on the day of our arrival. We amused ourselves in off hours by capturing tarantulas, putting them in pastboard boxes and watching them fight. Occasionally, we would shinny up the center pole of someones pyramidal tent on the sly and impale his Spingfield '03 on the center pin of the pole through the hinged port of the butt plate, and leave it pointing triumphantly to the sky.

D. Fincher		18-Jun-2006 22:03
I have read most of the descriptions about Camp Wolters but fail to read anything about it's being a summer ROTC camp for the Dallas and Ft. Worth schools. The summer camp was called CAMP DALLAS and lasted a month. Dallas schools had a very large contingent and traveled by chartered train to the camp. Those from Ft. Worth traveled by bus or by private car. The encampment was located just north and west of the main gate. The students were housed in 8 men squad tents. I was between the 9th and 10th grades in 1945 and attended the camp.

Bruce Schirmer		19-Apr-2006 16:14
These photos bring back some memories. I was stationed at Ft Wolters in 1966. I passed under that arch with the OH23 and TH55 copters many times. While Mineral Wells was not one of my favorite places at the time, it's nice to look back at it 40 years later and see that something remains of the post. Thanks for the pix..

Jeff Wilson		21-Dec-2005 02:04
I retired from the National Guard. We trained about every two months or so at Ft. Wolters. Past the abandoned hospital are the vehicle and training sites. We used the rifle ranges to quailify. There is a 500 meter range, that the Marines and marksmanship tournaments used. There are newer buildings that those shown in these really nice photos. thanks Jeff Wilson 1st Sgt. retired.

Brian Dasher		02-Oct-2005 07:33
Had read about Ft. Wolters and never really thought much about it until I was down in Palo Pinto County for court one morning, and while waiting for a client to show up, was reading the bulletin board in the courthouse lobby, which was advertising a softball tournament held at Fort Wolters Softball complex #2. Since then, I've learned a lot about Ft. Wolters. God knows that we can't fund everything. But, having been, as a child, around for a base closure where I lived, I never really thought about what happens afterward. Now, Mineral Wells is a ghost town, hard to imagine in its prime. These photos do some small measure of justice to illustrate that feeling.

Dave Beedon		03-Jun-2005 23:40
Nice documentation---thanks. It saddens me to see a facility get abandoned and decline, even if I don't have a personal interest in it. The "past/present" shot of the Art and Crafts Center is especially poignant because of the contrast between the two scenes. So many things will never again happen there: supplies brought in, stored, and disbursed; projects started and completed; construction tips shared; praise offered for a job well done... A similar mood was captured at Fort Ord by another PBASEr: http://www.pbase.com/greg802/image/18326223.

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