Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – The Walnut Ridge Airport celebrated a remarkable milestone this week, marking 81 years of its historic Marine Corps Air Facility by bringing aviation history back to the skies. The anniversary event featured a special flight that honored the legacy of the men who trained at the airfield during World War II.
A highlight of the celebration was the appearance of a World War II-era F4U Corsair, which soared above Walnut Ridge and Pocahontas before safely landing at the airport. The Corsair held deep historical significance, as it was one of the planes used when the Marine Corps established its training facility at Walnut Ridge from September 1944 to March 1945.
“The Corsair’s arrival today was more than a take-a-selfie moment, it was a living connection to the men who trained right here in Walnut Ridge before departing for war,” said Terrence Ward, president of the Wings of Honor Museum, in a media release. For those attending, seeing the Corsair in flight was a vivid reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of the pilots who once called the airfield home.
In addition to the Corsair, the Wings of Honor Museum displayed a BT-13 Valiant trainer, another historically significant aircraft used to prepare pilots for combat. Ward emphasized that together, the Corsair and the Valiant “tell the story of how Walnut Ridge shaped the training, preparation, and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.”
The anniversary celebration offered attendees a chance to step back in time and appreciate the role Walnut Ridge played in the nation’s wartime efforts. Visitors were able to view the aircraft up close, learn about the history of pilot training at the airfield, and hear stories of the Marines who trained there before being deployed overseas.
For the Walnut Ridge community, the event was more than a tribute to aviation history—it was a way to honor the courage, skill, and determination of the men who trained at the airfield decades ago. The return of the Corsair to the skies above the airport served as a symbolic bridge connecting the present with a critical period in the nation’s past.
Ward highlighted that the museum and airport plan to continue sharing the airfield’s rich history with future generations, ensuring that the contributions of the pilots and the significance of the facility are never forgotten.
As the F4U Corsair taxied to a stop at the airfield, it reminded everyone in attendance that history is not just found in books or photographs—it can still take to the skies, honoring the legacy of those who helped shape it. The anniversary celebration at Walnut Ridge Airport was a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between aviation, history, and community.
