The Walnut Ridge Air Field The air field was designed for 5,114 military personnel and 976 civilians. The apron (ramp), covering 63 acres, was the second largest in Arkansas. There were 3 runways and, 4 large hangars. The air field had its own water and sewer plant, a laundry designed for 10,000 personnel, and a 203 bed hospital.
The Base Hospital had a total of 4,411 admissions, including 437 civilians since September 28, 1942. Two-hundred-eighty-two (282) patients were transferred to other military hospitals. There were 408 surgical operations. 47 deaths were recorded including those killed in aircraft accidents. Eighty-two babies were delivered – 42 boys and 40 girls.
Training Highlights Class 43-B began training at 1:00 P.M on October 12, 1942 in Vultee BT-13 and BT-15 Basic trainers. In just under 21 months, 5,310 students in 18 classes entered training and 4,641 graduated. The last class, 44-H, graduated June 27, 1944. Forty-two (42) students and instructors were killed while training at the WRAAFBFS. By an eerie coincidence, 42 baby boys were born in the base hospital.