Atwater, California
Airdrome Entry Rd. to 8th and D Sts.
GPS coordinates: 37.36539,-120.57299
Take a photo of your rally flag and motorcycle with the above image.*

Castle AFB was first known as Air Corps Basic Flying School-Merced. In September 1941 it became one of the fields utilized to meet the needs of the 30,000 Pilot Training Program. As the original name indicated, it provided basic air training for beginning pilots and crewmen, and in April 1942 it was renamed Merced Army Air Field. Many pilots and crews were trained here during the war including a number of Women's Air Service Pilots.

On Christmas Eve 1944, Brig. Gen. Frederick Castle rode his flaming B-17 to his death while leading the biggest bombing mission of World War II during the Battle of the Bulge. He was air commander and leader of more than 2,000 heavy bombers in a strike against German airfields on 24 December 1944. He was posthumously awarded the US Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic action, and the former Merced Army Air Field was named in his honor on January 13, 1948.

Nearby is the Castle Air Museum, a good place for a walk and see Aviation history. Don't miss the SR71 Black Bird sitting in the parking lot.

Site is open 24/7.

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*If motorcycle, rally flag and above image can't be in the same photo, submit two photos: one with rally flag and above image, and another with rally flag and motorcycle nearby. If the site is CLOSED or inaccessible, submit a photo with rally flag and motorcycle nearby, along with an explanation.

Tour of Honor-California is sponsored by Rob Elliott.