Kelly Field - San Antonio Texas

This Subscription Blank order form was among the items we have of James. Google Books has digitized the book and it should be free online if you search for it. The book shares everything you could ever what to know about Kelly Field during the War. I'll paste below the parts of the book that discuss James unit. Remember if reading it that although the 2nd Aero Squadron was formed in San Diego, James didn't join on until after they arrived to the Philippines.

The Squadron was ordered back to the States, several months after war was declared against Germany, and on October 15, 1917, the 2nd Aero sailed from Manila, arriving at San Francisco on Nov. 17, 1917. Immediately they set out for Kelly Field, Texas, reaching it five days later.

In his home town of Toronto, any boy serving in the Army or Navy gets a free copy of the local paper mailed to him. James is listed at the bottom.

His off-base pass near the end of his time at Kelly Field. He spent around 15 months at Kelly Field.

I believe this picture of his is at Kelly Field. Unknown persons, no label on picture.

This was in the album but I think it might be an image of a flag or some promotional item.

Shot he took. If not at Kelly Field, then its France Field.

Many of the experienced men were then transferred to other airfields. After about a month of indecision on the part of Washington, the squad was sent over to Kelly Field, No. 2. This was bad news for the men were hoping to be sent overseas it was Field No. 1 that was getting the transfer orders, not Field No. 2. The Squadron was assigned as a service squadron, assembling JN-4D Type Curtiss Aeroplanes. A few months elapsed, and the men were so busy that they had little time to worry about their stay at Kelly Field. When various squadrons finally began to be ordered overseas, the men of the 2nd Aero began bombarding headquarters with requests to be transferred to the various outgoing squadrons. Some of the men were able to get transfers while the rest were told it would not be long before the 2nd would be sailing the high seas for France.

In July 1918, his Squadron was assigned to the “Advanced Cross Country” and “Acrobatic” stages, and the 2nd Aero Squadron got a name change to KELLY FIELD SQUADRON “A” His rank at Kelly Field was Chauffeur, which he had for the remainder of his service.

James was on duty here at Kelly Field during the remainder of the war. When the war was over, his Squadron demobilized, and all squadrons were merged into a single Flying School Detachment. We know he remained at Kelly Field for at least two months after the war. At most, he was here for 4 months after the war before heading to Panama.

Can you find James Leo Willhite? He should be in one of these photos.

He is also in this group.....somewhere.

I found this 1917 WWI poster online

HIs images of Kelly Field

James Leo Willhite at Kelly Field, San Antonio