Cadet Park and Charles Loring Memorial Groundbreaking

The City of Douglas and the WWII Flight Training Museum are excited to announce the groundbreaking for the Charles Loring Memorial at the newly named Cadet Park on the historic WWII Flight Training Base in Douglas. Rescheduled due to Hurricane Deby, the Groundbreaking will now be Monday September 9, 2024, 10a at 1 Airport Circle. Cadet Park aims to honor the aviation cadets who underwent primary flying training in Douglas and Major Charles J. Loring, Jr., Class 1943-B and Medal of Honor recipient.

The Airbase, home of the WWII Flight Training Museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 10,000 aviation cadets were here to learn to fly. Charles Loring was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot and POW during WWII. In Korea, he led four P-80 Shooting Star jets against enemy gun emplacements. Hit by ground fire, Loring dove his cripple jet into the enemy position. With the guns silenced, the other three aircraft safely returned to base. For his actions, he posthumously received our Nation’s highest honor for valor. On July 27, 2024, the Republic of Korea bestowed their Nation’s highest honor to Major Loring for his bravery and sacrifice.

If you can’t attend the groundbreaking, stop by the Museum, and watch the progress as this project becomes a reality.