This week in history: July 19 - 25

  • Published
  • By John Murphy
  • 436th AW historian
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  July 21, 1917: Allen Smith became the State of Delaware's first aerial training casualty. He crashed and perished while attempting an unauthorized flight over the Delaware River.

July 25, 1958: The new Dover Air Force Base Non-Commissioned Officer's Club officially opened its doors for the first time. An estimated 1,000 people attended the grand opening with musical entertainment provided by Ray Eberly's big band.

July 20, 1973: Base officials broke ground for the construction of the Dover Air Force Base Personnel Building. The cost of the building was approximately $1.2 million.