Del Valle Army Air Base Plaque

Could this unassuming plaque be a portal to a time when Austin echoed with the roar of B-52 bombers? Right here, before the Del Valle Army Air Base Plaque, we’re standing on land that was once a bustling hub of military activity. The plaque itself is a testament to the legacy of Del Valle Army Air Base, later known as Bergstrom Air Force Base, a place that played a vital role in American history for over five decades. Established in 1942 as Del Valle Army Air Base, this expanse of Texas land quickly transformed into a training ground for pilots and aircrews during World War II. The base was later renamed in honor of Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an Austin native and the first from the city to die in the line of duty during the war. Over the years, Bergstrom Air Force Base became a key player in the Cold War, housing B-52 bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, a powerful symbol of American air power. Even Queen Elizabeth II graced these grounds during her visit in 1991. But as the Cold War ended, so did Bergstrom’s military chapter. The base officially closed in 1993 and underwent a remarkable transformation. The land was repurposed, runways were reborn, and a new era of aviation dawned with the birth of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Del Valle Army Air Base Plaque serves as a reminder that beneath the bustle of modern air travel lies a rich history of service, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of Austin.