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Originally developed in the late 1930s as a municipal airport, the citizens of Zephyrhills financed the construction through federal funds and matching local donations. Acquired by the U.S. Army in 1942, this facility operated as a sub-base to Orlando and Alachua Fields. Pilots received air defense tactic training using P-51 Mustangs. Nearly 500 men of the 10th Fighter Squadron were schooled here during the thirteen months between January 1943 and March 1944. The 10th Fighter Squadron then saw duty over Normandy during the June 1944 Overlord invasion of Europe.
Actual combat conditions were created as much as possible, even to the use of tents as barracks and support facilities. One exception to this concept is the 40 x 100’ extant infirmary building. Moved in 1997 to the NW side of the municipal airport, the building has been restored for use by the city, the airport and the community. The 10th Fighter Squadron maintains a collection of artifacts in a designated area of the building.
In addition to the former infirmary building, a large concrete bunker-like structure, used in testing and alignment of aircraft machine guns, remains from WWII.
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