Luke Field/Air Force Base and 56th Fighter Wing Heritage Pamphlet ...

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Luke Field/AFB Primary Aircraft 231
Luke AFB Student Production 1941 – FY11 232
F-16 Flying Hour Programs FY83 – FY11 233
56th Fighter Wing Organization 235
2d Lt Frank Luke, Jr.
In September 1918, Luke made aviation history in World War I when he wreaked havoc
on the aerial fleets of Germany. During an 18-day period, of which Luke only flew
8 days, he destroyed 18 enemy aircraft. Because he targeted the most dangerous prey,
the heavily defended observation balloons, he became known as the “Arizona Balloon
Buster.” He was the first aviator awarded the Medal of Honor. On June 6, 1941,
Litchfield Park Air Base (AB) was redesignated Luke Field in his honor and memory.