History

January 29, 1956: In January 1956, base leadership approved the selection of a new name for Little Rock Air Force Base. The memorialization board of officers considered 17 individuals. After months of research, the board chose to redesignate the base after Col. John R. Fordyce, Jr. Fordyce was a native of Little Rock and had served seven years with the Navy before enlisting with the 154th Observation Squadron, a direct ancestor of the 189th Airlift Wing. During World War II, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while leading the 320th Bombardment Group on its first combat mission in April 1943. Final approval was needed from Air Force Headquarters, but because of the growing diversity of opinion on the numerous nominations, the action was suspended to avoid unfavorable reflection on the Air Force. The director of military personnel chose to suspend the memorialization action indefinitely and retain the Little Rock AFB designation. Pictured: Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker (left), visiting with the men in Montesquieu, Algeria on May 11, 1943. He is seen here with Lt. Col. John R. Fordyce.