| Roy Carrington Kirtland | |
|---|---|
Roy Kirtland (at right), flying a Wright 1911 Model B Flyer |
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| Born | May 14, 1874 Fort Benton, Montana |
| Died | May 2, 1941 (aged 66) Moffet Field,California California |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898-1938. 1941 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Aero Squadron, 3d US Infantry Regiment, Langley Field & Air Corps Tactical School |
Roy Carrington Kirtland (14 May 1874 - 2 May 1941) was a United States Army soldier, officer and aviator best known as the namesake of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was among the first American military aviators and recommended Henry "Hap" Arnold for aviation training
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He was born on 14 May 14, 1874 in Fort Benton, Montana to Thaddeus Sanford Kirtland and Ann Virginia Carter. He married Helen K. Parker.
Kirtland joined the Army in 1898 and was commissioned on August 1, 1901 as a second lieutenant in the infantry. In 1911 he was transferred to the United States Army Air Service and placed in command of the U.S. Aviation School at College Park, Maryland from April to June 1911, and served in a number of capacities with the Signal Corps
Kirtland then commanded the First Aero Squadron in 1913 until his return to the infantry division in 1915. He rejoined Signal Corps in 1915 and was in charge of the motor pool. He commanded the Third Regiment in 1917. While overseas, he served as the Inspector for aviation in England and air service rest camps.
After the war, Kirtland became a flight instructor, commanded aviation supply depots and graduated from the United States Army War College. During the 1920s he served with the General Staff until his appointment in 1930 as commandant of the Langley Station and as acting commandant of the Air Corps Tactical School. He retired in 1938 after 40 years service.
Colonel Kirtland was reactivated in advance of WWII at age 65. He served at Moffet Field. He died on May 2, 1941 of a heart attack in Moffett Field, California.
At special request from General Arnold, Albuquerque Air Army Airbase was renamed Kirtland Army Airfield.