Since 1853, Fort Riley has been the training ground and home to some of America’s finest, who dedicate their lives to keeping the country safe. During World War II, approximately 125,000 soldiers were trained at Fort Riley, including heavy weight boxing champion Joe Louis and actor Mickey Rooney. These brave men and women worked overtime during these uncertain times, which can be seen in these 20 stunning pictures captured in April 1942.

1. "Driver of a jeep of a reconnaissance unit."
Yale/Jack Delano
2. "Soldiers of a cavalry machine gun platoon going over an obstacle during a field problem."
Yale/Jack Delano
3. "Soldiers of a mechanized reconnaissance unit during a simulated dismounted attack."
Yale/Jack Delano
4. "Cavalry unit moving over difficult terrain."
Yale/Jack Delano
5. "Shoeing a horse while in bivouac during a field problem of the cavalry."
Yale/Jack Delano
6. "Watering the horses during a field problem of the cavalry."
Yale/Jack Delano
7. "Setting a light air-cooled machine gun during a field problem of the cavalry."
Yale/Jack Delano
8. "Portable smithy being used during a field problem of the cavalry."
Yale/Jack Delano
9. "Signal Corps message center set up during a field problem."
Yale/Jack Delano
10. "A Signal Corps man attached to a truck unit."
Yale/Jack Delano

Related Stories

The 11 Most Insane Things That Happened In Kansas In 2015

The 11 Most Insane Things That Happened In Kansas In 2015

 These 13 Houses In Kansas From The 1930s Will Open Your Eyes To A Different Time

These 13 Houses In Kansas From The 1930s Will Open Your Eyes To A Different Time

 This Is What Life In Kansas Looked Like In 1941. WOW.

This Is What Life In Kansas Looked Like In 1941. WOW.
11. "Lining up guns during artillery practice. The small thirty seven mm gun mounted on the howitzer is used only in training."
Yale/Jack Delano
12. "Motorcyclist of a mechanized cavalry reconnaissance unit manning a machine gun during a sham battle."
Yale/Jack Delano
13. "During a field problem of a mechanized cavalry reconnaissance unit."
Yale/Jack Delano
14. "Motorcyclist serving as a messenger for his platoon of the mechanized cavalry reconnaissance unit."
Yale/Jack Delano
15. "General Millikan addressing his troops during a review."
Yale/Jack Delano
16. "Review on the parade ground."
Yale/Jack Delano
17. "During a field problem of a mechanized cavalry reconnaissance unit."
Yale/Jack Delano
18. "Guiding a truck into bivouac area during a blackout."
Yale/Jack Delano
19. "Bugler of G troop of the 10th Cavalry brigade."
Yale/Jack Delano
20. "Sergeant in a field artillery unit."
Yale/Jack Delano

Are you part of the Greatest Generation? Or have you ever lived/worked at Fort Riley? Share your stories in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Kansas