January to March 1945 - Basic Flight Training - Bakersfield CA

Roger began Basic Flight Training on December 31, 1944 at Minter Field in Bakersfield CA.  He was assigned to the 2nd Training Squadron, Class 45-C.

Per the U.S. Air Force Museum History:

"During basic flight training, a cadet received approximately 70 hours in the air during a nine-week period.  The basic course made military pilots of those who had learned only the fundamentals in primary school.  In addition to operating an airplane of greater weight, horsepower and speed, such as the BT-9 or BT-13, the cadet was taught how to fly at night, by instruments in formation, and on cross-country from one point to another.  Also, for the fist time, he was operating an airplane equipped with a two-way radio and a two-pitch propeller.  This was the point in his career where it was decided whether he would go to single-engine or twin-engine advanced flying school".

Below is a photo of the BT-13 aircraft that was taken at Minter Field.

The following photo is of Merwyn Bogue and Roger, taken at Minter Field on January 9, 1945.  Merwyn, who was Roger's uncle, played trumpet in the Kay Kyser Orchestra under the stage name Ish Kabibble.

The following photo was taken on January 25, 1945 at Minter Field.  On the back of the photo are listed the names of all of the students in Class 45-C.

Here is an additional photo of Class 45-C, Squadron 2, followed by the names of the members of the squadron.

Roger completed basic Flight Training on March 11, 1945 and was awarded the following certificate.