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Location
Located at Novato north-west of San Francisco.
Construction
Named in the memory of 1st Lloyd Andrews Hamilton, 1st Aero Squadron awarded the distinguished service cross during WWI, and killed soon afterwards. Construction commenced on July 1, 1932, with the majority
of first phase construction completed by 1935. Built as
a bombardment base and the headquarters for the 1st Wing of
the Army Air Corps. The base was
utilized for the defense of the western section of the country
until 1940.
December 7, 1941
It was 7th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortresses from Hamilton that were schedule to arrive Hickham Field. Japanese aircraft were dismissed on radar as this expected flight of B-17s. The unarmed B-17s arrived during the attack, and several were intercepted, but none were lost. One diverted to land on a Hawaiian Golf course instead.
Wartime History
Hamilton
Field played a significant role during World War II in training
and national defense by serving as an overseas staging area,
acting as one of three major bases of the West Coast wing
of the Air Transport Command's Pacific Division and for its
role in the Operational Training Unit Program.
Post War
Some of the hangers were turned over the US Navy and Coast Guard before the base was finally deactivated. The area now called Hamiltown, was then redeveloped into a variety of mixed-use commercial and residential projects. Many of the other base buildings were demolished.
Hamilton Army Air Field Discontinuous Historic District
Located on the southwest part of Hamilton Army Air Field in Novato. Accessible from the Alameda de la Loma and Bell Marin Keys Blvd. exits from Hwy. 101.
Hamiltown
Much of deactivated base was transferred to the city, and is now a residential community, Hamiltown.
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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