Pendleton Historic Preservation Commission will try for WWII Heritage City status
By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Historic Preservation Commission has been given the green light to try for an official designation as a World War II Heritage City from the National Parks Service (NPS). If they achieve that status, it would be the only city to do so in Oregon.
“The Historic Preservation Commission made a recommendation to the city council that we work with the nonprofits in Pendleton to submit Pendleton, Oregon to be designated as Oregon’s World War II Heritage City,” City Manager Robb Corbett said.
Only one city in each state will be named. City staff reached out to the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport and the Pendleton Air Museum, which are preparing documents to detail the artifacts, documents, media, and programs that would document the status. The commission has also reached out to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Oregon National Guard, and the Pendleton Arts Commission for further support.
The NPS set the criteria for the award. They include contributions to the home front with efforts like civil defense, defense manufacturing, personnel, armed force bases, production of foodstuffs, volunteers, and war bonds. The other need is to show preservation efforts such as memorials, museums, parks, tours, cultural events, media, ceremonies, and structures.
Research reflects that the airport was originally named Pendleton Field. It was activated in 1941 and served as a major U.S. Army Air Force installation. It was home to the 17th Bombardment Group, whose crews later volunteered for the Doolittle Raid. At its peak, the base supported more than 8,000 military personnel including the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion also known as the Triple Nickles, the first all-Black parachute infantry battalion. The city also supported the war effort through Civil Defense drills, USO operations, agricultural production, and war bond drives.
As for preservation of the Heritage, a number of WWII structures have been preserved at the airport including original hangars, operations buildings, and other features. The city also maintains museums, memorials, interpretive signage and educational programs honoring WWII.
Photo from the Pendleton Air Museum. Find out more at Pendleton Air Museum | Military | 21 Southwest Emigrant Avenue, Pendleton, OR, USA.
