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ABSTRACT

 

In an effort to preserve an integral portion of Southern New Jersey history, this paper chronicles the significant contributions made by Atlantic City and the surrounding communities during World War II. Their main objectives: Protect the city’s ability to function; provide the facilities necessary to quickly train recruits (Army Air Forces made Atlantic City hotels into Basic Training Center No. 7); care for the sick and wounded returning from overseas combat (Army Air Forces created Thomas M. England General Hospital); host a new United Nations Conference regarding feeding and rehabilitating devastated countries; and build a Naval Air Station for training combat pilots and aircrews.

Documents relating to non-combat units were destroyed in a 1960's United States Government cost-savings attempt. Extensive research was carried out at the National Archives, various museums, regional and local libraries, and historical societies. Personal interviews of local residents provided intimate highlights and augmented existing information.