The Gerald N. Bench Films - Fort Bliss and Eglin Air Force Base (1941)

This 1940s home movie captures scenes at Fort Bliss in El Paso and Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Bench, the donor’s grandfather, was stationed at Fort Bliss, living on post with his wife, Louise, and their family. The film documents daily life at Fort Bliss, as well as a Cavalry Parade and anti-tank demonstration. Later at Eglin Field, Bench witnesses an aerial demonstration featuring World War II-era Air Force jets, bombers, helicopters, and other aircraft . Also seen is a stunning scene with dozens of parachuters filling the sky.