WASHINGTON — The National Park Service today announced the designation of Pendleton, Ore., as an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing the community’s extraordinary contributions to the nation’s World War II home front and its ongoing commitment to preserving that history.
“Pendleton's contributions to World War II included two extraordinary chapters in American military history: the daring Doolittle Raid and the pioneering service of the Triple Nickles,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller Exercising the Authority of the Director of the National Park Service. “This designation recognizes the community's important role in the war effort and its continued dedication to preserving the stories of courage, service and sacrifice that helped shape our nation's history.”
Pendleton played a distinctive role in America’s World War II effort, serving as a training ground for Army Air Forces crews and a launching point for some of the war’s most consequential missions. Beginning in 1941, Pendleton Field was home to the 17th Bombardment Group, whose experienced crews flew B-25 medium bombers. When the Army sought volunteers for a secret special mission in early 1942, crews from Pendleton were selected for their experience with the new aircraft. On April 18, 1942, the airmen and their B-25s launched from the carrier USS Hornet in what became known as the Doolittle Raid, striking targets in Japan in the first-ever launch of Army medium bombers from an aircraft carrier.
Pendleton Field played another important role late in the war as the home of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the “Triple Nickles,” the Army’s first all-African American parachute infantry unit. Originally trained for combat as paratroopers, members of the unit were retrained as smoke jumpers as the Army sought new ways to combat fires caused by Japanese balloon bombs that reached the Pacific Northwest on the jet stream. The Triple Nickles participated in Operation Firefly, responding to fires and helping protect communities and forests threatened by these attacks.
Pendleton’s contribution extended well beyond the military field. Residents conducted blackout drills beginning in 1942, operated a USO center to support service members and exceeded the city’s Fourth War Loan Drive goal by 142 percent in 1944. The agricultural economy of Umatilla County was equally important to the war effort, producing more than 10 million bushels of wheat annually during the war years.
Today, Pendleton continues to preserve and share this history through the Heritage Station Museum, Pendleton Air Museum, historic wayside exhibits and annual commemorations of Veterans Day and the Doolittle Raid. Local students also learn about the Doolittle Raiders, the Triple Nickles and Pendleton’s home-front experience, ensuring that the community’s World War II legacy continues to reach new generations.
About the American World War II Heritage City Program
Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the American World War II Heritage City program was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in March 2019 as part of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S.47) in order to recognize and ensure the continued preservation and importance of the history of the United States involvement in World War II. The program authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to bestow this honorary designation on only one city or local jurisdiction in each state and territory.
Since 2020, designations have been made in 46 states and two territories, strengthening public understanding of the war’s local impacts and advancing preservation of historically significant sites.
Nominate Your City
Any city, or other local jurisdiction in a state without an existing designation, is eligible for this recognition. Nominations must be submitted by the highest locally elected official.
Nominations will open in early 2027. For further information, including program information and nomination guidance, please visit the American World War II Heritage Cities Program webpage.
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.