588th Army Air Force Squadron Acknowledged as Part of Fort Harrison’s History
A seldom-told chapter from the days of World War II centers on Clearwater Florida.
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) May 31, 2024 - CLEARWATER, FL: This week, in honor of its nearly 98 years of service to the Clearwater community, the Church of Scientology recognized the Fort Harrison, the Church’s religious retreat, for its role in World War II. Like the Belleview Biltmore and other hotels in Pinellas County, the Fort Harrison served as barracks for soldiers before they embarked on their tours of duty.
“The 588th Army Air Force Squadron berthed here at the Fort Harrison from 1942 to 1943,” said Lisa Mansell of the Public Affairs department for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization. “The soldiers were here for three weeks of training. Not all who trained here made it back home. In their honor, and in honor of those who served alongside them, their story should be known.”
Mansell added that a whole book could be written just about this single three-week time period in the lives of these veterans.
“Clearwater went out of their way to make these men feel welcome,” said Mansell. “The hours of local shops were adjusted to fit the schedules of those staying at the Fort Harrison. Visiting officers and their wives were hosted at a dinner party by the Chamber of Commerce and a dance party was organized up at the Service Men’s Center on Clearwater Beach. The Clearwater Sun even provided a column for the 588th to give their news and their perspective on Clearwater – it was a difficult time for this country, but Clearwater citizens did their best to provide the best hospitality they could.”
An in-depth history of this time period is being sought and if you or someone you know were part of the 588th and were barracked in the Fort Harrison, please call Lisa Mansell at 727-467-6860 to share your story and photos of your time in Clearwater.
About the Fort Harrison:
Originally constructed in 1926, the Fort Harrison has served as the center of Scientology and community activities since 1975. An 11-month restoration of the facility was completed in March 2009. The Fort Harrison today serves as a religious retreat for Scientologists visiting Clearwater. It also provides a major venue for cultural and philanthropic galas, award ceremonies and benefit performances and events, utilized by dozens of nonprofit organizations.
The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 nations. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org.
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