Godman Field was Kentucky's first airfield, used beginning in October 1918 when it was built for the 29th Aero Squadron. It was operated by the 31st Balloon Company from 1920 to 1921 and was largely inactive until 1937, when the 12th Observation Squadron was assigned there through early 1942. World War II units there included the 73rd Reconnaissance Group and the 387th, 391st, and 477th Bombardment Groups with Martin B-26 aircraft. The field was named for Lieutenant Louis K. Godman, who was killed in an airplane crash at Columbia, South Carolina, on 28 September 1918. The original four hangars were located one-half mile northeast of this site. Two were moved about 1922 to Louisville's Bowman Field; one is now Building 1338 on Angel Alley, and one is Building 1328 on Briggs Street. The present main hangar and runways were constructed in 1941.