On March 3, 1945, a B17-F Flying Fortress from the 3rd Army Air Force, III Bomber Command, based at Alexandria Army Air Base, was lost during a routine training mission near Gum Springs Bombing Range when, flying in bad weather at low altitude, it struck trees and crashed about 1.5 miles southwest of this location. The crash killed all 11 airmen aboard: 2nd Lieutenant Russell L. Cobbs, pilot; 2nd Lieutenant Robert J. Keavy, co-pilot; 2nd Lieutenant Omar H. Lauridsen, navigator; 2nd Lieutenant Bruno J. Wieclaw, bombardier; Technical Sergeant Alexander G. Harwood III, radio operator; Sergeant Harold D. Bush, radio operator; Corporal Lester J. Smejkal, gunner; Corporal Jay “Joey” E. Crites, engineer; Corporal Niels Anderson, gunner; Private First Class Bruce C. Rue, gunner; and Private First Class Millard B. Beaird, gunner. Kisatchie National Forest played a significant role in preparing the military to defend freedom during World War II and continues to serve as training grounds for service men and women.