PVT Edward Mitchel – Cimarron Kansas Network

Pvt Edward E. Mitchel
U.S. Army Air Corps
July 6, 1924 - June 9, 1946

Edward E. Mitchel, CHS Class of 1942, was killed in the crash of a C54 aircraft.

On June 9, 1946, a U.S. Army Air Force C-54D Skymaster (tail number 43-17231) tragically crashed on Taboga Island, Panama, resulting in the loss of all 23 individuals on board. The accident was attributed to a navigation error: the pilot mistakenly identified Otoque Island as Taboga Island and commenced descent prematurely. Upon reporting to air traffic control that the aircraft was five miles south of Albrook Field and on approach, the pilot believed they had passed Taboga Island; however, the aircraft was still over Taboga, leading to the fatal descent.

This incident underscores the critical importance of accurate navigation, especially in regions where multiple islands can appear similar, emphasizing the need for precise identification to ensure flight safety.

In 1946, the U.S. Army maintained a significant presence in the Panama Canal Zone as part of its longstanding strategic mission to protect the Panama Canal, which was a crucial asset for U.S. military and economic interests.

Key Activities of the U.S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone 1946

1. Defense of the Panama Canal
The U.S. had been responsible for the security of the canal since the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903, and after World War II, the military presence remained strong to protect against potential global conflicts and regional threats. Military bases and fortifications, such as Fort Sherman, Fort Amador, and Fort Clayton, continued to operate.

2. Post-World War II Transition
The war had just ended in 1945, and the Army was in the process of demobilizing and reorganizing forces in the region. Many wartime military units were being deactivated, and equipment was being repurposed or removed.

3. Training and Readiness
The Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) at Fort Sherman continued training U.S. troops in jungle combat tactics. Soldiers were trained in tropical warfare conditions, a legacy of lessons learned in the Pacific theater during WWII.

4. Air Defense Operations
The 6th Air Force (later part of the Caribbean Air Command) maintained a presence at Albrook Field to provide aerial security for the canal.
Radar stations and anti-aircraft units continued to monitor for any threats.

5. Military Administration of the Canal Zone
The U.S. military played a role in governing the Canal Zone alongside the Panama Canal Company, overseeing civil infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement in the area.

6. Cold War Beginnings
As the Cold War began emerging, the U.S. Army continued to use the Panama Canal as a strategic point for hemispheric defense, particularly against the spread of communism in Latin America.

By 1946, although the intensity of military operations had decreased following the end of WWII, the U.S. Army remained in the Panama Canal Zone to ensure the security and functionality of one of the world’s most important waterways.