In November 1942, the Army Air Forces began the conversion of the municipal airport to a military airfield, with the construction of hangars, a large aircraft parking ramp, two hard-surfaced runways along with a station area consisting of numerous buildings and barracks to support 2,000 personnel.

The land also required sod and shrubbery which was purchased from local sources along with service clubs for keeping up enlisted men's morale.

Lt Pounds was killed in the crash of a Vultee BT-13A Valiant (41-1249) at Lemoore Army Air Field, California on 4 March 1942.

It was equipped with Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers, arriving from Lakeland Army Air Field, Florida on 10 September 1943.

It was equipped with Douglas A-20G Havoc light bombers, arriving from Woodward Army Air Field, Oklahoma on 1 December 1943.

On 1 February 1944, the 159th Liaison Squadron (Commando), arrived from Cox Field, Paris, Texas, equipped with Stinson L-5 Grasshoppers.

[2] The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (Special) ground echelon arrived from Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, Louisiana, where the unit was organized with 231 enlisted and 37 officers.

It was previously assigned to anti-submarine duty with Sixth Air Force in the Caribbean, and was returned to the United States without equipment.

Initially equipped with some Bell P-39 Airacobras, O-47s and a Douglas B-18 Bolo after its arrival at Pounds, the squadron was fully re-equipped with F-3A Havoc reconnaissance bombers.

[2] During 1945, Technical Services Command transferred any useful military equipment and prepared the base for return to full civilian control.

Throughout 1945, buildings and equipment were sold, and Pounds Army Air Field was closed with the entire facility being transferred to the City of Tyler.

The former Army Air Forces base lies on the north side of the airport, being known as the "Historic Aviation Memorial Museum".

There is a collection of retired Air Force and Navy aircraft along with some Army helicopters on static display for public viewing.