Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area (Established by Major General George S. Patton, Jr.) - Camp Clipper
California State Historic Landmark 985
Plaque Photo:
01/29/00
#985 Clipper Divisional Camp
Camp Clipper
Desert Training Center
California-Arizona Maneuver Area
Camp Clipper was established at a site that reached from Essex Road to this location in the spring of 1942. It was one of twelve such camps built in the southwestern deserts to harden and train United States troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The desert training center was a simulated theater of operations that included portions of California, Arizona and Nevada. The other camps were Young , Coxcomb, Iron Mountain, Ibis, Granite, Pilot Knob, Laguna, Horn, Hyder, Bouse and Rice.
A total of 13 infantry divisions and 7 armored divisions plus numerous smaller units were trained in this harsh environment. The training center was in operation for almost two years and was closed early in 1944 when the last units were shipped overseas. During the brief period of operation over one million American soldiers were trained for combat.
The 33rd and 93rd infantry divisions were trained here.
This monument is dedicated to all the soldiers that served here, and especially for those who gave their lives in battle, ending the Holocaust and defeating the armed forces of Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan.
Site Photo:
01/29/00
Location:
37 mi W of Needles and 115 mi E of Barstow on I-40, at Fenner Rest Area, eastbound.
Return to other landmarks in San Bernardino county.
Send comments to:
Donald Laird
