former Wertheim Army Airfield / Peden Barracks

The Fliegerhorst Wertheim lay above the city of Wertheim and was constructed beginning in 1936. Along with the grass airfield extensive barracks were built, too, with a casino, billets, staff buildings, etc. The use of local materials led to the unique character of the buildings. In December 1937 the Fliegerhorst (airfield) received its first occupanr, a Stuka- unit.

On Easter 1945, american troops arrived at Wertheim and occupied the barracks.

After the war the Fliegerhorst was used as a displaced persons camp for forced labourers in Germany and as refugee camp. The airfield was used as agricultural land.

Due to growing tensions in Europe and the reinforcement of US Forces, the barracks were evacuated and on June 12th 1952, the now called Peden Barracks were taken over again by the US Army as a military facility. A helicopter unit was the first to occupy the base. Athough a larger airfield the main role at Wertheim was played by ground based units. A 600 meter Runway was built on the former grass airfield.

After the end of the Cold War, the withdrawal of US troops began in spring 1992 and closure came on 01.08.1994. The area has since been converted in a civil housing and trade area and houses part of the police school of the federal state of Baden Wuerttemberg.