Flight Training

According to his pilot log book, Dewey's primary flight training was first in Bennettsville, South Carolina, as part of the Air Corps Training Detachment; this training began on January 11, 1942, and was completed on March 25.  Next, Dewey moved to Shaw Field, Sumter, South Carolina (today Shaw Air Force Base), on March 30 and continued flight training until May 27, at which point he had finished basic flight training.  In June, Dewey began the final part of his flight training at the Advanced Flying School, Turner Field, Albany, Georgia (later Turner Air Force Base), which he began on June 7 and completed in August 2.  During the course of his flight training, Dewey flew training aircraft such as the Vultee BT-13A, Cessna AT-17 and Curtiss HT-9.

While Dewey was stationed at Turner Field, he would see members of his family for the last time.  According to their account,

“At this time, he stated that he knew the difficulties and perils that he would be facing soon.  He reaffirmed his faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior.  If the ultimate was required he was prepared to give it in order to protect the land and country he loved and all freedom loving people.”

The image below is just one page in Dewey's log book, showing his flights between May 23 and 27.  The last line of the page states that Dewey had "Finished Basic Training May 27, 1942", and the log is signed by him and his flight instructor.