World War II: "Don't Shoot 'em, Chanute 'em"

With Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, citizens flocked to Chanute Field in large numbers to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Chanute's transition from peace to war became apparent immediately following Japan's surprise attack. The new 15,000-man quarters built during Chanute's "Great Renaissance" proved insufficient to accommodate the large influx of new personnel. Many soldiers were housed temporarily in large tents. Chanute's student load continued to grow until it reached a peak of 25,000 in January 1943.

By 1949 Chanute had become the worst installation in Air Training Command according to the base commander. Buildings were in poor conditions and community relations were poor. The feeling around the military establishment was that an assignment to Chanute was a dire punishment. The phrase "Don't Shoot 'em, Chanute 'em" summed up the general perception of the installation.