Wyoming History: How Two Oil Refineries Fueled U.S. WWII Aviation Dominance

During World War II, thousands of U.S. Army airmen perfected their flying and aircrew skills at Casper Army Air Base.

But the state was more than a training region for pilots and crews, its oil fields and refineries became important resources for the war effort and in the last year of the war contributed to the nation’s air superiority over the Axis powers thanks to refineries that produced aviation fuel.

“Get ready Hitler, here comes more hell from Wyoming!” a Frontier Refining Company ad proclaimed in the July 27, 1943, Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “Frontier 100-Octane gasoline for Uncle Sam’s Flying Forces Ready Soon.”

A separate article in the paper informed readers that the new Cheyenne Frontier plant “will produce thousands of gallons of 100-octane gasoline daily, enough to sustain a la