Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2008
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Boardwalk Battlefront
The forgotten story of Atlantic City’s wartime role—and a fitting tribute to America’s ‘Greatest Generation’
Atlantic City’s Boardwalk was world-famous long before the advent of casinos in 1978. In fact, Haddon Hall, later the site of Resorts, played a major role in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.
On December 7, 1941, the Hawaiian military base was attacked. The government found itself in need of another base—fast. The War Department decided to acquire hotels for military quarters, and here on the East Coast, two resort communities offered enough rooms: Miami Beach and Atlantic City.
The military took over 45 of our hotels, paying a $1 a day per room, and Convention Hall—the largest structure of its kind at the time—served as headquarters for the Army’s Basic Training Center No. 7, later known as “Camp Boardwalk.” Atlantic City had been drafted.
By the summer of ’42, Haddon Hall Hotel had been transformed into a general hospital servicing tens of thousands of Army Air Force recruits. In the first five months alone, it treated more than 5,000 patients.
Then came a setback. In September 1944, a hurricane struck, and Haddon Hall had to be evacuated. But the people of Atlantic City sprang into action. Volunteers joined staff, pumping water and removing debris. A month later, the hospital reopened. And by 1945, Thomas England General Hospital had evolved into the nation’s largest hospital, specializing in amputations and neurosurgery. The hospital also trained nurses for hospitals all over the world.
Other hotels including the Claridge and Ritz Carlton were turned into training, rehab and hospital sites. By day, recruits performed battle exercises and calisthenics on the beach; as far as the eye could see, soldiers were on the march to protect our country. At night—known as the “great dim-out”—Boardwalk lights were painted black so ships at sea would not be visible to offshore U-boats. To prevent automobile lights from shining out on the water, light-reducing “baffles” were built at the ends of streets.
In November 1943, the eyes of the free world focused on Atlantic City when it hosted a world peace conference with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Germany surrendered May 7, 1945, and Japan three months later. World War II was over. Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen began returning home. Those in need of treatment were still sent to Thomas England General Hospital; by June 1946, after treating more than 150,000 soldiers, it closed. Camp Boardwalk was over. It had been one of Atlantic City’s finest hours.
Now the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey WWII Memorial Commission are honoring Camp Boardwalk with an event to raise funds for the New Jersey World War II Memorial.
Atlantic City Salutes America’s Heroes: A Benefit for the New Jersey World War II Memorial & The Boardwalk will be held Friday, May 10 at Resorts Atlantic City. Comedian Joe Piscopo and a live band will entertain; Governor Jon Corzine and other invited guests will be on hand to honor our veterans.
Tickets are $125 for the show and a dessert reception, $75 for the show only, $60 for veterans including dessert reception. For more information, contact the Greater Atlantic City Chamber at 609-345-4524 or visit www.acchamber.com.
