I have been researching the Cold War Air Defense of Pittsburgh for 10 years.
It started as a favor to a neighbor, whose former farm had been the site of
a 90mm gun battery in the early to middle 50's. My neighbor, Pete Schramm,
grew up on the farm and told me about the army base there. Pete wanted to
know if there was a way to find any photos of the base, as they were told that
they could not photograph the site, security reasons. Back in the day when people
did what they were told. As a result, I found lots of information about the gun
batteries and subsequently the NIKE missile batteries. Sadly, Pete Schramm and
nearly all of the NIKE veterans I contacted have passed away.
I am a retired police officer with the Ross Township Police Department and an
amateur historian and student of military history.
I have done public presentations at several public libraries and local college
campuses. Although my original research centered around the North Hills Area
of Pittsburgh and the 90mm gun battalions, I have covered the entire
Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area.
Irwin AngerPhotos of Irwin Anger in the 18th AAA Pittsburgh defense, approximately 1952
HistoryHistory of the Pittsburgh defense
Air Defenseschart of the Pittsburgh Air Defense, showing units, dates of service,
armament, locations, etc.
Battery B 1st Missile Battalion North Park (Pittsburgh) PA. Site PI-92L. Now the home of the Allegheny County Police and Fire Training Academy.
