Fort Riley Friday 411 Pershing Ave [Image 9 of 10]

FORT RILEY, KS, UNITED STATES

05.15.2020

Photo by Scott A Rhodes 

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

This #FortRileyFriday we continue our look at facilities built to support activities around the old Artillery Post.

Building 411 Pershing Avenue opened in 1889 as an Artillery Barracks with a capacity of 160 men. It was constructed with #limestone walls and foundation, a slate roof and wooden floors. A two level addition was constructed on the west side of the building in 1911.

#FortRiley Directorate of Public Works (DPW) maintenance documents show that by 1930 building 411 had been redesignated as a Cavalry Barracks after the Artillery School at Fort Riley was discontinued following World War I.

Building 411 bears the name “Waybur Hall” in honor of First Lt. David Waybur who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II. During the Allied invasion of Sicily, he led his small patrol in its defense against four Italian tanks. Despite being seriously wounded, he continued to lead and personally disabled one of the tanks. He received the MoH in October of 1943 then reported to Fort Riley as an instructor of tactics at the Cavalry School. Later, he returned to combat in Europe and died there in March of 1945.

Since its construction 411 Pershing Avenue has served as a barracks. It still serves in that capacity today.

Pictured left: 411 Pershing Ave. in 1905 (top), in 1930 (middle) and as it appears today (bottom). Right: bldg. 411 west entrance bearing the name Waybur Hall.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2020
• Date Posted: 01.23.2024 14:38
• Photo ID: 8207370
• VIRIN: 200515-A-YH536-1001
• Resolution: 843x843
• Size: 145.31 KB
• Location: FORT RILEY, KS, US