In August 1931, the Army named the airfield in honor of Capt. Walter R. Lawson, a Georgia native who had been killed in the crash of a Martin MB-2 at McCook Field, Ohio on 21 April 1923. Lawson served with the 41st French Escadrille during World War I, had one victory, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in action.
In August 1931, the Army dedicated an airfield to Capt. Walter R. Lawson, a Georgia native who perished in a Martin MB-2 crash at McCook Field, Ohio on April 21, 1923. During World War I, Lawson served with the 41st French Escadrille, claimed one victory, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor.