PLEASE SUPPORT THE ARMY AIR CORPS MUSEUM! [MORE]
Ads help support our web operation, if you would like to turn them OFF for this visit;
For decades, men of the Army Air Force fought for making the Air Forces and independent arm of the US Military. Since its inception, the AAC being subordinate to the Army, experienced tensions between levels of command, was relegated to secondary status and was in constant lower position for funding to both the Army and Navy. World War II gave men of the USAAF the prime opportunity to prove their worth and along with skilled leadership finally got their wish, an independent branch of the US Military in 1947.
Led by men like Hap Arnold, the US Air Force established their own independent identity.
In the early years the USAF was staffed by many men who had been in WWII. Many had decided upon a career in the USAF while others were recalled to service by the next conflict, Korea.
Early on, similar uniform styles remained, but the USAF seeking their own identity decided to have blue uniforms made instead of the Army olive drab wools.
The AACLM honors these men and women of the USAF past and present. Our collection and exhibits contain uniforms and materials of those who served in the both the USAAF and USAF as well those who joined after 1947 because of the call of the sky.
USAF Syllabus Flight Pilots 1963A Syllabus of Flight for Pilots 1963, USAFE Pamphlet No. 55-1-1 Pub. 1 June 1963 Open PDF
USAF Syllabus Flight Pilots 1963 A Syllabus of Flight for Pilots 1963, USAFE Pamphlet No. 55-1-1 Pub. 1 June 1963 Seventy-Five Years of Inflight Refueling Richard K. Smith, Air Force History and Museums Program, 1998, tsEN 0-1 6-049779-5, Highlights 1923-1998 Highlights and stufy of aerial refueling including problems, solutions, B-29 B-50, B-52 KC-135, KC-10. SAC, NATO, Southeast Asia, Persian Gulf War.
Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaigns Vol 1 Department of the Air Force, 1971, AFP-900-2, Volume 1, Book 1. Unit Descorations, Awards, Campaign Participation Credits: World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam: 1st Aerial Port Group Through 317th Maintenance Squadron.
Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaigns Vol1, Book2 Department of the Air Force, 1971, AFP-900-2, Volume 1, Book 2 Unit Descorations, Awards, Campaign Participation Credits: World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam: 317th Motor Vehicle Squadron through Willford Hall USAF Hospital.
HistoryThe United States Air Force (USAF) traces its origins back to the early 20th century, evolving from humble beginnings within the U.S. Army. The journey began with the establishment of the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps on August 1, 1907. This division was responsible for all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all other kindred subjects. Its creation marked the Army's initial foray into aviation, primarily focused on reconnaissance and observation missions.
The Wright brothers’ successful flights and the subsequent rapid development of aviation technology spurred military interest in aircraft. By 1914, the Aeronautical Division had transformed into the Aviation Section, still within the Signal Corps, reflecting an expanding role and the incorporation of fixed-wing aircraft. The onset of World War I catalyzed further developments. In 1918, the Aviation Section was split, forming the United States Army Air Service, which played a significant role during the war, notably in reconnaissance, air combat, and supporting ground troops.
Post-World War I, the Army Air Service was restructured and, in 1926, became the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). This period saw significant advancements in aircraft technology and an increased emphasis on air power, influenced by visionaries like General Billy Mitchell, who advocated for the potential of air warfare and an independent air force.
World War II was a pivotal period for the USAAC. In 1941, as preparations for the conflict intensified, the Army Air Forces (AAF) were established to provide more centralized control and coordination of the growing air arm of the military. The AAF played a critical role throughout the war, from strategic bombing campaigns in Europe to pivotal air support in the Pacific Theater.
The post-war period underscored the strategic importance of air power in modern warfare. Consequently, the National Security Act of 1947 was passed, leading to the creation of the United States Air Force as an independent branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on September 18, 1947. This separation from the Army marked the culmination of a decades-long evolution, recognizing the unique strategic and tactical dimensions of air power.
Since its establishment as an independent service, the USAF has continued to evolve, becoming a cornerstone of national defense, with responsibilities extending beyond traditional air operations to encompass space and cyber domains.
The early history of the United States Air Force (USAF) is characterized by its initial establishment and rapid development as an independent military branch. This period marked significant organizational changes, doctrinal developments, and early operational challenges.
On September 18, 1947, the USAF was officially established as an independent branch of the U.S. Armed Forces under the National Security Act of 1947. General Carl A. Spaatz was appointed as the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force. This separation from the Army allowed the Air Force to focus on developing its strategic, tactical, and logistical capabilities independently.
In its formative years, the USAF concentrated on establishing its organizational structure and refining its operational doctrines. The Air Force inherited a considerable amount of personnel and equipment from the Army Air Forces, necessitating a significant reorganization to streamline operations and eliminate redundancy. During this time, several key commands were established:
Strategic Air Command (SAC): Created to oversee the Air Force's strategic bomber forces, SAC was responsible for the nation's long-range nuclear strike capability. SAC played a central role in the Cold War strategy of deterrence through the threat of massive retaliation.
Air Defense Command (ADC): Tasked with protecting U.S. airspace from enemy attacks, particularly in the context of the emerging Soviet threat. ADC developed and managed air defense systems, including radar networks and interceptor aircraft.
Tactical Air Command (TAC): Formed to provide tactical air support to ground forces, TAC focused on developing and deploying fighter-bombers and close air support aircraft.
Military Air Transport Service (MATS): Established to handle the Air Force’s logistical and airlift needs, MATS was responsible for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies worldwide.
The Berlin Airlift, which began in June 1948 and continued until September 1949, was one of the first significant operations undertaken by the newly formed USAF. When the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin, cutting off all ground routes, the USAF played a crucial role in Operation Vittles, flying thousands of missions to deliver essential supplies to the isolated city. This operation demonstrated the USAF's strategic airlift capabilities and its importance in global geopolitics.
During this period, the Air Force also began to develop and integrate new technologies, such as jet aircraft. The introduction of the North American F-86 Sabre, a jet fighter, marked a significant technological advancement. The transition from piston-engine to jet-powered aircraft signaled a new era in air combat and set the stage for future innovations.
Additionally, the USAF began to build its nuclear arsenal and develop strategies for the deployment of atomic weapons. The Air Force worked closely with the Atomic Energy Commission to understand and enhance the capabilities of nuclear ordnance, recognizing the pivotal role of nuclear deterrence in national defense.
By 1950, the USAF had firmly established itself as a separate and essential branch of the U.S. military, with a clear mission and rapidly advancing technological capabilities. The foundations laid during these early years would prove crucial as the USAF faced the challenges of the Korean War and the broader Cold War in the following decades.
Do you have WWII memorabilia that you are not sure what to do with it? The children don't want it? Then let us help you preserve this history by donating these items to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. We are accepting donations in the form of uniforms, medals, ribbons, patches, photos, memorabilia, papers, gear and equipment. We also accept monetary donations to support our operations and long term plans. This website is part of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, and as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
Read about how we need your support and use donations.
Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
Are you an AAC, AAF or USAF Veteran, family member, historian or WW2 enthusiast? We Need YOU! Contact us today to see how you can help the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, a Texas Not-For-Profit Corporation. We need your help! We are looking for volunteers that can help us with the following tasks. Typing and Transcriptionists: One of our big projects is extracting data from the thousands of documents we have and putting this data into a database where we can display the information on a website such as this one. We also need assistance with retyping unit history documents.