The National Security Act of 1947 established the United States Air Force as a separate military branch. The Signal Corps was established as the first aeronautical force in the United States, becoming an official branch of the Army in 1863. They provided visual communications from aerial balloons during the Civil War. The United States Air Force is now the second youngest branch of United States. We hope the stories below inspire you to dig deeper and learn more about the history of the United States Air Force.
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FEATURED VETERANS:
RICHARD RENKAS: Vietnam War Translator
U.S. Air Force Airman Richard Renkas served as a translator in Asia during the Vietnam War. He used his language skills to triangulate locations of enemy locations and sent those to the bombers back at base.
BOB WEINER: World War II & Korean War Ground Control Operator
Army Air Corps Corporal Bob Weiner served as a ground control operator in Alaska during World War II and the Korean War. He helped planes land in dangerous situations using radar.
DR. WILLIAM E. FISHMAN: Korean War Captain & Flight Surgeon
US Air Force Dr. William E. Fishman served as a Captain and Flight Surgeon in Europe during the Korean War. He studied the physiological impacts of rapid changes in altitude and other effects of flying on aviation personnel.
ELLIOTT ROSENBERG: World War II B-24 Pilot
Army Air Corps 1st Lieutenant Elliott Rosenberg served as a B-24 pilot during World War II. In completing 35 combat missions he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
PAUL HILL: World War II Armament Technician
Army Air Corps Corporal Paul Hill served as an armament technician for B-24, B-29, and prop planes during World War II. He was trained to fix all the armament on the planes he flew on.
RAY BROWN: World War II Aerial Gunner
Ray Brown served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew 14 missions out of Italy as an aerial gunner. He was shot down and was a POW at Stalag 4 and walked 630 miles after his liberation.
KAY AKINS: Vietnam War Supply Specialist
Air Force E5 Kay Ann Akins served in supply during the Vietnam War in both the U.S. and Taiwan. She went on to further serve in the Illinois Air National Guard, retiring as an E8. The camaraderie is something she misses to this day.
AMELIA CUNNINGHAM: Korean War Personnel Specialist
Air Force A/1C Amelia Cunningham served as a morning report clerk and personnel specialist during the Korean War. She encourages people to join the military to explore their options and learn their strengths.
