Formation of the Air Force

Early Use of Air Power

100

The first man to fly in a power-driven, heavier-than-air machine

Orville Wright

200

The first air machine

The Wright 1903 Flyer I

300

US Army Signal Corps establish the Aeronautical Division

Aug 1907

400

America's first pilot

Benjamin Floulois

500

First time the US used aircraft for a military purpose

"Pancho" Villa's attack of Columbus, New Mexico

WWI

100

World War I began

1914

200

Number of aircrafts suitable for combat out of 55 total aircrafts

None

300

He provided America a glimpse of its future in the air

General William "Billy" Mitchell

400

A service officially recognized by the War Department

Air Service, US Army

500

America's most valuable resource

Personnel (People)

The 1920s & 1930s

100

Formerly known as Air Service

Air Corp

200

An idea championed by Gen William Mitchell that came into fruition

Independent Air Force

300

He championed airpower even after getting relieved of duty with a demotion

Gen William Mitchell

400

Resources Air Service relied on the Army for

Bases, logistic and supply support

500

The first Boeing aircraft to take part in joint Army Navy maneuvers off the pacific coast

Y1B17 (Flying Fortress)

WWII

100

US entered World War II

December 1941

200

Founder of the American strategic air war concept

Gen "Hap" Arnold

300

Longer-range fighters designed and built in 4-months that replaced bombers.

P-51 “Mustang”

400

Ended the war in the pacific

Dropping of nuclear weapons in Japan

500

Two Japanese cities bombed using blockbuster and incendiary bombs

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

USAF

100

Created the Department of the Air Force

The National Security Act of 1947

200

Head of the United States Air Force

Chief of Staff

300

The first Secretary of the Air Force

W. Stuart Symington

400

USAF's first Chief of Staff

Gen Carl A. Spaatz

500

Airman's Creed

I am an American Airman.

I am a Warrior.

I have answered my Nation's call.

I am an American Airman.

My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.

I am Faithful to a Proud Heritage,

A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor.

I am an American Airman.

Guardian of Freedom and Justice,

My Nation's Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger.

I defend my Country with my Life.

I am an American Airman.

Wingman, Leader, Warrior.

I will never leave an Airman behind,

I will never falter,

And I will not fail