The U.S. Air Force Celebrates Its 70th Birthday
I want to wish a very happy belated 70th birthday to the United States Air Force. As conflicts have changed over time, American airpower has helped to save countless lives and has contributed greatly to our military might.
The photo slideshow below includes some stunning images of the Air Force in action.
All photos courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. Each image is available for download and can be accessed through the following hyperlinks: Image one, Image two, Image three, Image four, Image five, Image six, Image seven, Image eight.
Two years after World War II ended, the United States Air Force became an official branch of the United States military. On September 18, 1947, President Harry S Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 and the Department of the Air Force was created. Prior to that, the Air Force was a component of the U.S. Army.
The Army Air Corps flew more than 2.3 million missions during World War II. (Photo: armyaircorps.us)
18 members of the U.S. Air Force have been awarded the Medal of Honor since the service became an official branch in 1947. 14 of those decorations were presented to individuals for actions completed in the Vietnam War. The other four recipients were awarded the United States military's highest decoration for valor in the Korean War.
Like all of our branches of the armed forces, the U.S. Air Force represents the American spirit with the highest degree of skill and honor. Whatever the future holds for the world and our country, the Air Force will be prepared to meet any foe or challenge.