DOCSLIB.ORG

2010-Fall.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

FALL 2010 - Volume 57, Number 3 WWW.AFHISTORICALFOUNDATION.ORG The Air Force Historical Foundation Founded on May 27, 1953 by Gen Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS and other air power pioneers, the Air Force Historical All members receive our exciting and informative Foundation (AFHF) is a nonprofi t tax exempt organization. Air Power History Journal, either electronically or It is dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and on paper, covering: all aspects of aerospace history appropriate publication of the history and traditions of American aviation, with emphasis on the U.S. Air Force, its • Chronicles the great campaigns and predecessor organizations, and the men and women whose the great leaders lives and dreams were devoted to fl ight. The Foundation • Eyewitness accounts and historical articles serves all components of the United States Air Force— Active, Reserve and Air National Guard. • In depth resources to museums and activities, to keep members connected to the latest and AFHF strives to make available to the public and greatest events. today’s government planners and decision makers information that is relevant and informative about Preserve the legacy, stay connected: all aspects of air and space power. By doing so, the • Membership helps preserve the legacy of current Foundation hopes to assure the nation profi ts from past and future US air force personnel. experiences as it helps keep the U.S. Air Force the most modern and effective military force in the world. • Provides reliable and accurate accounts of historical events. The Foundation’s four primary activities include a quarterly journal Air Power History, a book program, a • Establish connections between generations. biennial symposium, and an awards program. Fall 2010 - Volume 57, Number 3 WWW.AFHISTORICALFOUNDATION.ORG Features Sixty-Five Years On: Plans and Strategy to Defeat Japan in World War II Herman S. Wolk 4 The Tuskegee Airmen in Combat Daniel L. Haulman 14 Highball! Missiles and Trains Steven A. Pomeroy 22 From Spurs to Wings: A Memoir T.R. Milton 34 Book Reviews Disaster in Korea: The Chinese Confront MacArthur By Roy E. Appleman Review by Curtis H. O’Sullivan 52 The German Army Handbook of 1918 Intro By James Beach Review by Golda Eldridge 52 A Magnificent Disaster: The Failure of Market Garden, The Arnhem Operation, September 1944 By David Bennett Review by Mark R. Condeno 52 Carrier Operations in World War II By J. D. Brown Review by Curtis H. O’Sullivan 53 Wolfram von Richthofen: Master of the German Air War By James S. Corum Review by Joe McCue 53 Realizing the Dream of Flight: Biographical Essays in Honor of the Centennial of Flight, 1903-2003 Ed. By Virginia Dawson and Mark Bowles Review by Joseph Romito 54 Remembering the Space Age: Proceedings of the 50th Anniversary Conference Ed. by Steven J. Dick Review by Grant T. Weller 54 Pentagon 9/11 By Alfred Goldberg, et al. Review by Earl W. Burress 55 The Lions of Iwo Jima: The Story of Combat Team 28 and the Bloodiest Battle in Marine Corps History By Fred Haynes and James Warren. Review by Mark R. Condeno 55 Hell in An Loc:The 1972 Easter Invasion and the Battle That Saved South Vietnam By Lam Quang Thi Review by Gary Lester 56 Jerrycan: 70 Years Old and Still in Service By Philippe Leger Review by Daniel J. Simonsen 56 Military Transformation Past and Present:Historical Lessons for the 21st Century By Mark D. Mandeles Review by David Schepp 57 DC–3: A Legend in Her Time: A 75th Anniversary Photographic Tribute By Bruce McAllister Review by Scott A. Willey 57 The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War By Nicholas Thompson Review by Lawrence R. Benson 58 RAND and the Information Evolution: A History in Essays and Vignettes By Willis H. Ware Review by Rick W. Sturdevant 58 NATO’s Gamble: Combining Diplomacy and Airpower in the Kosovo Crisis, 1998-1999 By Dag Henriksen Review by Stan VanderWerf 59 Hubert R. Harmon: Airman, Officer, Father of the Air Force Academy By Phillip S. Meilinger Review by John G. Terino, Jr. 60 Departments Reader’s Forum : Reflections on the Balkan Air Wars 46 Editor’s Note: Lavelle Told the Truth 50 Books Received 61 From the President 62 News, Reunions, In Memoriam, and History Mystery 64 COVER: A Minuteman missile takes off during a test launch. The Air Force Historical Foundation The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation Fall 2010 Volume 57 Number 3 Publisher Alfred F. Hurley Editor Jacob Neufeld Technical Editor Robert F. Dorr Air Force Historical Foundation Book Review Editor P.O. Box 790 Scott A. Willey Clinton, MD 20735-0790 Layout and Typesetting (301) 736-1959 Richard I. Wolf Advertising E-mail: [email protected] Jim Vertenten On the Web at http://www.afhistoricalfoundation.org Circulation Officers, 2010 Board of Directors, 2010 Angela J. Bear President/Chairman of the Board and Col Kenneth J. Alnwick, USAF (Ret) Chair, Executive Committee Lt Gen Russell C. Davis, USAF (Ret) Air Power History (ISSN 1044-016X) Maj Gen Dale W. Meyerrose, USAF (Ret) CMSgt Rick Dean, USAF (Ret) is produced for Spring, Summer, Fall, and 1st Vice Chairman Maj Gen Kenneth M. DeCuir, USAF (Ret) Winter by the Air Force Historical Foun- Gen John A. Shaud, USAF (Ret) Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF (Ret) dation. 2nd Vice Chairman and Chair, Col Charles J. Gross, USAFR (Ret) Development Committee Col Richard G. Hellier, USAF (Ret) Prospective contributors should consult the Maj Gen Silas R. Johnson, Jr., USAF (Ret) Brig Gen Alfred F. Hurley, USAF (Ret) GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTORS at the back of this journal. Unsolicited manu- Treasurer and Chair, Maj Gen Silas R. Johnson, Jr., USAF (Ret) scripts will be returned only on specific Finance Committee Lt Gen Timothy A. Kinnan, USAF (Ret) request. The Editor cannot accept responsi- Lt Col Lawrence Spinetta, USAF Mr John F. Kreis bility for any damage to or loss of the man- Chair, Membership Committee Maj Gen Dale W. Meyerrose, USAF (Ret) uscript. The Editor reserves the right to Col Richard G. Hellier, USAF (Ret.) Jacob Neufeld edit manuscripts and letters. Chair, Services Committee Gen John A. Shaud, USAF (Ret) Maj Willard Strandberg, Jr., USAF (Ret) Lt Col Lawrence Spinetta, USAF Address Letters to the Editor to: Chair, Technology Committee Maj Willard Strandberg, Jr., USAF (Ret) Air Power History Maj Gen Kenneth M. DeCuir, USAF (Ret.) Col Jere Wallace, USAF (Ret) 11908 Gainsborough Rd. Publisher Potomac, MD 20854 Brig Gen Alfred F. Hurley, USAF (Ret) CORPORATE SPONSORS, 2010 e-mail: [email protected] Executive Director Lt Col Jim Vertenten, USAF (Ret) Platinum Level ($20,000 or more) Correspondence regarding missed issues Lockheed Martin Corporation or changes of address should be addressed to the Circulation Office: Gold Level ($10,000 or more) New Life Members, EADS North America Air Power History Apr. – Jul. 2010 P.O. Box 790 Brig Gen Walter Givhan, USAF (Ret) Clinton, MD 20735-0790 Telephone: (301) 736-1959 SPONSORSHIPS e-mail: [email protected] The list of Contributing Members grew Apr. – Jul. 2010 so large this issue that it exceeded the Advertising available space. The list may be found on Harris Corporation $5,000 page 65. Rockwell Collins $1,500 Jim Vertenten P.O. Box 790 Clinton, MD 20735-0790 (301) 736-1959 e-mail: [email protected] Copyright © 2010 by the Air Force Historical Foundation. All rights reserved. Periodicals postage paid at Clinton, MD 20735 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send change of address to the Circulation Office. 2 AIR POWER History / FALL 2010 From the Editor We dedicate this issue of Air Power History in memory of Herman S. Wolk, “a histori- an’s historian,” who died on May 6, 2010. The last article he wrote, “Sixty-Five Years On: Strategy to Defeat Japan in World War II,” leads off the Fall 2010 features. Typically, Herm preferred to tackle the larger issues, such as, grand strategy. His spouse and life-long part- ner, Sandy Wolk, edited the article through publication. Herm’s book, Reflections on Air Force Independence, was judged the “Best Air Power History Book for 2009.” (See page 63) A final tribute appears on page 67. A frequent contributor, Dan Haulman is known as a meticulous and dogged researcher who will devote years to track down historical facts, if necessary. In his latest article, Haulman finds the claim that in 200 escort missions the 332d Fighter Group never lost a bomber to enemy aircraft, is false. Nonetheless, despite the disadvantages, injustice, and bigotry they endured, Haulman concludes that the Tuskegee Airmen posted a most remarkable combat record in World War II. In “Highball! Missiles and Trains,” Steven Pomeroy examines the strategic, technologi- cal, and political considerations of designing a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, specifically the Mobile Minuteman ICBM. In following a “road not taken,” the author reveals the rationales motivating the advocates and opponents of mobility schemes. Readers will find interesting his discussion of the ramifications of survivability during the last years of the Cold War. T. R. “Ross” Milton’s “From Spurs to Wings,” which anchors this issue, is an extract of his fabulous yet-to-be-published memoir. Among the last of his generation, General Milton lived history, made history, and wrote history. The latter, elegantly written and adroitly observed, tracks his life through the 1930s, West Point, and flight school. And he does not flinch from “telling it like it was.” Speaking of which, can you handle the truth? If you answered yes, turn to page 56, “Lavelle Told the Truth.” Also, don’t miss the “Readers’ Forum,” a debate over the Balkan Air Wars, between Patrick Dennis and Benjamin Lambeth, beginning on page 46.
Recommended publications
  • Department of the Air Force Presentation to the Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel United States

    Department of the Air Force Presentation to the Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel United States

    DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE PRESENTATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEL UNITED STATES SENATE SUBJECT: AIR FORCE RESERVE PROGRAMS STATEMENT OF: Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III Chief of Air Force Reserve MARCH 31, 2004 NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL RELEASED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES UNITED STATES SENATE 1 Air Force Reserve 2004 Posture Statement Mr Chairman, and distinguished members of the Committee, I would like to offer my sincere thanks for this opportunity, my last, to testify before you. As of 30 Sep 03, United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) has a total of 8,135 people mobilized under Partial Mobilization Authority. These individuals are continuing to perform missions involving; Security, Intelligence, Flight Operations for Combat Air Patrols (CAPs), Communications, Air Refueling Operations, Strategic and Tactical Airlift Operations, Aero Medical, Maintenance, Civil Engineering and Logistics. The Partial Mobilization for the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is the longest sustained, large-scale mobilization in the history of the Air Force. AFR mobilizations peaked at 15,332 on April 16, 2003 during OIF with a cumulative 28,239 mobilizations sourced in every contingency supporting GWOT since September 11, 2001. Early GWOT operations driven by rapid onset events and continued duration posed new mobilization and re- mobilization challenges, which impacted OIF even though only a portion of the Reserve capability was tapped. In direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF), Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), Air Force Reservists have flown a multitude of combat missions into Afghanistan and Iraq. The 93rd Bomb Squadron is an example of one of the many units to successfully integrate with active duty forces during combat missions in OEF and OIF.
  • United States Air Force Lieutenant General Richard W. Scobee

    United States Air Force Lieutenant General Richard W. Scobee

    UNITED STATES AIR FORCE LIEUTENANT GENERAL RICHARD W. SCOBEE Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee is the Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. As Chief of Air Force Reserve, he serves as principal adviser on reserve matters to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff. As Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, he has full responsibility for the supervision of all Air Force Reserve units around the world. Lt. Gen. Scobee was commissioned in 1986 as a graduate of the Air Force Academy. He earned his pilot wings as a distinguished graduate of Euro- NATO Joint Jet Pilot training in 1987. He has served as an F-16 Fighting Falcon Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner both domestically and overseas in Germany, South Korea and Egypt. Lt. Gen. Scobee has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, two fighter wings and a numbered Air Force. Additionally, he deployed as Commander of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in 2008. Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Scobee, was the Deputy Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, where he was responsible for the daily operations of the command, consisting of approximately 70,000 Reserve Airmen and more than 300 aircraft among three numbered air forces, 34 flying wings, 10 flying groups, a space wing, a cyber wing and an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance wing. He is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours in the F-16, including 248 combat hours.
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

    Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019 No. 3 Senate The Senate met at 3 p.m. and was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- dan, as its people and government called to order by the President pro jority leader is correct. grapple with the security and humani- tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). The clerk will report the bills by tarian ramifications of the Syrian cri- f title for the second time en bloc. sis. The senior assistant legislative clerk Importantly, the legislation also in- PRAYER read as follows: cludes the Caesar Syria Civilian Pro- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- A bill (S. 28) to reauthorize the United tection Act. This provision would hold fered the following prayer: States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of accountable individuals responsible for Let us pray. 2015, and for other purposes. the senseless evils of the Assad regime Merciful God, enthroned far above all A bill (H.R. 21) making appropriations for and impose severe penalties on the en- other powers, we need You to exercise the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and tities that support them. for other purposes. Your might for our Nation during this We will vote later today on whether challenging season. As we wrestle with A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 1) making fur- ther continuing appropriations for the De- or not Members of this body believe the stalemate of this partial govern- partment of Homeland Security for fiscal these issues should be addressed.
  • 307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    1 307TH BOMB WING www.307bwassoc.org B-47 KC-97 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NUMBER 50 For all former members of the 307th Bomb Wing at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska NOVEMBER 2006 Speaking of which, Wendy ’Column and I wish you and your families a ’Later Than You Think! memorable and joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy 2007. Keep well and start saving for Branson! deal we can get on rooms. (If we can he “ ” aka Brent reliably count on 150 couples, that Pete Todd THorn, ’letting any grass grow gives us much more clout in negotiat- under his feet as the 2008 Reunion ing contracts than 60 or 40 or a WAG.) Chairman. He and Anne have already made a recce trip to Branson and he Let me reemphasize ’request: if has kicked off the planning process you think ’ even the remotest Donations with Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. chance that you will attend the reunion We wish to acknowledge the generos- (AFRI), our professional reunion orga- in Branson, please let him know, either ity of those who have recently made nizer. The dates ’ settled on by e-mail ([email protected]) or donations to the ’General are 13-18 May, 2008. That slot looks phone (913-268-6368). There is no Fund. like an ideal compromise among obligation or commitment at this weather, show talent in town and point, simply an expression of inter- George E Davis school schedules (i.e., there ’ be est and intent. The only people he Roland England too many families with ankle-biters ’ want to hear from are those William P Johnson around).
  • Air Force Reserve Posture Statement March 3, 2020

    Air Force Reserve Posture Statement March 3, 2020

    United States Air Force Testimony Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Guard and Reserve Hearing Statement of Lieutenant General Richard W. Scobee Chief of Air Force Reserve March 03, 2020 Not for publication until released by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense UNITED STATES AIR FORCE LIEUTENANT GENERAL RICHARD W. SCOBEE Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee is the Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Va., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. As Chief of Air Force Reserve, he serves as principal adviser on reserve matters to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff. As Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, he has full responsibility for the supervision of all Air Force Reserve units around the world. Lt. Gen. Scobee was commissioned in 1986 as a graduate of the Air Force Academy. He earned his pilot wings as a distinguished graduate of Euro- NATO Joint Jet Pilot training in 1987. He has served as an F-16 Fighting Falcon Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner both domestically and overseas in Germany, South Korea and Egypt. Lt. Gen. Scobee has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, two fighter wings and a numbered Air Force. Additionally, he deployed as Commander of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in 2008. Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Scobee, was the Deputy Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, where he was responsible for the daily operations of the command, consisting of approximately 70,000 Reserve Airmen and more than 300 aircraft among three numbered air forces, 34 flying wings, 10 flying groups, a space wing, a cyber wing and an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance wing.
  • National Guard and Reserve Equipment Report for Fiscal Year 2022

    National Guard and Reserve Equipment Report for Fiscal Year 2022

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE National Guard and Reserve Equipment Report for Fiscal Year 2022 MARCH 2021 NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EQUIPMENT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 (NGRER FY 2022) (In Accordance with Section 10541, Title 10, United States Code) March 2021 Prepared by Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Reserve Integration) COL Alecia Biddison, Editor Washington, DC 20301-1500 The estimated cost of this report or study for the Department of Defense is approximately $193,000 in Fiscal Years 2020 - 2021. This includes $150,000 in expenses and $43,000 in DoD labor. Generated on 2021Feb02 Ref ID: 7-9D97E9A An electronic version of this report can be found at https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/Inside-M-RA/Reserve- Integration/Reports/ Table of Contents Chapter 1 Overview I. Introduction 1-1 II. Scope of the Report 1-2 III. Equipment Shortages 1-3 IV. Equipment Procurement 1-4 V. Reserve Component Equipping Challenges 1-6 A. Army National Guard (ARNG) 1-6 B. Army Reserve (USAR) 1-7 C. United States Marine Corps Reserve 1-7 (USMCR) D. United States Navy Reserve (USNR) 1-8 E. Air National Guard (ANG) 1-8 F. Air Force Reserve (AFR) 1-9 G. United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) 1-9 Chapter 2 United States Army Reserve Components I. Army Overview A. Army Planning Guidance 2-1 B. Army Equipping Guidance 2-1 C. Plan to Fill Mobilization Shortages in the RC 2-2 D. Initiatives Affecting RC Equipment 2-3 E.
  • Learn More About the 32 Captured Tuskegee Airmen Pows

    Learn More About the 32 Captured Tuskegee Airmen Pows

    During the Tuskegee Airmen’s years of operation from 1941 to 1949, 992 pilots were trained in Tuskegee from 1941 to 1946. 450 were deployed overseas, and 150 lost their lives in accidents or combat. The toll included 66 pilots killed in action or accidents, 84 killed in training and non-combat missions and 32 captured as prisoners of war. Lt. William Griffin of the 99th Fighter Squadron crash-landed his plane in enemy territory after it was hit by enemy fire on Jan. 15, 1944. Griffin was captured and held at Stalag Luft I until the end of the war with other prisoners of war; he is standing in the back row, fourth from the left. (Courtesy of Stalg Luft I Online) PRISONER OF WAR MEDAL Established: 1986 Significance: Recognizes anyone who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917. Design: On the obverse, an American eagle with wings folded is enclosed by a ring. On the reverse, "Awarded to" is inscribed with space for the recipient's name, followed by "For honorable service while a prisoner of war" on three lines. The ribbon has a wide center stripe of black, flanked by a narrow white stripe, a thin blue stripe, a thin white stripe and a thin red stripe at the edge. Authorized device: Multiple awards are marked with a service star. MACR- Missing Air Crew Reports In May 1943, the Army Air Forces recommended the adoption of a special form, the Missing Air Crew Report (MACR), devised to record relevant facts of the last known circumstances regarding missing air crews, providing a means of integrating current data with information obtained later from other sources in an effort to conclusively determine the fate of the missing personnel.
  • Tuskegee Airmen at Oscoda Army Air Field David K

    Tuskegee Airmen at Oscoda Army Air Field David K

    WINTER 2016 - Volume 63, Number 4 WWW.AFHISTORY.ORG know the past .....Shape the Future Our Sponsors Our Donors A Special Thanks to Members for their Sup- Dr Richard P. Hallion port of our Recent Events Maj Gen George B. Harrison, USAF (Ret) Capt Robert Huddleston and Pepita Huddleston Mr. John A. Krebs, Jr. A 1960 Grad Maj Gen Dale Meyerrose, USAF (Ret) Col Richard M. Atchison, USAF (Ret) Lt Gen Christopher Miller The Aviation Museum of Kentucky Mrs Marilyn S. Moll Brig Gen James L. Colwell, USAFR (Ret) Col Bobby B. Moorhatch, USAF (Ret) Natalie W. Crawford Gen Lloyd Fig Newton Lt Col Michael F. Devine, USAF (Ret) Maj Gen Earl G Peck, USAF (Ret) Maj Gen Charles J. Dunlap, Jr., USAF (Ret) Col Frederic H Smith, III, USAF (Ret) SMSgt Robert A. Everhart, Jr., USAF (Ret) Don Snyder Lt Col Raymond Fredette, USAF (Ret) Col Darrel Whitcomb, USAFR (Ret) Winter 2016 -Volume 63, Number 4 WWW.AFHISTORY.ORG know the past .....Shape the Future Features Boyd Revisited: A Great Mind with a Touch of Madness John Andreas Olsen 7 Origins of Inertial Navigation Thomas Wildenberg 17 The World War II Training Experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen at Oscoda Army Air Field David K. Vaughan 25 Ralph S. Parr, Jr., USAF Fighter Pilot Extraordinaire Daniel L. Haulman 41 All Through the Night, Rockwell Field 1923, Where Air-to-Air Refueling Began Robert Bruce Arnold 45 Book Reviews Thor Ballistic Missile: The United States and the United Kingdom in Partnership By John Boyes Review by Rick W. Sturdevant 50 An Illustrated History of the 1st Aero Squadron at Camp Furlong: Columbus, New Mexico 1916-1917 By John L.
  • Tuskegee Airmen Chronology

    Tuskegee Airmen Chronology

    TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY DANIEL L. HAULMAN ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY BRANCH AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY MAXWELL AFB, AL 36112-6424 24 November 2015 1 A TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY INTRODUCTION For decades after World War II, the first black pilots in American military history were relatively unknown. Americans became increasingly aware of the contributions of African Americans to their cultural heritage during and after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. By the end of the twentieth century, the “Tuskegee Airmen” had become famous in newspaper and magazine articles, books, films, television programs, and museum exhibits. Unfortunately, their story was told not only by historians using primary source documents, but also by others less familiar with history than with legend. A number of false claims circulated, many of them based on an ignorance of the chronological sequence of events that formed the skeleton of the true story. This book is an effort to provide a framework for Tuskegee Airmen history while at the same time revealing their historically significant accomplishments. Having worked at the Air Force Historical Research Agency for more than thirty-two years, I have developed an appreciation for the invaluable collection of documents on Army Air Forces organizations in World War II that is maintained there. Many of the documents describe the most famous Tuskegee Airmen organizations such as the 99th, 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons that were assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, which escorted American B-17 and B-24 bombers over Nazi targets in central Europe, its pilots flying red-tailed P-51 Mustangs.
  • Pdf 15780.Pdf

    Pdf 15780.Pdf

    FOREWARD Your Air Force Reserve is a combat- ready force, composed of more than 70,000 proud reservists, stationed locally throughout the United States, serving globally for every Combatant Command around the world. We provide our Nation with operational capability, strategic depth and surge capacity whenever America needs us. We are an integrated Total Force partner in every Air Force core mission: Air and Space Superiority, Global Strike, Rapid Global Mobility, Intelligence, Surveillance, James F. Jackson, and Reconnaissance, and Command Lt Gen, USAF and Control. In an increasingly limited fiscal environment, reservists remain efficient and cost-effective solutions to our nation’s challenges. The majority of our Citizen Airmen serve part time, making us a highly efficient force, averaging about a third of the cost of active duty Airmen. Perhaps our greatest strength is we retain ‘Airmen for life,’ preserving the considerable investments and expertise of our Airmen beyond their Cameron B. Kirksey, active duty service. In times of crisis, we Command CMSgt can call upon our strategic depth of an additional 785,000 Airmen from the Individual Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, Retired Reserve and Retired Active Duty. To meet future challenges, the Air Force Reserve works as a member of the “Total Force”, alongside active duty and Air National Guardsmen. This strong, three-component team is ready for combat or humanitarian relief operations worldwide. Since 2012, the Air Force Reserve can also be mobilized to respond to domestic requirements here at home. 01 Dual-use capabilities such as airlift, aeromedical evacuation and personnel recovery are equally valuable, both in-theater and for homeland support.
  • 307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    1 307TH BOMB WING www.307bwassoc.org B-47 KC-97 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NUMBER 46 For all former members of the 307th Bomb Wing at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska JULY 2005 How Time Flies! Where ’Gone Before ’Column To add to ’ remarks about selec- tion of future reunion site(s), ’ a the impulse to grasp every possible reminder of where ’already been hat? No, it ’ be! chance to spend time with people who and when, and how many of us attended ’got to be kidding are important to me, because it may be W each reunion. Do you have a favorite me. FORTY YEARS my last chance. ’not talking about th place? Let us know. since the 307 cased its colors? Why, my own demise, of course. I intend to most of us ’forty years old when outlive ALL of you!) The punch line? 1988 - Las Vegas - 315 that event happened. Over half the pop- Please plan on joining us in Charleston ulation of the world has been born since next year, for my sake, your sake and 1990 - Lincoln - 429 Lincoln AFB shut down as an active the sake of all your friends. SAC base. And yet, during the brief 1992 - Orlando - 209 eleven years that the wing was based at As with the last reunion, ’assigning Lincoln, bonds of friendship and cama- a little homework for next April. ’like 1994 - Seattle - 187 raderie were forged that have enabled all of you to give some thought to the this group of noble warriors to remain possible locations for the 2008 Re- 1996 - Dayton - 243 linked across those intervening years, union.
  • 307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    307Th Bomb Wing Newsletter Association

    1 307TH BOMB WING www.307bwassoc.org B-47 KC-97 ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NUMBER 71 For all former members of the 307th Bomb Wing at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska JULY 2014 President’s Column marks sums up what was required for the trophy: A Unique Combination of Units “All we did was our job”. The reunion in Shreveport, I feel, was a YOU to Robert Loffredo, our historian, The Meeks Trophy was established to be success. A good time was had by all. The for all his work over the years of stor- awarded each six month training period 307th was well represented with 2 mem- ing, shipping and receiving back of all to the 307th B-47 aircrew that completed bers from the original WWII B-24 307th, the memorabilia. Job well done, all air and ground training requirements 20+ from the B-29 era, 60 from the Cold Robert. as scheduled with the best overall record. War B-47/KC-97 units and 18 from the A mission flown during an ORIT could present day AFRC B-52 equipped 307th The banquet was also another big suc- only be considered as a tie breaker for BW. The only glitch we had was the cess. Again Jessica and her staff did a the Meeks Trophy. weather which cancelled the Thunder- wonderful job. Our speaker was Col. Every element of every mission was con- birds air show on Sunday. A few of our Jonathan “Jon” Ellis, Commander 307th sidered – mission planning, mission hardy souls did venture out on Saturday BW, who spoke on the present 307th briefings, air refueling, each navigation to see the preview show.