Air Force Historical Research Agency Welcome to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Legacy Vault

DAF Legacy Vault

We are excited to announce the development of a new digital space dedicated to showcasing the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) official archival records. This project highlights the rich and storied history of both the Air Force and Space Force, featuring historical records, artifacts, photographs, audio recordings, video documentation, and archival finding aids.

Although the page is currently under construction, our team is actively working to ensure it becomes a comprehensive and accessible resource for historians, researchers, veterans, and enthusiasts. We aim to make these valuable materials readily discoverable for those seeking insights into the DAF's contributions to our nation's history.

This initiative underscores our commitment to preserving and sharing the official ephemera of the Airmen and Guardians who have shaped the legacy of the skies and beyond. Updates will follow as the project progresses, and we look forward to unveiling more resources soon!

DAF History Publications

The Battle Against the U-Boat in the American Theater: December 7, 1941-September 2, 1945
The text details the U.S. Army Air Forces’ pivotal role in combating the German U-boat menace in the American Theater during World War II. It describes how, from 1941 to 1943, AAF units adapted their long-range patrol aircraft—initially designed for strategic bombing—to undertake antisubmarine missions, often in close coordination with the U.S. Navy and civilian patrol groups. The text explores the evolution of tactical methods and technological innovations such as microwave radar, depth charges, magnetic anomaly detectors, and improved navigational aids that significantly enhanced submarine detection and engagement. It also highlights interservice challenges, organizational reconfigurations, and the overall impact of these efforts, which contributed to turning the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic by reducing the effectiveness of German submarine operations.

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Photo by: Richard P. Hallion |  VIRIN: BATTLE AGAINST U-BOAT.PDF