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

Air Power and Warfare: The Proceedings of the 8th Military History Symposium, United States Air Force Academy, 18-20 October 1978
This document provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution and application of air power in modern warfare, tracking its doctrinal and technological shifts from its early strategic bombing concepts to the advanced integrated air operations of later conflicts. It analyzes how technological innovations such as radar, jet propulsion, electronic warfare, and in-flight refueling transformed the ability to achieve air superiority and conduct precision strikes across long distances. The work discusses pivotal case studies drawn from World War II, including the development of unescorted bomber formations and the challenges of fighter escort that influenced strategic bombing campaigns, as well as lessons from subsequent conflicts where close air support, interdiction, and joint coalition operations reshaped battle dynamics. In addition, the text explores the interplay between military leadership, organizational structure, and emerging weapon systems, arguing that adaptability in doctrine and management remains critical to leveraging air power as both a deterrent and a decisive force on the modern battlefield.

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Photo by: Col Alfred F. Hurley and Maj Robert C. Ehrhart |  VIRIN: AIR_POWER_&_WARFARE.PDF