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

Airlift and Airborne Operations in World War II
This document examines the development and execution of airlift and airborne operations during World War II, focusing on how the U.S. Army Air Forces adapted to logistical challenges and combat requirements. It explores the early reliance on civilian airline equipment, the formation of dedicated troop carrier commands, and the evolution of airborne assault tactics. The text highlights pivotal operations such as the Normandy invasion, Operation MARKET-GARDEN, and efforts in the China-Burma-India theater, emphasizing the critical role of aircraft like the C-47 Skytrain, C-46 Commando, and C-54 Skymaster. It also details specialized missions, including the supply drops over Burma and the strategic use of air transport across the Atlantic and Pacific. The document underscores how wartime innovations in air mobility reshaped military strategy, paving the way for postwar airlift capabilities and influencing future global military logistics.

Download Image: Full Size (0.18 MB)
Tags:
Photo by: Roger. E. Bilstein |  VIRIN: AIRLIFT_&_AIRBORNE_OPS_WWII.PDF