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

High Frontier: The United States Air Force and the Military Space Program
This text outlines the origins of the U.S. military space program, tracing its roots to the technological advances at the end of World War II. It highlights early recognition of space flight’s military potential, driven by developments in radar, jet propulsion, ballistic rockets, and nuclear energy. Key figures such as General Hap Arnold and Major General Curtis LeMay played significant roles in shaping early space policy, with the Air Force advocating for independent control over space operations. The work details interservice discussions, including Navy proposals for collaborative efforts, ultimately leading to foundational studies that influenced U.S. space strategy in the following decades.

Download Image: Full Size (76.19 MB)
Tags:
Photo by: Curtis Peebles |  VIRIN: HIGH_FRONTIER.PDF