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 Laos Crisis of 1959
This document provides an in-depth analysis of the September 1959 Laos crisis, detailing the geopolitical struggles following the Geneva Agreement of 1954, the rise of the Pathet Lao, and U.S. intervention efforts to prevent Communist expansion. It examines military and economic assistance programs, focusing on operations from bases such as Dhahran Air Base and Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, with logistical planning led by Admiral Felix B. Stump and Brig. Gen. John Heintges. The study outlines U.S. contingency plans, including airlift operations using C-130 transports and security measures coordinated by SEATO. Additionally, it discusses key diplomatic maneuvers involving U.N. Security Council intervention, strategic positioning of forces in Thailand, and intelligence assessments of Communist infiltration along the North Vietnamese border, revealing how American defense policy shaped regional stability efforts in Southeast Asia.

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Photo by: Dr. George F. Lemmer |  VIRIN: LAOS CRISIS 1959 CLEAN COPY.PDF