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

Last Flight From Saigon
This document provides a detailed account of the final days of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, focusing on the execution of Operation FREQUENT WIND, the largest aerial evacuation in history. It describes how Tan Son Nhut Air Base became the central hub for airlift operations despite repeated rocket attacks, detailing how evacuation flights transitioned from fixed-wing aircraft like the C-130 and C-141 to helicopters as enemy forces closed in. The report highlights critical leadership roles played by Major General Homer Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bean, and Brigadier General Richard Carey, who managed the logistics of moving thousands of personnel, including U.S. citizens, South Vietnamese allies, and third-country nationals. It also examines the final extraction from the U.S. Embassy rooftop, the strategic use of aircraft carriers such as the USS Midway for helicopter recovery, and the intense ground security efforts by Marine forces to maintain order amid collapsing defenses. The study concludes with a reflection on the operational success of the evacuation, the challenges faced in coordinating air and sea routes, and the broader implications of the withdrawal for U.S. military strategy.

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Photo by: Lt. Col. A.J.C. Lavalle |  VIRIN: LAST_FLIGHT_FROM_SAIGON.PDF