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

Makers of the United States Air Force
This document provides an expansive historical narrative tracking the pioneering efforts and technical breakthroughs that helped mold the United States Air Force. It details how early innovators such as Colonel Billy Mitchell, Major General Henry H. Arnold, and General Curtis LeMay advanced air combat and support capabilities through initiatives at Wright Field and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and later at Edwards Air Force Base. The work presents clear timelines of milestones in engine design, aerial refueling techniques, and the development of strategic airlift concepts while also highlighting the contributions of figures such as Lieutenant Colonel John R. Creighton and Sergeant First Class William E. Johnson. Detailed accounts of command and control reforms and the integration of new technologies illustrate how decisive leadership and technical ingenuity laid the foundation for the modern air power capability of today.

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Photo by: John L. Frisbee |  VIRIN: MAKERS_OF_THE_USAF.PDF