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 Army Air Forces in World War II
Commissioned during World War II and published between 1948 and 1958, The Army Air Forces in World War II is a seven-volume official history born from President Roosevelt’s directive for objective wartime documentation. Overseen by editors Wesley Frank Craven and James Lea Cate, the work emphasized strategic bombing as pivotal to Allied victory and the Air Force’s institutional independence, while reflecting the operational context, classified limitations, and prevailing strategic beliefs of its time. Though later research has revised some conclusions, the series remains a foundational and comprehensive resource on American air power during the largest aerial conflict in U.S. history.

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Photo by: Wesley Frank Craven and James Lea Cate |  VIRIN: AAF_WWII-V1.PDF