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 United States Air Force and the Culture of Innovation
"The United States Air Force and the Culture of Innovation, 1945–1965" explores how the Air Force fostered technological advancement through systems management and institutional reform during the early Cold War. The study examines the interplay between military needs, scientific expertise, and industrial collaboration—highlighting key programs like ballistic missile development and real-time computer systems. It details how figures such as General Bernard Schriever and organizations like the Air Research and Development Command (ARDC) shaped a culture that prioritized rapid innovation, often bypassing traditional bureaucratic constraints. The book underscores both the successes and challenges of this approach, offering insight into how the Air Force became a driver of postwar technological progress.

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Photo by: Stephen B. Johnson |  VIRIN: CULTUREOFINNOVATION.PDF