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

USAF Southeast Asia Monograph Series, Volume III, Monographs 4 and 5: The Vietnamese Air Force, 1951-1975: An Analysis of Its Role in Combat and Fourteen Hours at Koh Tang
This text comprises two monographs from the USAF Southeast Asia Monograph Series. The first, The Vietnamese Air Force, 1951-1975, authored by General William W. Momyer, offers a critical analysis of the development, operations, and limitations of the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) during key phases of the Vietnam War, emphasizing its performance during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the 1972 Easter Offensive, and the 1975 collapse. It highlights issues such as inadequate centralized command, limited aircraft capabilities, and the impact of U.S. airpower withdrawal. The second monograph, Fourteen Hours at Koh Tang by Captain Thomas D. Des Brisay, recounts the intense 1975 rescue mission of the SS Mayaguez crew, focusing on the perilous helicopter operations and the valor of USAF personnel during the assault and extraction under heavy fire on Koh Tang Island. Together, the works provide a vivid study of airpower’s tactical and strategic roles in Southeast Asia.

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Photo by: Major A.J.C. Lavalle |  VIRIN: VIETNAMESE_AF_1951-1975 - 2.PDF