On This Day in History

1981:   Via National Security Decision Directive 12 (signed October 1st), President Reagan reverses several of President Carter’s defense decisions including ALCM, B-1B, and the MX missile,  to support force modernization.

Video:          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68-Y9dGQcs 1947:   The first flight of North American’s prototype F-86 Sabre (XP-86) at Muroc Dry Lake.

1924: US Army Air Service crews achieve the first round-the-world flight in 175 days, covering over 27,553 miles. Two of the four modified Douglas DT-2s that started the flight, the Chicago and the New Orleans, complete

2005:   The 1st C-130 combat mission by an all-female crew is flown from a forward location in Southwest Asia, with 151 Marines and equipment.  

1918:   Between this date and 1 October, Air Service pilots shoot down 74 German aircraft and 15 balloons.

1918:   For valorous service this date Lt Edward V. Rickenbacker receives the Medal of Honor. (issued 12/31/1931). Citation: http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2580/rickenbacker-edward-v.php

1964:   President Lyndon B. Johnson presents aviation’s highest honor, the Robert J. Collier Trophy, to Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, who designed and developed the A-11 (SR-71). Ten days earlier, Johnson also

1938:   Maj Gen Oscar Westover, the Chief of the Army Air Corps, dies in an airplane crash near Lockheed Airport, Burbank. He is succeeded by B Gen Henry H. “Hap” Arnold.

1957:   Chief  of Staff General Thomas D. White announces that radar units could detect ICBMs at 3,000 miles.

1958:   The Royal Air Force receives its first Thor missile at Feltwell, England under the operation known as Project Emily.