On This Day in History

2011: President George W. Bush initiates a war on terrorism and homeland-defense efforts with combat air patrols within the US under operations NOBLE EAGLE and Enduring Freedom.

1967:    A1C Duane D. Hackney (ARRS) becomes 1st living enlisted man to receive the Air Force Crossfor rescuing a pilot downed in North Vietnam jungles.

1956:    MACKAY TROPHY. At Edwards AFB, Capt Iven C. Kincheloe sets altitude record of 126,000 for manned flight in Bell X-2 rocket-powered aircraft.  

1983:    Capt Robert J. Goodman and his KC-135 from Loring escort/tow F-4 to Gander through 4 continuous refuelings, receive Mackay Trophy.

1950:    KOREAN WAR. An H-5 helicopter makes its first rescue of a U.S. pilot behind enemy lines; Lt Paul W. Van Boven saves Capt Robert E. Wayne.

1975:    USAF General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. becomes the first African-American officer to achieve four-star rank in the U.S. military.

1955:    The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker flies its maiden flight.

1942:    The VIII Bomber Command loses its first aircraft in combat when two B-17s fail to return from a strike on the Avions Potez aircraft plant at Meaulte, France.

1958:    Operation X-RAY TANGO. For rapid deployment of the Composite Air Strike Force in the Quemoy/Matsu Crisis, TAC receives a Mackay Trophy.

1952:   KOREAN WAR/SORTIE RECORD. Far East Air Forces fighter-bombers set a new 24-hour record by sending 854 Fifth Air Force sorties against Pyongyang, N. Korea.