On This Day in History

  2004: Formal groundbreaking and site dedication of the United States Air Force Memorial is held in Arlington, VA.

2006:    Chief of Staff Gen T. Michael Moseley selects the name “Reaper” for the new MQ-9 hunter-killer UAV.

    1943:    The 52nd Troop Carrier Wing uses 80+ troop transports to drop 1,200 paratroopers on Italy’s Salerno Beach, with no losses of planes or men.

1918:      Thru 15 Sep Colonel William “Billy” Mitchell leads 1,481 planes in the St. Mihiel offensive.

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.