On This Day in History

1955:    Over Edwards AFB, the X-1A rocket research plane explodes on its B-29 carrier and is jettisoned to destruction. NACA pilot Joe Walker escapes safely.

1990:    Operation DESERT SHIELD. In response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the US military deploys to protect Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression and to liberate Kuwait.

1955:    China releases crew of Special Ops B-29 “The Stardust 40”, captured on 13 Jan 1953 and held longer than any other POWs in Korean War.

1981:    Directed by President Reagan, USAF air traffic controllers man civilian airport facilities in the US to replace striking civilian controllers.  

1987:    The 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing from Tinker AFB completes its 5,000th mission for the Elf One deployment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Elf One began on 1 October 1980, when the war between

1943:    Operation TIDAL WAVE-Ploesti Raid. Five Medals of Honor were received for Ploesti, three posthumously, more than for any other mission in WW II: Baker, Hughes, Jersterd, Johnson, and Kane.    

1952: PROJECT HOP-A-LONG. Two MATS Sikorsky UH-19B helicopters complete the first trans-Atlantic helicopter flight. They touch down five times en route between Westover Field and Prestwick, Scotland.

1943: For valorous action this date John C. “Red” Morgan receives Medal of Honor, presented by Lt Gen Ira Eaker. Citation: http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2899/morgan-john-c.php

1953: KOREAN WAR ENDS. UN and Communist representatives sign an armistice at Panmunjom. In the conflict USAF casualties number 1,729.

1947:  President Truman signs the National Security Act, which establishes the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, the CIA, and the US Air Force.