Courtesy Audio | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
The U.S. Air Force’s air rescue mission came into its own during the Korean War. Crews of amphibious aircraft performed spectacular rescues from North Korean rivers and off the coast, and Air Force air rescue units used helicopters to reach downed Airmen on land deep in enemy territory. Rescue crews flying modified B-29 and B-17 bombers also dropped lifeboats to Airmen downed in the ocean,......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
One important top secret mission inserted Korean agents and guerillas into North Korea under the code-name OPERATION AVIARY. “Special Air Mission” aircrews dropped hundreds into North Korea by parachute from C-46s, C-47s and B-26s. Others were inserted by C-119s, B-29s, UH-19 helicopters, SA-16 amphibians, or Air Force crash boats. These special missions demanded exceptional skill. To......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
When the Chinese began to support North Korea, the Air Force used both tactical fighters and strategic bombers for close air support, attacking vulnerable communist troops in the open, and helping to slow the enemy drive. After the front stabilized in 1951, close air support was less effective against the dug-in communists. Even so, when they left their trenches to attack, close air support......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
As you enter the Modern Flight Gallery, you will notice a distinct separation in the hangar. On the right-hand side is the Korean War exhibit, and on the left, the Southeast Asia War exhibit. The gallery is displayed a little different than the previous galleries you have visited. These exhibits are not listed chronologically, but tell a specific story in its entirety. Part of the Modern......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Although Hitler and Nazi Germany were defeated in May of 1945, the war in the Pacific would continue for another three months. It was clear that Japan was losing, but they would fight to the death to protect their homeland. In this gallery, you’ll notice some planes that were used in the Pacific Theater, including the P-47D -- one of the most famous planes in World War Two, and the A-20G......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Early in 1942, Japanese forces cut the Burma Road. For the next three years, the only means of getting supplies from India to U.S. and Allied forces in China was by air over the rugged Himalayan Mountains. Known as the “Hump”, this air route crossed some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain. Treacherous weather, freak winds and violent turbulence over mountain ranges as high as......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
The aircraft considered by many to be the best fighter during World War II was the P-51 Mustang. With its long range and high altitude capabilities, the P-51 was capable of accompanying bombers all the way to Berlin and back. This aircraft would eventually become the plane of choice for the Tuskegee Airmen. Just behind the B-24 you will find an exhibit dedicated to these courageous black......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
D-Day: June 6, 1944. It could have been a field day for a strong Luftwaffe. Thousands of ships, boats and landing craft crowded the English Channel. A dominant German air fleet could have created much havoc. However, American air power had destroyed the Luftwaffe on the air and on the ground. Before the first troops stormed the beaches, more than 1,000 B-17s and B-24s plastered German defenses......
