Airpower History

Question 1

Consisting of 11 aircraft, 14 flying officers, and 39 enlisted mechanics by October 1912, what is the
oldest squadron in the USAF?

Answer 1

1st Aero Squadron

Question 2

Who were the first three American enlisted pilots?

Answer 2

Burge, Lamkey, and Ocker

Question 3

What was a significant step toward the establishment of the Army Air Service?

Answer 3

The passage of U.S. House Resolution 5304, the bill authorized the Signal Corps to establish an aviation section.

Question 4

With the onset of World War I, how many additional squadrons were formed to complement the
longstanding 1st Aero Squadron?

Answer 4

24

Question 5

Brandishing the callsign “Fast Eddie” who was known as the “Ace of Aces” and held the most awards
for American aerial victories until World War II?

Answer 5

Edward V. Rickenbacker

Question 6

Who was the first African American Pilot who wore the title of “The Black Swallow of Death”?

Answer 6

Eugene Bullard

Question 7

What aviator coined as the “Father of the USAF” demonstrated his superior leadership by sinking
the German battleship Ostfriesland?

Answer 7

William Mitchell

Question 8

Which Chief of Staff of the Air Force launched the Question Mark mission in 1929 that showcased
the capability and potential of aerial refueling?

Answer 8

Carl A. Spaatz

Question 9

Which General flew in the Question Mark mission and successfully demonstrated daylight bombing
campaigns against Germany?

Answer 9

Ira C. Eaker

Question 10

When was the US Army Air Forces established?

Answer 10

20 June 1941

Question 11

Who was the Chief of the Air Corps and later became the Commanding General of the US Army Air
Forces who under his command built the force up to nearly 2.5 million members and over 75,000
aircraft?

Answer 11

Henry H. Arnold

Question 12

What devastating event occurred on 7 December 1941 that subsequently brought the US into World
War II?

Answer 12

Japan attack on Pearl Harbor

Question 13

What President and Executive Order abolished racial discrimination and segregation in the USAF?

Answer 13

President Harry S. Truman, Executive Order 9981

Question 14

What group of Airmen led by Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. had nearly 1,000 black Americans who
destroyed 111 enemy aircraft and flew 200 escort missions over Germany and additionally prepared
the USAF to be the first of the US Armed Services to integrate?

Answer 14

Tuskegee Airmen

Question 15

What was considered one of the key movements and support agencies during World War II that
eventually mustered an incredible strength of 150,000 members that served in duties to include
topographers, medical specialists, chemists, and aircraft mechanics?

Answer 15

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps

Question 16

What offensive during 20-25 February 1944 destroyed over 500 Luftwaffe fighters and killed 400
pilots?

Answer 16

Operation Argument

Question 17

What enlisted member became the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 1967?

Answer 17

Paul W. Airey

Question 18

While minor damage was made against Japanese Forces, who led the event that boosted American
morale and shocked Japanese leaders during the war?

Answer 18

James H. Doolittle

Question 19

When, what, and who created a separate and independent Department of the Air Force?

Answer 19

26 July 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the National Security Act of 1947, which created a separate and independent Department of the Air Force

Question 20

Who was the first female in the USAF?

Answer 20

Esther McGowan Blake

Question 21

The Berlin Airlift is also known as…

Answer 21

Operation Vittles

Question 22

Which war demonstrated and created new close air support and interdiction skills that tested the
USAF until an armistice was signed that created a demilitarized zone that separated a particular
country by a four-kilometer zone.

Answer 22

The Korean War

Question 23

The _____________ demonstrated the key capabilities of the USAF ___________ team
of engineers and enlisted aviators serving as aerial gunners and loadmasters.

Answer 23

Vietnam Conflict; REDHORSE

Question 24

What was the purpose of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965?

Answer 24

To destroy the will of the North Vietnamese to fight, destroy industrial bases and air defenses, and stop the flow of men and supplies down to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, while forcing North Vietnam into peace negotiations.

Question 25

Which two operations were enacted by President Nixon to showcase USAF airpower despite a
meager ground support and showcased new technologies, specifically precision-guided munitions?

Answer 25

Operation Linebacker & Operation Linebacker II

Question 26

Who was the first enlisted Airman to posthumously receive the Air Force Cross and Medal of Honor
after his heroic efforts fighting the Viet Cong while providing medical aid under fire resulting in the
rescue of 9 members?

Answer 26

William Pitsenbarger

Question 27

Who was the enlisted Airman who despite receiving 40 shrapnel wounds to his body, rescued a
fellow Aircrew member before ultimately saving the entire crew by ejecting a 27-pound magnesium
flare with risk to his own life before it could ignite countless rounds of live ammunition?

Answer 27

John L. Levitow

Question 28

Which military training exercise started in 1975 revolutionized USAF training and is still conducted
today?

Answer 28

Red Flag

Question 29

__________ showcased the new F-117 Nighthawk and USAF airpower by ending Panamanian resistance led by Manuel Noriega on 3 January 1990.

Answer 29

Operation Just Cause

Question 30

Which operation eclipsed the Berlin Airlift as they greatest air deployment in history which
culminated in over 20,500 airlift missions, delivery of over 534,000 personnel and 542,000 tons of
cargo?

Answer 30

Operation Dessert Shield

Question 31

Which operation earned the USAF the title of equals with land and sea power after a 43-day war and
60% of 118,000 sorties that were USAF led?

Answer 31

Operation Desert Storm

Question 32

During the Soviet Union’s transition to a new nation in 1992 _________________ provided 25,000 tons of food, medicine, and other cargo to citizens.

Answer 32

Operation Provide Hope

Question 33

As a result of his bravery, ___________
was able to treat wounded military members engaged in a firefight in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia contributing to the evacuation efforts
that lasted over 18 hours.

Answer 33

Timmothy A. Wilkinson

Question 34

What heinous event marked the first time that USAF personnel were attacked by terrorism resulting
in the loss of 19 Airmen?

Answer 34

Khobar Towers

Question 35

During the War on Terror, which Operation took the fight to foreign soil which eventually resulted in
the recapture of Kandahar from Taliban forces which forced remaining terrorists underground?

Answer 35

Operation Enduring Freedom

Question 36

Who bravely risked his own life to treat wounded patients and direct
lifesaving efforts despite injuries he sustained from small arms fire and mortar bombardment, which
resulted in 10 Americans being able to get life- saving medical care.

Answer 36

Jason D. Cunningham

Question 37

Briefly describe the extraordinary actions of USAF Combat Controller and Medal of Honor recipient
John A. Chapman.

Answer 37

Chapman killed two enemy soldiers, broke enemy contact, and ultimately saved the lives of the entire rescue team with his actions.

Question 38

Who became the first and only enlisted female pilot?

Answer 38

Courtney Farley