Airpower History Flashcards
Consisting of 11 aircraft, 14 flying officers, and 39 enlisted mechanics by October 1912, what is the
oldest squadron in the USAF?
1st Aero Squadron
Who were the first three American enlisted pilots?
Burge, Lamkey, and Ocker
What was a significant step toward the establishment of the Army Air Service?
The passage of U.S. House Resolution 5304, the bill authorized the Signal Corps to establish an aviation section.
With the onset of World War I, how many additional squadrons were formed to complement the
longstanding 1st Aero Squadron?
24
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?
Edward V. Rickenbacker
Who was the first African American Pilot who wore the title of “The Black Swallow of Death”?
Eugene Bullard
What aviator coined as the “Father of the USAF” demonstrated his superior leadership by sinking
the German battleship Ostfriesland?
William Mitchell
Which Chief of Staff of the Air Force launched the Question Mark mission in 1929 that showcased
the capability and potential of aerial refueling?
Carl A. Spaatz
Which General flew in the Question Mark mission and successfully demonstrated daylight bombing
campaigns against Germany?
Ira C. Eaker
When was the US Army Air Forces established?
20 June 1941
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?
Henry H. Arnold
What devastating event occurred on 7 December 1941 that subsequently brought the US into World
War II?
Japan attack on Pearl Harbor
What President and Executive Order abolished racial discrimination and segregation in the USAF?
President Harry S. Truman, Executive Order 9981
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?
Tuskegee Airmen
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?
Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps
What offensive during 20-25 February 1944 destroyed over 500 Luftwaffe fighters and killed 400
pilots?
Operation Argument
What enlisted member became the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 1967?
Paul W. Airey
While minor damage was made against Japanese Forces, who led the event that boosted American
morale and shocked Japanese leaders during the war?
James H. Doolittle
When, what, and who created a separate and independent Department of the Air Force?
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
Who was the first female in the USAF?
Esther McGowan Blake
The Berlin Airlift is also known as…
Operation Vittles
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.
The Korean War
The _____________ demonstrated the key capabilities of the USAF ___________ team
of engineers and enlisted aviators serving as aerial gunners and loadmasters.
Vietnam Conflict; REDHORSE
What was the purpose of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965?
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.
