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Heritage

The Heritage section is dedicated to the former Airmen who developed the independent Air Force and continue its evolution into cyberspace. The subsections provide an overview of important people and milestones. The data has biographical profiles and citations for Medal of Honor recipients along with spotlights featuring important dates in Air Force heritage. The people, events and equipment of the past are integral to understanding the future.

This Week in History

February 10, 1908
Capt. Charles S. Wallace signed the first Army airplane contract with the Wright Brothers for the Signal Corp. Augustus M Herring and James F. Schott also received contracts, but both failed to produce planes.

February 10, 1933
Maj. Hugh J. Knerr developed the concept of establishing four provisional air transport squadrons, one at each air depot, to haul equipment and materiel between airfield and the depots as well as transport troops on maneuvers.

February 10, 1947
Maj. E. M. Cassell set an unofficial helicopter altitude record of 19,167 feet in a Sikorsky R-5A at Dayton, Ohio.

February 10, 1952
Maj. George A. Davis Jr, while leading a flight of three F-86 Sabre jets, engaged 12 enemy MiG-15s. After shooting down two enemy fighters and completely disrupting the enemy formation, a MiG-15 shot him down and killed him. For engaging superior forces and shooting down enemy aircraft, he received the Medal of Honor. Major Davis also became the first Air Force ace in two wars, World War II and Korea.

More Milestones

Medal of Honor Tribute

Medal of Honor Receipients

Heritage News

Operation Homecoming for Vietnam POWs marks 40 years

New issue of Airman magazine hits newsstand  2

Former 'dirt boy' retires as Air Force's top enlisted Airman

Secretary Donley nominated for Order of the Sword  3

Retired officer describes personal impact of King's ideals

CMSAF ceremony to stream live on AF.mil  1  |  VIDEO

AF's highest ranking African-American shares ties to civil rights movement  2

Schriever plays part in new Smithsonian exhibit

Air Force Fire Chief leaves legacy of service  1

Kunsan AB, Hurlburt Field Airmen unite to spread holiday cheer

Spotlights

Berlin Airlift

Project Score

Navaho X-10

Inside AF.mil

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