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  • Enlisted Force Exhibit

        This new exhibit highlights the highly skilled, trained and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operation of the U.S. Department of the Air Force. Elements of this exhibit are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum complex. Central ExhibitEnlisted PilotsCpl. Eddie

  • Technical Sergeant Forrest L. Vosler Medal of Honor Recipient

    In a raid over Bremen, Germany, a B-17 with the 358th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, had just finished bombing its target when it was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. TSgt. Forrest Vosler, radio operator and gunner, was firing at enemy fighters when a 20mm shell exploded near his legs,

  • Staff Sergeant Henry E. Erwin Medal of Honor Recipient

    In April 1945, on a mission over Koriyama, Japan, radio operator SSgt. Henry “Red” Erwin was charged with dropping phosphorous smoke bombs to mark a target. Upon releasing the bombs, one proved faulty. It exploded while still inside the launching chute, rocketing back into the aircraft and striking

  • Technical Sergeant Ben Kuroki Distinguished Service Medal Recipient

    As the son of Japanese immigrants, Ben Kuroki had to fight for his right to enter the Armed Forces during World War II. At first, his enlistment was denied. Once accepted, he had to beg his way into combat duty. Kuroki was eventually made an aerial gunner and completed his required twenty-five

  • Enlisted Mechanics

    Keep ‘em FlyingAs the complexity of military aircraft increased between 1917 and 1942, so did the role of mechanics.Enlisted mechanics had to constantly upgrade their skills in the face of rapid technological development. A single all-purpose mechanic could no longer service everything on an

  • Sergeant First Class Harold O. Nicholls

    Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, 1918Sergeant First Class Harold O. Nicholls volunteered to serve as an observer with the 7th Balloon Company on multiple occasions. Observers rode in the balloon’s basket at a height around 1,500 ft to observe artillery fire and communicate adjustments.

  • Defenders of the Force: Security Forces

    Security Forces Airmen, commonly called defenders, ensure the safety of people, equipment, and property on U.S. Air Force bases around the world.Defenders conduct all security and police activities needed to protect air bases. They defend the perimeter, guard missiles, train military working dogs,

  • Cougar CAT II A1

    Designed to withstand explosive detonations, this Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle was used by United States Air Force explosive ordnance disposal units in Afghanistan and Syria from 2008-2019.Vehicles like this one are also used by Security Forces for base defense. The raised chassis,

  • A-1s in Southeast Asia

    Flown by the South Vietnamese (VNAF) and US Air Force during the war in Southeast Asia (SEA), the A-1 Skyraider excelled in operations including close air support and search and rescue. The single-engine propeller-driven attack aircraft, the last of its type to see combat in the USAF, excelled in

  • PRAIRIE FIRE Mission

    A top-secret joint special operations unit called the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group (SOG) conducted unconventional missions in Southeast Asia.One such operation called for US Army Green Beret SOG teams to be inserted via helicopter into Laos to observe and