Creativity isn’t just found in art galleries—it’s found in the skies.

From bold aircraft designs to the personal artwork that told a crew’s story, creativity has long been part of Air Force history. This May, explore how art, culture, and innovation come together at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force as part of the America 250-Ohio Ohio Creates theme.

Early Years Gallery

• “High Flight” — Written by American aviator John Gillespie Magee Jr. during World War II, High Flight captures the exhilaration and awe of flight in just a few lines. The sonnet remains a favorite among aviators and astronauts and is still recited by U.S. Air Force Academy cadets today.
• French Silk Pennants — These delicate silk pennants were handmade by French women and presented to American squadrons serving in France during World War I. Each one reflects a personal gesture of gratitude and a lasting bond between allies.
• Service Flags and Pins — Service flags have long been displayed by families with loved ones in the military, symbolizing both pride and sacrifice. Each star represents someone serving, making these simple designs deeply personal expressions of support during wartime.
• Quest for Higher Speeds — Early Air Service racing aircraft didn’t always win competitions, but they played a critical role in testing new ideas. Innovations proven in these high-speed designs were later applied to pursuit aircraft, helping shape the future of military aviation.

Kettering Hall

• WWII Aviator Jackets — During World War II, many Army Air Forces aviators personalized their leather A-2 flight jackets with painted unit insignia, aircraft artwork, or designs of their own. These jackets became a visual record of identity, service, and pride.
• “Fabric of the Air Force” — Created to mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, this quilt is made up of 100 handmade squares from installations around the world. Each piece contributes to a larger story of shared service and connection.
• First Flight Mural — Composed of more than 163,000 ceramic tiles, this mural depicts the Wright brothers’ historic first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Each tile contributes to a larger picture of one of aviation’s most defining moments.

World War II Gallery

• Disney Pins on Wings — During World War II, Walt Disney Studios created more than 1,200 insignia designs for military units and organizations. The work was donated entirely free of charge, giving units a unique identity during the war.
• Luftwaffe General Staff Oil Painting — Painted in Germany around 1941, this oil painting offers a glimpse into how military leadership was portrayed during World War II. It later became part of the historical record preserved in the United States.
• Maj. Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Band — In 1942, Glenn Miller disbanded one of the most popular orchestras in America to join the Army Air Forces. His music became a defining part of the wartime experience, lifting spirits both at home and overseas.
• “Sending U.S. Pilot to Hospital” — This painting by Professor Zhang Renyuan depicts Chinese villagers carrying wounded Doolittle Raiders to medical care. It captures a moment of compassion and cooperation during a critical chapter of World War II.
• “Lady Be Good” Stained Glass Window — Originally from a chapel at Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya, this stained glass window honors the crew of the B-24 Lady Be Good, who were lost in the desert in 1943.
• Celebrities in Uniform — Among the millions who served during World War II were well-known figures from film, sports, radio, and music. Their service reflected a shared national commitment that reached across all aspects of American life.

Korean War Gallery

• Itazuke Control Tower Sign — This sign from the control tower at Itazuke Air Base in Japan is a reminder of the many missions launched from the base during the Korean War.
• Col. Dean Hess and Battle Hymn — Col. Dean Hess shared his experiences in Korea through his book Battle Hymn, later adapted into a film starring Rock Hudson. Proceeds from both helped fund an orphanage near Seoul.
• B-29 “Command Decision” Fuselage — This walk-through B-29 fuselage represents Command Decision, an aircraft credited with shooting down five MiG-15s. Its name was inspired by a 1948 film about the realities of bomber operations during World War II.

Southeast Asia War Gallery

• Bob Hope: 50 Years of Hope (online only) — For more than five decades, Bob Hope traveled around the world to entertain U.S. service members. His performances reached millions and became a lasting part of the military experience.
• 100 Mission Celebrations — Completing 100 combat missions was often marked with elaborate celebrations. These events varied by unit but typically included ceremonies, traditions, and a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
• Sawadee! The Party Suit Tradition — (online only) Originating in 1967 at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, “party suits” were colorful, unofficial uniforms worn during celebrations. What started as humor became a meaningful tradition that strengthened unit bonds.
• Hmong Story Cloth — This handmade textile tells the story of the Hmong people fleeing Laos during the war. Through stitched imagery, it preserves memory, movement, and survival.
• Search and Rescue Legacy — Combat search and rescue continues to evolve through advanced aircraft, technology, and tactics. These efforts remain central to the mission of recovering personnel in hostile environments.
• Women in the Air Force – Silhouettes — Women at the turn of the twentieth century refused to be excluded from the excitement of aviation even though it was dangerous. These early “aviatrixes” proved women had the strength and courage to conquer the sky.

Berlin Airlift

• Tech. Sgt. John H. “Jake” Schuffert — Tech. Sgt. John H. "Jake" Schuffert made a unique, valued and memorable contribution to the Berlin Airlift. Schuffert, an aircraft radio operator, volunteered to do cartooning for the Airlift Times, which was a newspaper published by the U.S. Air Force for Airlift personnel.

Cold War Gallery

• Brute Force: B-52 Nose Art (Desert Storm) — Nose art has long been a way for aircrews to personalize their aircraft. Even during Desert Storm, B-52 crews continued the tradition, adding distinctive imagery to their bombers.
• Musical Ambassadors — Air Force bands include musicians, arrangers, and audio engineers who perform around the world. Their work connects audiences to the Department of the Air Force while honoring those who have served.

Research and Development

• Alice King Chatham — The giant cement duck sculpture was made by Alice King Chatham in the 1930s. After studying fine arts at the Dayton Art Institute, Alice King Chatham was recruited by the military to work on high-altitude protective gear—bringing her artistic background into a technical field.

Air Park

• Boeing C-17 Globemaster III — A modern aircraft that’s not only operationally significant—it’s also appeared in major movies, bringing contemporary airlift into pop culture. This is the actual aircraft featured in the movies: Transformers (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Man of Steel (2013)