In support of an official event 

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Fourth Hangar will be closed Saturday, May 24

Access to the Presidential Gallery will be limited from May 15 to June 5
 

Fact Sheet Alphabetical List

Fact Sheet Search

  • Early USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    The first USAF missions in the Southeast Asia War were reconnaissance flights. These top-secret flights confirmed communist activity in South Vietnam and Laos and led to greater U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.A camera-equipped C-47 flew the first missions until it was shot down by anti-aircraft

  • Eyes and Ears in the Sky: USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

    Knowing an enemy's location, activities, intentions and resources has always been important for successful military operations. In the Southeast Asia War, the U.S. Air Force kept a close watch on the enemy and provided critical intelligence through aerial photography and intercepting enemy signals.

  • Rescue of Bat 21

    In one of the most difficult rescues of the war, Lt. Col. Iceal "Gene" Hambleton was recovered from enemy territory after 11 1/2 days on the ground. This was the largest rescue operation in USAF history. On April 2, 1972, 53-year-old navigator Lt. Col. Hambleton was the only crewmember to safely

  • Blinding the Enemy: EB-66 Electronic Warfare over North Vietnam

    Unarmed Douglas EB-66 electronic warfare aircraft detected and jammed enemy air defense radars. Though small in number, EB-66s and their crews remained in high demand as part of the total strike package in bombing missions against North Vietnam.The North Vietnamese used radar signals to detect

  • Tankers at War: Air Refueling in Southeast Asia

    Refueling in flight made long-distance flying operations possible in Southeast Asia. Heavily-laden aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom and B-52 Stratofortress needed fuel on the way to and from their targets. Getting gas from tankers allowed them to carry maximum bomb loads, and search

  • Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger

    Born in 1944 in Piqua, Ohio, William H. Pitsenbarger was an ambitious only child. He wanted to quit high school to join the U.S. Army Special Forces' "Green Berets," but his parents convinced him to stay in school. After graduating in 1962, Pitsenbarger joined the Air Force.A1C Pitsenbarger learned

  • Combat Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia

    During the war in Southeast Asia, the U.S. Air Force's air rescue improved dramatically. Beginning in 1962 with just three officers and three enlisted Airmen at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, the mission grew into powerful teams with astounding capabilities for rescuing downed aircrew deep in

  • River Rats

    The Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association was formed in Thailand in 1967 to improve tactics and coordination among aircrews flying over North Vietnam. Rich in tradition, it grew into a fraternal organization which has lasted far beyond the Southeast Asia War.Early in 1967, Col. Robin Olds, 8th

  • Brig. Gen. Robin Olds: Combat Leader and Fighter Ace

     Brig. Gen. Robin Olds' hallmarks were boldness, courage and leadership. A World War II ace and Air Force Cross recipient, he gained widespread fame and respect as the aggressive commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Southeast Asia War. Robin Olds grew up amongst military aviators

  • Tracking the MiGs: EC-121 Airborne Early Warning

    EC-121s played a key role by monitoring airborne North Vietnamese MiGs and guiding USAF fighters to intercept them. Orbiting securely outside the border, EC-121 crews used the aircraft's radar and enemy radio communications to detect and locate MiGs within North Vietnamese airspace. These operations