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

  • Fairchild C-119J Flying Boxcar

    Satellite CatcherThis C-119J Flying Boxcar made the world’s first mid-air recovery of an object returning from space. In August 1960, it caught the Discoverer XIV satellite using recovery gear lowered from the open rear door. This mechanism snagged the satellite’s parachute, and a winch slowly

  • Eddie Rickenbacker Dog Tag

    Note: This item is currently in storage.Commander of the "Hat-in-Ring" 94th Aero Squadron, Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker was a World War I American fighter ace. He had the most aerial victories of all American fighter pilots during the war with 26. He also is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of

  • John Tynan’s Close Call

    Note: This item is currently in storage.On May 26, 1917, the 1st Reserve Aero Squadron was formed, becoming the nation’s first air reserve unit. Among its earliest members was Private John E. Tynan, who deployed with the squadron to Issoudun, France, in September 1917. While there, the squadron was

  • Lafayette Escadrille Pilot Watch

    Note: This item is currently in storage.This item (in its complete state with watchband) was worn by four members of the Lafayette Escadrille: Norman Prince, Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Gervais Raoul Lufbery and Charles H. Dolan Jr.The Lafayette Escadrille was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette

  • Gulfstream Aerospace C-20B

    The C-20B (civilian designation Gulfstream III) provided executive airlift to thousands of senior American leaders for more than two decades. During its long service, this aircraft carried former Presidents James E. Carter, Gerald R. Ford, George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton. It also carried

  • George C. Kenny for Mess Officer

    Note: This item is currently in storage.Caption: "Election day at the 91st Aero Squadron Airdrome at Gondreville, France, in July 1918. There was an election and demonstration in an endeavor to appoint an officer in charge of the mess for officers. George C. Kenny, 1st Lieutenant, was the candidate

  • Brig. Gen. James M. Stewart

    On March 22, 1941, Jimmy Stewart was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps as an enlisted man and stationed at Moffett Field, Calif. During his nine months of training at that base, he also took extension courses with the idea of obtaining a commission. He

  • Lt. Harold Goettler Writing Case

    Note: This item is currently in storage.This item was used by the donor’s brother, Lt. Harold E. Goettler, who was a pilot with the 50th Aero Squadron and posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor. The pages are all blank. The only handwriting present is Goettler’s name and address

  • Strategic Map of Central Europe, 1917

    Note: This item is currently in storage.This oversize map (5'9" x 4'6") published by the War College Division, General Staff of the U.S. War Department illustrates the international frontiers as recognized by the United States in 1917. The highly detailed map also depicts major shipping routes and

  • Lt. Frank Luke Writing Portfolio

    Note: This item is currently in storage.Frank Luke Jr. enlisted in the Aviation Section of the U.S. Signal Corps (A.S.S.C.) on Sept. 23, 1917. After receiving pilot training and being commissioned a Second Lieutenant, he was assigned to the 27th Aero Squadron in France. Luke was posthumously awarded