Fact Sheet Alphabetical List

Fact Sheet Search

  • Cessna O-2A Skymaster

    In late 1966 the U.S. Air Force selected a military variant of the Cessna Model 337 Super Skymaster, designated the O-2, to supplement the O-1 Bird Dog forward air controller (FAC) aircraft then operating in Southeast Asia. Distinguished by twin tail booms and tandem-mounted engines, it featured a

  • Cessna O-1G Bird Dog

    The O-1G was a two-place observation and liaison aircraft developed from the commercial Cessna Model 170 in 1949. Originally designated L-19s, Bird Dogs were used by the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps for such tasks as artillery spotting, front-line communications, medical evacuation and

  • Cessna A-37 Dragonfly

    From 1964-1966, the U.S. Air Force evaluated two modified T-37 trainers, designated YAT-37Ds, as prototypes for a counter-insurgency (COIN) attack/reconnaissance aircraft to use in Southeast Asia. Following this evaluation, the USAF contracted Cessna to modify 39 T-37Bs into A-37As in 1967. Later

  • Concentration Camp Uniform

    Perhaps the rarest artifact in the Holocaust exhibit, this concentration camp uniform is one of very few still in existence. It was given to the exhibit by Jack Bomstein, whose father Moritz wore the uniform while he was imprisoned at Buchenwald.Note: Allied prisoners of war interned at Buchenwald

  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

    On Oct. 24, 1966, the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John P. McConnell, announced the creation of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) position. In April 1967 CMSgt. Paul W. Airey became first to hold that position. The CMSAF serves as personal advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Capt. Harold "Hal" Fischer: Double MiG Ace and POW

    Harold Fischer had great success as a fighter pilot in Korea, and he also endured captivity in communist China long after the end of hostilities. On his first tour in Korea, Fischer flew ground attack missions in F-80s in the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing. He stayed in the Far East and transferred to the

  • Capt. McConnell Shot Down

    “I am Harold Chitwood, First Lieutenant, USAF, and at the time Mac was shot down I was stationed at K-13 Korea. I was assigned to the 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing. We were in the same squadron; as a matter of fact we went to Korea on the plane. I happened to be flying the

  • Close Air Support: Battering from Above

    " ... The support that our tactical air has given to our ground troops in Korea has perhaps never been equaled in the history of modern war." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur, commander of U.S. and UN forces in KoreaClose air support missions destroy enemy targets close to friendly ground troops. They

  • Chosin Reservoir

    One of the most dramatic Korean airlift episodes was the supply of the 20,000 beleaguered troops of the 1st Marine and U.S. Army 7th Infantry Divisions during their harrowing retreat from the Chosin (also known as Changjin) Reservoir late in 1950. Far in front of allied lines, outnumbered, cut off

  • Capt. Lillian Kinkela Keil: Pioneering Flight Nurse

    Capt. Lillian Kinkela Keil was one of the most accomplished women in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and one of the most decorated women in American military history. Her work in aviation began in 1938 when Kinkela (later Keil), a registered nurse, was hired as one of United Airlines'