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  • OSI Civilian Attire

    OSI modeled its civilian attire after the FBI. This suit and hat were typical special agent attire in the 1960s. Modern OSI clothing includes items like the "raid jacket." It appears to be a normal denim jacket, but it has hidden flaps that can be pulled out to identify the wearer as a government

  • Office of Special Investigations

    Note: This Exhibit is no longer on display.The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) is the U.S. Air Force's criminal investigative service, and it plays an important role in protecting the USAF. OSI battles a wide variety of threats. Most OSI investigations focus on crimes such as

  • Operation Sun Run

    On Nov. 27, 1957, four USAF pilots of the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing successfully completed Operation Sun Run by establishing three new transcontinental speed records in a McDonnell RF-101C aircraft. The record-breaking mission showcased the speed and range of the RF-101C, an improved

  • Operation Homecoming

    The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 included provisions for exchanging prisoners of war. The plan to bring American prisoners home was called OPERATION HOMECOMING. Prisoners were to be returned to U.S. control during February and March 1973, with the longest-held generally returning first. The North

  • Optical Reconnaissance Cameras

    Air Force reconnaissance aircraft in Southeast Asia carried optical and infrared cameras. Optical cameras needed visible light to record images on film -- they could also be used at night with photoflash cartridges. Some USAF aircraft took photographs of variations in heat using infrared cameras,

  • OPERATION BOLO

    Led by Col. Robin Olds, OPERATION BOLO used a brilliant deception tactic that destroyed half of the North Vietnamese MiG-21 fighter force, with no USAF losses.In late 1966, the USAF was not permitted to bomb North Vietnamese airfields and could only destroy enemy fighters in the air. Complicating

  • OPERATION NIAGARA: A Waterfall of Bombs at Khe Sanh

     "From the beginning until the 60th day [the 60th day of the siege at Khe Sanh] B-52 bombers continually dropped their bombs in this area with ever growing intensity and at any moment of the day. If someone came to visit this place, he might say that this was a storm of bombs and ammunition which

  • On the Offensive, 1964-1969

    The Gulf of Tonkin Crisis in August 1964 triggered a steady buildup of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia. To respond more quickly to the growing demands for air support, the USAF began using jet-powered B-57, F-4, F-100 and F-105 aircraft for close air support missions. At night, the Air Force's more

  • Oxtail Club

    Treated, lathed oxtail club used by a German guard who was herding Jews at Dachau. It was taken from the guard at liberation by John Bird.Click here to return to the Holocaust Exhibit Overview.

  • Operation Kiddy Car

    The poverty and hardship of war orphaned many helpless Korean children, and Fifth Air Force Airmen in Seoul decided to unofficially feed and shelter them. Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Russell L. Blaisdell, Lt. Col. Dean Hess and others organized relief for the children. Blaisdell saved many orphans