Air Force Caps. Stay up to date on announcements and future exhibits. Weathermen recorded wind velocity and direction with fixed instruments and by observing and timing the flight of small hydrogen balloons. 20af.org is a project of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. ... Women in World War II Books; World War II Books; Collectibles . Military and civilian men and women came from miles around to join Debden airmen for popular monthly payday dances. It also records the memories of the British people who befriended them. This building is called a "Nissen hut," named after Canadian engineer Lt. Col. Peter N. Nissen, who designed them in World War I. The Fieseler Fi 103, better known as the V-1 Buzz Bomb, was a Nazi terror weapon meant to inspire fear in civilian populations and draw military resources away from the battlefront in order to defend against it. A New Generation of Weapons On escort missions, fighter groups arranged themselves above, in front of and to each side of their bombers, with still more fighters some miles out in the direction of the sun to forestall attacks from out of the sun's glare. Tactical units moved their planes and bases forward with Allied armies as they liberated France and invaded Germany. The CAF So Cal Wing is looking to increase support for our Wing’s Museum from the public. COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WING. 20th Air Force. Re-designated 2nd Air Force early in 1941, it served as both an air defense and a training organization during 1941. The shelters sat outside near the control tower weather office. A MEMORIAL GARDEN that honours the deceased men and women that served in the Air Force, as well as members of the No. The RAF's American "Eagle Squadrons" joined the U.S. 8th Air Force in 1942 as Debden, known as "The Eagles' Nest," became the 4th Fighter Group's base. Men became jumpy and jittery, the “Focke-Wulf Jitters,” or “flak happy,” became commonly used terms in the Eighth Air Force. Early in 1942 the RAF's so-called "Eagle Squadrons," based nearby and composed of American pilots, joined the Debden wing. The Weather Factor It took a team of more than a thousand people to put 48 single-seat fighters in the air consistently. Our Memorial Garden is a silent tribute to the cherished memory of our veterans. 14th Air Force. The Eighth Air Force earned the unofficial nickname 'The Mighty Eighth' in the 1970s following the publication of Roger Freeman's book 'The Mighty Eighth'. 2nd Air Force. All Accessories; Badge Holders; Bags & Packs . On 18 April 2010, 17 airworthy B-25s took off from the airfield behind the National Museum of the United States Air Force and flew over in formation to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. Occasionally, dignitaries visited Debden to see American fighter life firsthand, and entertainers like Bob Hope performed for the troops. DAYTON, Ohio -- North American B-25B Mitchell and Doolittle Raiders diorama in the World War II Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The 8th Air Force provided strategic airpower, while the 9th Air Force performed the tactical mission. Fighter Organization and Missions If they witnessed another's kill, they gave supporting statements. (U.S. Air Force photo) … In late 1942 the Eagle Squadrons came under U.S. command and became the 4th Fighter Group. The Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, ID, has historic Warbirds, war planes & personal memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Vietnam & Korea on display. After debriefing, they might check the next day's flying roster and watch yesterday's gun-camera film. Whether you are planning a family outing or an educational field trip, our Southeastern Michigan Air Museum is the perfect destination. American Air Forces in England A typical fighter group used 48 aircraft in three squadrons of 16 fighters each. Part of the Nissen Hut display includes the original "Belly Tank" enlisted men's bar from the Debden airbase during WWII. The Second Air Force was constituted as Northwest Air District on 19 October, 1940, and activated on 18 December 1940. At its most active, Debden housed about 1,700 Americans. After WWII, Debden reverted to the RAF. An escort pilot's typical day began about 4 a.m. with a quick wash and shave, dressing and breakfast of powdered eggs, toast, coffee and juice. A LIBRARY of books and video tapes about World War II, operational aircraft and the men who flew them. Since a complete roster of World War II Eighth Air Force veterans has never existed, the Research Center is compiling its own list known as the Veterans’ Database. This building is closed indefinitely. Both organizations had many bases, and thousands of American airmen lived and worked in more or less temporary structures like the "Nissen huts" on display at the museum. Many of the 4th's pilots stayed at the Regent Palace Hotel and frequented clubs like the Red Cross' alcohol-free Eagle Club or the Crackers Club, where spirits flowed. The P-47 could carry a large load of bombs and rockets, plus a devastating package of eight .50-cal. The mainstay of ground attack fighters was the hulking, durable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Many jobs contributed to the mission and made the Debden base essentially a small town of its own. On most escort missions, a few spare fighters followed the group to replace anyone who had to turn back before crossing into hostile territory. Unsurprisingly, Swiss craftsmanship reportedly made the Swiss-built Jungmeisters the best-built planes, and the Swiss Air Force’s were the best maintained. Their service and sacrifices shall never be forgotten. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum who have passed on. The museum’s example was manufactured under license to Switzerland in 1940 for the Swiss Air Force.