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Us Army Air Force Collection

"Flexibility in the Skies: The US Army Air Force" Step back in time to witness the remarkable feats of the US Army Air Force during World War II

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Army Aviation, College Park Aviation Field, 2nd Season - Wright Biplane, Type B... 1912

Army Aviation, College Park Aviation Field, 2nd Season - Wright Biplane, Type B... 1912. Creator: Harris & Ewing
Army Aviation, College Park Aviation Field, 2nd Season - Wright Biplane, Type B; Lt. Harry Graham, 1912. [Early test flights in Maryland. Lieutenant Graham flying Wright Brothers aircraft]

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Flexible performance of C-47 transport planes is due in part to their... Long Beach, Calif. 1942

Flexible performance of C-47 transport planes is due in part to their... Long Beach, Calif. 1942
Flexible performance of C-47 transport planes is due in part to their two 1, 200 horsepower radial engines and to their three-blade variable-pitch propellers, Long Beach, Calif

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: U.S. Army Air Forces pilot in front of a YB-17 bombing... probably Langley field, Virginia, 1942

U.S. Army Air Forces pilot in front of a YB-17 bombing... probably Langley field, Virginia, 1942
[U.S. Army Air Forces pilot in front of a YB-17 bombing airplane, probably Langley field, Virginia]

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Sunset silhouette of flying fortress, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer

Sunset silhouette of flying fortress, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
Sunset silhouette of flying fortress, Langley Field, Va. Photograph shows a B-17 bomber

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: A candid view of one of the women workers touching up... Vultees Nashville division, Tennessee

A candid view of one of the women workers touching up... Vultees Nashville division, Tennessee
A candid view of one of the women workers touching up the U.S. Army Air Forces insignia on the side of the fuselage of a " Vengeance" dive bomber manufactured at Vultees Nashville division

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: A giant of the skyways poises for flight, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer

A giant of the skyways poises for flight, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
A giant of the skyways poises for flight, Langley Field, Va. The four powerful engines of a YB-17 bomber are warmed up before a takeoff

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: One of Americas new warships of the air, a mighty YB-17 bomber... Langley Field, Va. 1942

One of Americas new warships of the air, a mighty YB-17 bomber... Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
One of Americas new warships of the air, a mighty YB-17 bomber, is pulled up at a bombardment squadron hangar, Langley Field, Va. It is all set to taxi out to a runway and take off

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Heres our mission... Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer

Heres our mission... Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
Heres our mission. A combat crew receives final instructions just before taking off in a mighty YB-17 bomber from a bombardment squadron base at the field, Langley Field, Va

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Servicing [an] A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer

Servicing [an] A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
Servicing [an] A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Lucile Mazurek, age 29, ex-housewife, husband going into... Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc. 1943

Lucile Mazurek, age 29, ex-housewife, husband going into... Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc. 1943. Creator: Howard Hollem
Lucile Mazurek, age 29, ex-housewife, husband going into the service, working on black-out lamps to be used on the gasoline trailers in the Air Force, Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Enola O Connell, age 32, widow and mother of one child... Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc. 1943

Enola O Connell, age 32, widow and mother of one child... Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc. 1943. Creator: Howard Hollem
Enola O Connell, age 32, widow and mother of one child, ex-housewife, now only woman welder at Heil and Co. Milwaukee, Wisc

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Servicing an A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer

Servicing an A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va. 1942. Creator: Alfred T Palmer
Servicing an A-20 bomber, Langley Field, Va

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: North American P-51D-30-NA Mustang, 1945. Creator: North American Aviation Inc

North American P-51D-30-NA Mustang, 1945. Creator: North American Aviation Inc
Single-engine, low-wing, long-range fighter. 1, 128 cm (444 in.), Length 983 cm (387 in.), Height 371 cm (146 in.), Weight 3, 465 kg (7, 635 lb)

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Massive daylight air raid on Berlin by the US Army Air Force, World War II

Massive daylight air raid on Berlin by the US Army Air Force, World War II, 29 April 1944 (b / w photo)
6015238 Massive daylight air raid on Berlin by the US Army Air Force, World War II, 29 April 1944 (b/w photo) by American Photographer (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: American B-24 Liberator bombers attacking the oilfields at Ploesti, Romania, World War II

American B-24 Liberator bombers attacking the oilfields at Ploesti, Romania, World War II, 1 August 1943 (b / w photo)
6015230 American B-24 Liberator bombers attacking the oilfields at Ploesti, Romania, World War II, 1 August 1943 (b/w photo) by American Photographer (19th century) (after)

Background imageUs Army Air Force Collection: Bell XP-59A Airacomet, 1942 C016 / 4328

Bell XP-59A Airacomet, 1942 C016 / 4328
Bell XP-59A Airacomet in flight. This was the US militarys first jet fighter aircraft. It was designed and built by Bell Aircraft during World War II, and first flew in October 1942



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"Flexibility in the Skies: The US Army Air Force" Step back in time to witness the remarkable feats of the US Army Air Force during World War II. From the skies above Long Beach, California to Langley Field, Virginia, their dedication and skill were evident. The C-47 transport planes showcased their flexibility as they soared through the air. Their ability to adapt and perform various tasks was crucial for success on the battlefield. Thanks to their exceptional design, these planes played a vital role in transporting troops and supplies. In 1942, a brave pilot stood proudly in front of a YB-17 bombing aircraft at Langley Field. This powerful machine symbolized America's determination to defend its freedom against any threat. As the sun set behind it, casting an awe-inspiring silhouette, one couldn't help but feel inspired by its strength and resilience. Behind every great mission were countless men and women working tirelessly on the ground. At Vultees Nashville division in Tennessee, female workers touched up airplanes with precision and care. Their contribution was invaluable as they supported those who took flight into battle. Langley Field served as a hub for aviation marvels during this era. A giant of the skyways poised for flight - an image that captured both beauty and power simultaneously. Another magnificent sight was America's new warship of the air - a mighty YB-17 bomber ready to take on any challenge that came its way. Amidst all this action, pilots prepared themselves mentally for what lay ahead. With determination etched across their faces at Langley Field in 1942, they understood that each mission carried immense responsibility but also held hope for victory. Servicing bombers like A-20 required meticulous attention to detail at all times. Mechanics worked diligently at Langley Field ensuring these machines were always ready for action when called upon. As we delve deeper into history, we meet two extraordinary women who defied societal norms.