The History of the United States Air Force

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The United States Air Force is a dedicated and effective establishment, and has been a great advantage in protecting the United States during numerous wars. It all started on August 1, 1907, General James Allen, Cheif Signal Officer or the U.S Army created and established the Aeronautical Division. He entrusted this organization with "All matters pertaining to military ballooning air machines and related subjects." (Creation) Allen then put in command, Captain Charles D. Chander who was assisted by two enlisted men. The Aeronautical Division is the very beginning of todays U.S Airforce. Then in July of 1914, the aeronautical division was put under the Aviation Section. It directed the Aviation Section to operate and supervise "all military [US Army] aircraft, including balloons and aeroplanes, all appliances pertaining to said craft, and signaling apparatus of any kind when installed on said craft." The section would also train "officers and enlisted men in matters pertaining to military aviation," (The) It was the military's aviation service until May 20, 1918, when it was changed into the Division of Military of Aeronautics for a four day period during WWI. In April 1917, when the United States entered World War 1, each of the major combatants were manufacturing aircrafts far more advanced that the US. Even with promising plans and substantial funding the U.S was unable to match the European nation in aviation technology. Only a month later, on May 24, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson replaced the Aviation section with the Army Air Service and situated it directly under the War Department. Altogether the Air Service destroyed 756 enemy aircraft and 76 enemy balloons, while only losing 289 airplanes and 48 ba... ... middle of paper ... ... and providing an optomistic future for the Air Force and an asset to all of America. Works Cited "Creation of the Aeronautical Division." National Museum of the US Airforce. N.p., 3 Apr. 2009. Web. 24 Jan. 2014. . "Missions Part Two: Air Power Comes of Age in World War II." U.S Air Force. N.p., 2013. Web. 5 Feb. 2014. . "The Birth of the United States Airforce." Air Force Historical Research Agency. N.p., 9 Jan. 2008. Web. 24 Jan. 2014. . "USAF Established." National Museum of the US Airforce. N.p., 22 Nov. 2013. Web. 5 Feb. 2014.

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