American Fighter Aces Association facts for kids
The American Fighter Aces Association (AFAA) is a special group that honors American fighter pilots. These pilots are called "Aces" because they have shot down five or more enemy aircraft in combat. There are about 1,450 American pilots who have earned this amazing title. The AFAA helps keep their stories and achievements alive. You can find the AFAA at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. They have an exhibit there with documents, old items, and histories of these brave Aces.
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History of the Aces Association
The American Fighter Aces Association was started in 1960. Its main goal was to honor the 1,450 American "Ace" pilots. The very first meeting of the AFAA happened on September 23, 1960, in San Francisco, California. To become a member honored by this group, a pilot must have shot down at least five enemy planes during a fight.
What the AFAA Does
The main job of the American Fighter Aces Association is to save the records and stories of American combat fighter Aces. They also want to teach younger generations about these heroes and their important history. The AFAA even gives out scholarships every year to help students.
Many of the leaders of the Association have been Aces themselves. For example, in 2014, Lt. Gen. Charles "Chick" Cleveland was the president. Later, in 2016, Clayton Kelly Gross served as president. Rear Admiral Edward Feightner also led the AFAA as president. The Association works hard to keep the memories of these incredible pilots alive for everyone.
American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal
On May 23, 2014, a very special award was given to every American Fighter Ace. It was called the American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal. The United States Congress decided to give this high honor. The president of the AFAA even went to the White House. He met with President Barack Obama when the bill to create this award was signed into law. This medal shows how much the country appreciates the bravery and skill of these fighter Aces.
See also
- List of World War II aces from the United States
- List of World War II flying aces
