United States Army Air Force facts for kids
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the part of the U.S. military that flew airplanes during and right after World War II. It was the main group that came before today's United States Air Force, which started in 1947.
At its biggest in 1944, the USAAF had more than 2.4 million men and women serving. They also had almost 80,000 airplanes and 783 main bases. They flew from over 2,000 airfields all around the world.
The Air Corps became the Army Air Forces in June 1941. This change gave the air part of the army more freedom to grow and work better. It also helped create the new leadership levels needed for such a huge force. Even though some other countries already had separate air forces (like the British Royal Air Force and Germany's Luftwaffe), the USAAF stayed a part of the United States Army.
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What Was the USAAF?
The United States Army Air Forces, or USAAF, was like the air branch of the U.S. Army. Think of it as the army's team that flew planes for fighting, transport, and other important jobs. It was a huge organization that played a key role in winning World War II.
Why Was the USAAF Formed?
Before the USAAF, there was something called the Army Air Corps. But as World War II began, the U.S. needed a much bigger and more organized air force. So, in 1941, the Army Air Corps was changed into the USAAF. This gave the air arm more independence to grow quickly and manage its many new units and missions.
Its Role in World War II
The USAAF was incredibly important during World War II. Its planes and pilots flew missions all over the world. They bombed enemy targets, fought enemy planes in the sky, and transported soldiers and supplies. The USAAF helped the Allies win the war by controlling the skies and supporting ground troops.
Images for kids
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General of the Army Henry H. ("Hap") Arnold
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USAAF recruitment poster
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Tuskegee Airmen War bonds poster
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1943 portrait of WAC air controller
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AAF Training Command patch
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USAAF recruiting poster
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B-17G Fortresses of the 306th Bomb Group
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P-51 Mustang of 361st Fighter Group, 1944
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Taylorcraft L-2
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C-47 of the 438th Troop Carrier Group
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USAAF AT-6Cs near Luke Field, 1943
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UC-64 Norseman
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Medal of Honor recipient Major Richard Bong in Officer's Service Dress
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Awards ceremony at RAF Debden, April 1944, illustrating varying shades of olive drab and the M-1944 "Ike jacket". Light shade 33 on left, dark shade 51 on right. Trousers are shade 33, khaki shade 1, and drab shade 54. The three combinations at right are "pinks and greens".
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Female service dress in OD shade 33 at Randolph Field, 1944
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USAAF flight crew
See also
In Spanish: Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército de Estados Unidos para niños
