1 Aug 1907   Corp. Edward Ward becomes the first enlisted man in the Aeronautical Division of the Army Signal Corps: later to evolve in today’s USAF. 14 Aug 1912   Sgt Vernon L. Burge is certified as the Army’s first enlisted pilot. 27 Aug 1916   Private Frederick Libby (Royal Flying Corps) becomes the first American to down 5 enemy aircraft in WWI. 6 Aug 1917   Walter Beech enlists and begins his training as an enlisted pilot at Rich Field; founder of Beech Aircraft. 18 Aug 1945   MSgt Lawrence Lambert is the first human to eject from an aircraft and test an ejection seat; receives the Cheney Award. 21 Aug 1970   The “Total Force” concept, linking the Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Reserve into one unit, is announced.

                               

                               

 

 

 

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Home of the United States
Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall

The Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute is dedicated to preserving the rich and dramatic heritage and tradition of the enlisted corps of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Aeronautical Division, Air Service, Air Corps and Air Forces in the development of air power to defend the United States.

The Institute achieves this by featuring artifacts, art collections, and pictorial exhibits, written and oral documentation, audiovisuals, equipment, and selected aircraft parts. Additionally, students use the in-house
and on-line research capabilities to enhance learning and complete enlisted heritage research projects. It is located at Maxwell - Gunter AFB in Montgomery Alabama