The Air Force Historical Foundation

Founded in 1953 by Gen. Carl A. "Tooey" Spaatz and other air power pioneers, the Air Force Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of American aviation, with emphasis on the U.S. Air Force, its predecessor organizations, and the men and women whose lives and dreams were devoted to flight. The Foundation’s primary activities include a quarterly journal Air Power History, a book program, a biennial symposium and an awards program.

> See the new “Service Stories” page for personal accounts of life in the Air Force
> Download our latest Newsletter for updated information on the Foundation’s activity
> Read the President's Message from Michael A Nelson, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret)

Preserve the legacy

• Membership helps preserve the legacy of current and future U.S. Air Force personnel
• Provides reliable and accurate accounts of historical events
• Establish connections between generations

Current members: renew now

From: “U.S. Air Force – A Complete History”

August 27, 1972 - Tragic Limits/Vietnam War

Captain Richard S. Steve Tichie becomes the first ace of the Vietnam War when he – along with Captain Charles DeBellevue (weapon system officer) – shoots down his fifth MiG-21.

Member Resources

• Access the 2007 Symposium archive
• Download the latest Newsletter
• Access the Air Power History archive

To receive a user ID and password
for our Members-Only Section, please contact:
execdir@afhistoricalfoundation.org.