Historic milestones mark evolution of US military aviation

Policy

Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 1, 2025

The history of US military aviation is marked by several significant moments that have shaped its development and use in warfare. The first air-to-air victory for the United States came on April 14, 1918, when the US Army Air Service's 94th Aero Squadron engaged in aerial combat during World War I. Lieutenants Douglas Campbell and Alan Winslow achieved this milestone with their Nieuport 28 C.1 biplanes.

"The 94th Fighter Squadron’s most famous modern pilot is Major Kristin 'Beo' Wolfe," who has transitioned to flying the F-35 and previously served as the F-35A Demo Pilot.

The introduction of aircraft carriers in battle was another pivotal moment, highlighted by the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway during World War II. The National WWII Museum notes that these battles marked "the first significant use of US Naval Air Forces in anger." The Battle of Midway, in particular, demonstrated the effectiveness of carrier-based airpower.

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Helicopters made their debut in combat rescues during World War II and the Korean War. The Sikorsky R-4 was used for retrieving downed airmen behind enemy lines, a task carried out by Second Lieutenant Carter Harman in Burma. This mission earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Jets entered combat for the United States during the Korean War. Initially limited by logistical challenges, they soon proved effective against North Korean forces. Notably, "Lt Col Bruce H. Hinton" achieved an early jet-on-jet kill with his F-86 Sabre against a Soviet MiG-15.

In more recent times, innovative tactics such as a show-of-force pass by a B-1B Lancer bomber were employed to support ground troops pinned down by Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Kenneth P. Katz described this maneuver as an example of how "today’s US Air Force is very innovative."

These moments illustrate key advancements and strategies that have defined US military aviation throughout history.