AFH 1 - Chapter 2 - USAF Heritage

Question 1

With victory in what warm on 26 July 1947 President Harry S. Truman signed into law the National Security Act of 1947, which created a separate and independent Department of the Air Force?

Answer 1

World War II

Question 2

When did the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act give women permanent status in the Regular and Reserve Forces of all branches of the military?

Answer 2

1948

Question 3

When was Ester M. Blake become the first woman in the Air Force, enlisting the first minute of the first hour of the first day that Air Force duty authorized?

Answer 3

8 July 1948

Question 4

In what year did the Soviet Union blockade surface routes between Berlin and the Western occupation zones in Germany, exploiting the arrangements under which the United States, Great Britain, and France had occupied Germany?

Answer 4

1948

Question 5

During the Belin Blockage, more than _______ supplies were delivered on over 277,000 flights, which equated to one flight every three minutes?

Answer 5

2.3 million tons

Question 6

After what war ended, the Korean Peninsula was essentially divided into two fronts: the Soviet Union liberated North Korea and the United States aligned with South Korea?

Answer 6

World War II

Question 7

What US President emphasized the importance of the global containment of communism and advocated for sending military support in the Korean Peninsula?

Answer 7

President Harry S. Truman

Question 8

The Air Rescue Service medically evacuated more than 9600 wounded soldiers and rescued nearly 1000 personnel shot down over enemy territory during the _____________.

Answer 8

Korean War

Question 9

Following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the humanitarian missions in what major operation and II were initiated for Hungarian refugees?

Answer 9

Operation Safe Haven I

Question 10

In May 1960, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches and tidal waves ripped through southern ______, leaving nearly 10,000 people dead and 250,000 homeless.

Answer 10

Chile

Question 11

The Department of Defense and what organization agreed to provide humanitarian assistance?

Answer 11

State Department

Question 12

When did Fidel Castro, a Communist revolutionary, overthrew the dictator of Cuba, initially promising free elections, but instead, instituted a dictatorship?

Answer 12

1959

Question 13

When did Central Intelligence Agency to plan an invasion using Cuban exiles as troops to overthrow Castro and install a pro-U.S. Government?

Answer 13

1961

Question 14

In mid-April 1961, during what US President’s presidency, was the invasion into Cuba was ordered to proceed?

Answer 14

Kennedy

Question 15

In August 1962, photographs from a U-2 aircraft from Strategic Air Command confirmed the construction of intermediate and medium range ballistic missile complexes on ________.

Answer 15

Cuba

Question 16

When did the United States and the Soviet Union sign the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, limiting each country to two anti-ballistic missile sites: one to protect the national capital and one as an intercontinental ballistic missile complex?

Answer 16

1972

Question 17

What country, represented by the Viet Minh under Ho Chi Minh’s direction, gained support from China and Russia?

Answer 17

North Vietnam

Question 18

What country, supported by the French as the official government of the country, was aided by the United States and Great Britain?

Answer 18

South Vietnam

Question 19

When did in response to Communist efforts in Laos and South Vietnam, President Kennedy ordered Operation Farmgate?

Answer 19

1961

Question 20

When the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was passed, authorizing what US President to use conventional force in Southeast Asia without requiring a formal declaration of war by Congress?

Answer 20

President Lyndon B. Johnson

Question 21

Resources used during what significant operation ranged from one-man Cessna O-1s used by forward air controllers for marking enemy targets for strikers, to mammoth B-52Hs modified to drop as many as 27 750-pound bombs and 84 500-pound bombs?

Answer 21

Operation Arc Light

Question 22

When did faced with a deteriorating political and military situation in South Vietnam, President Johnson ordered Operation Rolling Thunder as a sign of American support to South Vietnam and a signal of our resolve?

Answer 22

1965

Question 23

What major operation was implemented as a measured and limited approach against selected military targets in North Vietnam south of the 19th parallel?

Answer 23

Operation Rolling Thunder

Question 24

What nation achieved a strategic victory with the Ten Offensive, as the attacks marked the turning point in Vietnam and the beginning of the methodical American withdrawal from the region?

Answer 24

North Vietnam

Question 25

When did President Richard M. Nixon announced that a primary goal of his administration would be to end the United States combat role in Southeast Asia by helping empower the South Vietnamese with equipment and training?

Answer 25

1968

Question 26

When did Communist forces of the National Liberation Front take advantage of reduced American ground presence, crossed the demilitarized zone in Vietnam?

Answer 26

1972

Question 27

What military operation demonstrated to both the North and South Vietnamese that even without significant U.S. Army ground forces, the United States could still influence the war?

Answer 27

Operation Linebacker

Question 28

When did the last of our troops leave Vietnam?

Answer 28

29 March 1974

Question 29

After pararescue training in 1965, Airman William H. what individual reported to Detachment 6, 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, near Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam?

Answer 29

William H. Pitsenbarger

Question 30

What individual flew almost 300 rescue missions in Vietnam, routinely risking his life to save others?

Answer 30

Sergeant Pitsenbarger

Question 31

When did Sergeant William H. Pitsenbarger's parents accept the posthumous grade to the Medal of Honor from the Secretary of the Air Force?

Answer 31

8 December 2000

Question 32

Who was the first enlisted Airmen to receive both the Air Force Cross and Medal of Honor posthumously?

Answer 32

Sergeant William Pitsenbarger

Question 33

In 1973, what Airman left the Air Force and returned four years later as a pararescue instructor?

Answer 33

Chief Master Sergeant Duane Hackney

Question 34

On 11 March 1968, who was the crew chief of a radar team when North Vietnamese forces overran his site?

Answer 34

Richard Loy Etchberger

Question 35

What Airman was the first E-9 in the Department of Defense to received the Nation's highest award?

Answer 35

Chief Master Sergeant Etchberger

Question 36

When was flying combat missions as a loadmaster over Vietnam, John L. Levitow handling Mark 24 magnesium flares after his pilot throw the aircraft and its eight-man crew into a turn to engage the Viet Cong?

Answer 36

24 February 1969

Question 37

Despite 40 shrapnel would in his legs, side, and back, which Airman rescued a fellow crew member who was perilously close to the open cargo door?

Answer 37

Levitow