September 18, 1947. 54 days after President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, the provisions took effect, creating the United States Air Force.
This is the 73rd anniversary of that event.
Happy birthday, Air Force!
USAF: 73 years
Up into the air junior birdmen!
Interesting picture choice since the number one goal of private Whitledge was to get into the infantry.