Military/Defense (aerial warfare) · Washington
The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) was the major land-based aerial warfare service component of the United States Army during World War II. It was formed on June 20, 1941, from the Army Air Corps to provide greater autonomy and centralized control of Army aviation units. The USAAF existed until 1947, when it became the independent United States Air Force. The organization played a critical role in air operations during the war, commanding millions of personnel and tens of thousands of aircraft.