Air Force

 U.S. #3167 was issued 20 years ago today. Click the image to learn more about the U.S. Air Force.
September 18, 1997

First U.S. Stamp with Scrambled Indicia

On September 18, 1997, the USPS issued the US Air Force stamp, the first US stamp to have a hidden image using Scrambled Indicia.

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 U.S. #3190a – Click the image to read more about the shuttle program.
September 17, 1976

NASA Unveils Enterprise 

On September 17, 1976, America’s first space shuttle, the Enterprise, made its debut public appearance.

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1990 40¢ Great Americans: Claire Chennault
September 6, 1890

Birth of Claire Chennault 

Claire Lee Chennault was born on September 6, 1890, in Commerce, Texas. He formed and led the Flying Tigers during World War II.

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1990 25¢ Olympians: Eddie Eagan
April 26, 1897

Birth of Olympian Eddie Eagan

Edward Patrick Francis Eagan was born on April 26, 1897, in Denver, Colorado.  He’s the only person in Olympic history to win gold medals in both Summer and Winter sports.

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2007 41¢ Legends of Hollywood: James Stewart
March 22, 1941

James Stewart Goes to War

On March 22, 1941, James Stewart was inducted into the US Army, making him the first major US movie star to don a military uniform during World War II.

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1991 29¢ World War II: Civil Defense Mobilizes Americans at Home
December 1, 1941

Founding of the Civil Air Patrol

On December 1, 1941, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), was established in Washington, DC. Unpaid volunteers formed the Civil Air Patrol, using privately owned aircraft and their own funds to support the military.

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1988 65¢ Great Americans: H. H. 'Hap' Arnold
June 25, 1886

Happy Birthday Henry “Hap” Arnold

General of the Air Force Henry “Hap” Arnold was born on June 25, 1886, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. He was an early supporter of military air power, and later became the Air Force’s first five-star general.

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2005 37¢ Advances in Aviation: Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
June 22, 1946

First Airmail Carried by Jet

On June 22, 1946, US Airmail was carried by jet for the first time.  The flight was part of an event to showcase how GE’s aviation products could positively impact people’s lives and the future.

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1996 50¢ Jacqueline Cochran
May 11, 1906

Birth of Jacqueline Cochran

Jacqueline Cochran was born Bessie Lee Pittman on May 11, 1906, in Pensacola, Florida.  The first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, she held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot, male or female, in the world.

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