US Air Force Birthday and Famous Freemasons From The Air Force - S2 Special Edition

US Air Force Birthday and Famous Freemasons From The Air Force - S2 Special Edition

On October 19, 1945, General Henry “Hap” Arnold declared to the Senate Military Affairs Committee, “This is a new day.” His powerful testimony highlighted the need for an independent Air Force within a new national security framework. As the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, Arnold’s opening statement emphasized the significance of airpower, especially its critical role in achieving victory during World War II. Let's delve into the history and evolution of the U.S. Air Force, a journey intertwined with the contributions of many notable figures, including several Freemasons.

The 20th century saw the U.S. often unprepared for military crises. General Arnold pointed out that each crisis found the armed services inefficiently organized, leading to wasted resources. Before World War II, the Army Air Corps struggled with autonomy, often clashing with the War Department. However, under the pressure of totalitarian aggression, President Franklin Roosevelt directed a massive expansion of aircraft production in early 1939.

Arnold, having succeeded Maj. Gen. Oscar Westover in 1938, leveraged his industry ties to mobilize airpower for the impending war. Despite the daunting task, which Assistant Secretary of War for Air Robert A. Lovett likened to a hen laying an ostrich egg, Arnold aimed high and set ambitious goals for aircraft production.

As Nazi Germany advanced, Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall and Secretary of War Henry Stimson supported granting the Air Force more autonomy. This led to the establishment of the Army Air Forces in June 1941, which gained significant independence by March 1942. Arnold, envisioning a postwar independent Air Force, formed planning groups within the Army Air Force Headquarters to prepare for this future.

Arnold’s Advisory Council and the Special Projects Office played crucial roles in these efforts. Key officers like Generals Laurence Kuter and Lauris Norstad were instrumental in developing organizational concepts and planning for an independent Air Force. By May 1945, they were assigned pivotal roles in the Pacific and postwar planning.

Post-World War II, Generals Arnold and Eisenhower emphasized the need for unity of command, advocating for an autonomous air element co-equal with land and naval forces. This vision materialized with the National Security Act of 1947, which officially created the U.S. Air Force. The Act outlined the Air Force’s responsibilities, including preparing for both offensive and defensive air operations and expanding peacetime components to meet wartime needs.

General Arnold, the founder of the U.S. Air Force, was a proud Freemason, affiliated with Union Lodge No. 7 in Kansas City, Kansas. He holds the unique distinction of being the only person to attain the rank of five-star general in two branches of military service. General Carl Spaatz, another key figure in the Air Force’s history, was also a Freemason, often seen alongside President Truman in Masonic regalia.

Famous Air Force Veterans
The Air Force has been home to many notable individuals:
- Chuck Norris: Served from 1958 to 1962.
- Morgan Freeman: Served as a radar repairman from 1955 to 1959.
- Roy Scheider: Known from the JAWS movies, served as a first lieutenant from 1955 to 1958.
- Tom Skerritt: Maverick’s Top Gun instructor, served from 1951 to 1955.
- Johnny Cash: Joined in 1950 and was assigned to an intelligence unit.
- Willie Nelson: Enlisted after high school but was discharged nine months later due to back problems.

Air Force Arsenal
The Air Force boasts an impressive array of equipment, including:
- A-10C Thunderbolt, A-29 Super Tucano, AC-130J Ghost Rider
- B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers
- C Transport fleet (e.g., C-130 and CV-22 Osprey)
- E, F, and H series aircraft (e.g., E-9A Widget, F-16 fighter, HC Combat King)
- Observation, reconnaissance planes, gliders, and Air Force One

The formation of the U.S. Air Force marked a significant evolution in military organization, driven by visionary leaders and shaped by historical necessity. The contributions of Freemasons like General Arnold were pivotal in establishing the Air Force as an independent and powerful branch of the U.S. military. As we celebrate the Air Force’s birthday, we honor the legacy and the advancements that continue to secure our nation's skies.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, any Grand Lodge or Shrine Center, and we encourage viewers to conduct their research and form their conclusions based on reliable sources and personal beliefs.

#freemasonry #freemasons #airforce #airforcebirthday #masonic

Sources:
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0996founding/#:~:text=General%20Arnold%20should%20be%20considered,establish%20an%20independent%20Air%20Force.