In 1947, the National Security Act became law, creating the United States Air Force and transferring personnel from the Army Air Forces. After the successes of air power during World War II, the idea of a separate and distinct branch of the military dedicated to aviation had come to fruition.
The National Archives holds a vast collection of records related to the United States Air Force, including personnel files, unit histories, missing air crew reports, and even declassified UFO documents.
In September 1947, the proposed Air Force seal was exhibited in the office of the new Secretary of the Air Force, and later a panel of about 30 top-ranking Air Force officers reviewed it. The design had a green background and featured the Wright brothers' airplane as the central point. The panel recommended that the background be blue and that a symbolic design replace the airplane. Mr. DuBois of the Army Quartermaster General's office sketched Jupiter's thunderbolt, and it was adopted. The final drawing was approved by President Truman on November 1, 1947. Approved insignia designs and seals are held in trust by the National Archives in the Military holdings.
