News Search

  • The Oregonians of the Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 18, 1942

    Today, Monday, April 18, 2022 is the 80th anniversary of the epic Doolittle Raid, when US Army Air Force B-25B Mitchell medium bombers flew from the pitching deck of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) in the first American air raid on Tokyo and the Imperial Japanese Home islands.

  • The Mysterious Fate of William T. “Shorty” Bales, Jr.

    Friday, April 13, 1945. A day after the passing of American President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Third Reich was collapsing as Allied forces pressed into Germany from the east and west. It seemed like the war in Europe would be over soon, though the fighting continued.

  • 80 Years of Oregon Air National Guard Veterans and Veterans Days

    This Veteran’s Day, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the Oregon Air National Guard being in the ranks of veterans whom we celebrate on November 11 each year. We honor our veterans and their service in defense of our nation, state and community, in peace and in war.

  • Remembering Operation Sky Shield II, October 14-15, 1961

    A series of sleep-interrupting phone calls roused drowsy Guardsmen for a Saturday morning alert at the still-dark hour of 3:38 a.m. The alert was held in connection with the nation-wide air defense exercise, Operation Sky Shield. All commercial flights throughout the country were grounded for most

  • The Wartime Life of a Gunplumber: An Interview with Victor B. Kramer

    It takes teamwork to generate and employ the airpower needed to fly, fight and win.  It’s always been that way in aerial warfare.  Though pilots often receive their due credit for their work at the pointy end, members of the ground echelon don’t perhaps receive as much attention, nor do they ask for

  • The European Birthdays of the 142d Wing

    The formal “birthday” of the 142d Wing dates back to July 15, 1943, when the unit was activated as the 371st Fighter Group at Richmond Army Air Base, Virginia.  There the group assembled and organized personnel and equipment and began the process of preparing for combat with the P-47 Thunderbolt

  • The Final Flight of David R. Kingsley

    What is valor?  Where does it come from in times of crisis that enables some people to serve “above and beyond the call of duty?”  There are many worthy examples of valor and sacrifice to ponder as we commemorate the fallen of our nation on this Memorial Day.  And a flier from Portland, Oregon,