The U.S. Air Force presents The Air Force Story: Chapter VI: Prelude to War, 1937-1939 (SFP 263-6). This short film looks at the development of U.S. Air Force during the final two years of the 1930s, focusing on the U.S. response to the rise of Nazi Germany. The film begins with the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Goodwill flight (01:18) on 17 February 1938 to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The squadron of B-17s, led by General Robert Olds (01:35) leaves the U.S. for South America. Other notable members of the mission include Caleb B Hayes, Harold L. George, and Major General Cutis E. LeMay (02:25). Upon their return, completing the successful mission, the group earns the MacKay Trophy, which is presented to them by Secretary of War Harry Woodring (02:32). Despite American aviation advances, it is no match for the rapid air expansion of Germany under Adolf Hitler (03:00) and Air Minister Marshall Hermann Goering (03:23); the latter oversees construction of Germany’s new air force. Hitler and his advisors review plans (03:47) prior to invading Austria on 12 March 1938. This puts the Americans on guard, and Major General Frank Andrews (04:12) gives the order to put GHQ Air Force on defense maneuvers. The mock air defense of New England is a massive undertaking. The “attack” on Farmingdale, New York involves black outs, night raids, a small force of Douglas B-18s (05:12), and a squad of P-26 Fighters, which are filmed flying over the New York City skyline (05:21). The bombers drop flares (05:58) during the simulation, while ground forces fire blanks at the attacking bombers (06:05) for the most realistic air exercise possible. General Martin declares the exercise a success (06:24). The film then cuts to General Henry “Hap” Arnold who becomes Chief of the Army Air Corps (06:33). On 30 September 1938, the Munich Agreement is signed—a settlement on Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia—and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain returns to England (06:49) declaring peace has been preserved. However, Nazi planes and troops march into the Sudetenland (06:58), and Germany takes Czechoslovakia. This prompts the expansion of the Army Air Corps, and hundreds of young men go to Randolph Field, Texas to bolster the ranks (07:35). Cadets begin training, learning how to be soldiers before learning how to fly. Their academic studies include courses in meteorology, navigation, radio, and air regulations. Eventually, cadets start training with BT-9s (09:23), and they practice takeoffs and flying formations (09:58) with the plane. During weekend leave, they enjoy a break from their rigorous training as they go socialize in San Antonio (10:45). Back in the “City of Wings,” the young cadets go to church at the chapel (11:00), do morning calisthenics with their riffles (11:17), and build on their flying experience by flying the AT-6 (11:25). After a simple graduation, the cadets are commissioned as 2nd lieutenants in the reserve corps (12:40).
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