This episode of The Air Force Story – Volume 1 Chapter 7 – “The Air War Starts 1939-1941” features some of the events that occurred prior to U.S. entry into the war. These include the German invasion of Poland, President Roosevelt declaring a national emergency, the USA stepping up aircraft production, Britain withstands the onslaught of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, the USA starts the Lend-Lease policy and trades vital destroyers to the British for key posts throughout the world, and finally Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.

The United States Air Force produced a series of 34 films, roughly 14 minutes each, between 1947 and 1960 to help educated the public about the role of the Air Force. The goals of the films are best described by the introduction displayed at the start of each movie as follows:

“It is the job of all the people to know and understand what the airman has done and is doing today…

For only with fill public knowledge and understanding can we have the support we need to carry out our mission. It is a big mission and an important one.

It involves the future well-being of every American – the peace of the world.

Sincerely,

Your Air Force”