USAF Fighter Aircraft

USAF fighter planes

   American fighter planes were busy during this period.  During the late 1940s and early 1950s, many were assigned to the Strategic Air Command to provide the bombers with fighter escort to their target, but as the B-52 came on line, the fighters were no longer necessary.  Other planes were assigned to Air Defense.  
   The primary mission was tactical - support of ground forces.  American fighter planes served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam wars.