PA HR314

Designates September 18, 2025, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Air Force's establishment as an independent military branch

The U.S. Air Force was established on September 18, 1947, when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, separating it from the U.S. Army

Prior to independence, the Air Force operated under various Army designations including the Aeronautical Section (1909), Aviation Section (1914), Army Air Service (1918), Army Corps (1926), and Army Air Forces (1941)

The Air Force expanded dramatically during World War II, growing from 20,000 personnel and 2,400 planes in 1939 to 2.4 million personnel and 80,000 aircraft by 1944