Toward Independence: TheEmergence of the U. S. Air Force 1945-1947 Published May 6, 2011 By Herman S. Wolk AFHSO Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, DC -- From the Wright Brothers' first flight, a long, convoluted road led to the creation of the modern independent United Sttes Air Force. Despite frustrating bureaucratic delays and political maneuvering, the ultimate goal was clear. Two world wars had devastated whole continents and threatened long-term global peace. Only a well prepared American military establishment, fully utilizing its Air Force, could provide a strong national defense and help ensure world peace. As aerospace technology took off, an independent Air Force would lead the way into the atomic age, and a new military structure would be required. Just as important as technology, however, would be the vision and energy of air power advocates. Over five decades, Air Force people would build the world's finest air organization by following a simple creed: putting service before self.