FREE ESSAY ON AIR FORCE HISTORY

AIR FORCE HISTORY

1- The position of Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force occupies the top enlisted
grade, and has great responsibility and prestige in the Air Force. The objective of this
background paper is to inform on the career progression, awards, and decorations of the
former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Thomas N. Barnes. In the first main point,
I will trace the former CMSAF military career from Non-Commissioned Officer to Senior
Non-Commissioned Officer Tier. Secondly, I will discuss the major awards and decorations
of former CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes. CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes has been a significant figure in
the development of Air Force History. 
2- In April 1949 Chief Barnes entered the U.S. Air Force, and received his basic training
at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After completing basic training, he attended Aircraft
and Engine School and Hydraulic Specialist School at Chanute Technical Training Center,
Illinois. During this time period the Soviet had controlled East Germany came into
existence as the German Democratic Republic. In October 1950, he was assigned to the
fourth Troop Carrier Squadron of the 62nd Troop Carrier Group at McChord Air Force Base,
Washington. This was in the period when the Air Force had spent much of the 1950s
training and equipping itself for a nuclear conflict. In September 1951, he transferred
to Tachikawa, Japan, and continued flight engineer duties. Chief Barnes transferred in
June 1952 to the 30th Air Transport Squadron, Westover Air Force Base, Mass., where he
attended C-118 school and continued his flight engineer duties in that aircraft. In
September 1965, he went to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and continued duties as
senior controller. In October 1966 he entered the F-4 Field Training Detachment at George
Air Force Base, Calif., and in December 1966 went to Southeast Asia. In addition, during
this time there was an extended debate resulted in the defeat of a major civil rights
bill forbidding discrimination in housing and of a bill permitting states to enact
right-to-work laws. The Senate also voted, in effect, to annul a provision of the 1964
Civil Rights Act that required desegregation of hospitals. In December 1967, he returned
from Southeast Asia to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where his duties were T-38 section
line chief. During the same year, the United States had over 475,000 troops in South
Vietnam. Chief Barnes was promoted to the grade of chief master sergeant on December 1,
1969, and was transferred to Headquarters Air Training Command in October 1971 to assume
duties as command senior enlisted adviser. On Oct. 1, 1973, he was appointed chief master
sergeant of the Air Force. At the expiration of the initial two-year tenure, he was
extended for an additional year by the chief of staff. In addition, during this period,
the United States withdrew its combat troops in 1973; the air force began to experiment
with its first "precision" bombs. In February 1976, he was selected by the chief of staff
to serve an unprecedented second year extension, shortly after he retired Jul. 31, 1977.
Chief Barnes has made tremendous strides throughout his Air Force Career, which is
highlighted and associated with his awards and honors received. Next, I will discuss some
of Chief Barnes' major awards and decorations. 
3- Chief Barnes' awards and decorations were awarded for his exhibition of extraordinary
standard and conduct while in the Air Force. I will begin discussing some of his major
awards and decorations in order of precedence. First, I will discuss the Legion of Merit;
it was originally ranked directly below the Distinguished Service Medal in the Navy's
pyramid of honor. The Legion of Merit is worth seven points on Weighted Airman Promoted
System. Next, I will discuss the Meritorious Service Medal. This decoration was
established by Executive Order 11448 on Jan. 16, 1969 and may be awarded to any member of
the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguishes himself or herself by either
outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States. This decoration is
worth five points on the Weighted Airman Promoted System. Next, I will discuss the Air
Medal award. This decoration was established by Executive Order 9158; and is awarded to
U.S. personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating
in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of
operations. This decoration is worth three points on the Weighted Airman Promoted System.
Next, I will discuss the Outstanding Airmen of the Year award. This ribbon is awarded to
airman nominated by the MAJCOMs to Head Quarters for competition in the 12 Outstanding
Airmen of the Year program. Finally, I will discuss the Air Force Commendation Medal. The
Secretary of the Air Force authorized this medal on March 28, 1958, for award to members
of the Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished themselves by meritorious
achievement and service. 
4- In closing, the mere mention of the title chief brings to mind visions of wisdom,
strength, bravery, commitment and honor. Moreover, the mere mention of Chief Barnes' Air
Force career is both exemplary and outstanding by anyone's measure and is thought of very
highly. Chief Barnes has played an integral part in Enlisted History and has made
significant contributions to Air Force History. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1- Black Americans in defense of our nation / United States. Department of Defense.
Wahsington, DC: U.S* Government Printing Office, 1985 [revised 1990]
2- A History of Black America / Howard O. Linsey. Secaucus, NJ: Chartwell Books, Inc.,
1994
3- US Air Force Museum http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/ [Internet]
4- The United States Air Force Museum http://www.intecon.com/museum/ [Internet]