Office of Air Force History

Frank M. Andrews: Marshall's Airman Office of Air Force History

Publisher Marketing: As we conclude our year-long recognition of the 100th anniversary of powered flight, we take this opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to airmen of the past and present. We do this with an eye toward inspiring airmen of the future. General Frank M. Andrews was an inspirational figure in our history and it is fitting that we highlight his accomplishments and contributions in the creation, shaping, and development of the United States Air Force. As the organizer and commander of the prewar General Headquarters (GHQ) Air Force, he was the first airman to have centralized nationwide command of Air Corps bombardment, attack, and pursuit units. The advent of GHQ Air Force marked one of the first decisive steps on the road to the birth of a separate air service. Nevertheless, likely due to his personal modesty and untimely death in a B-24 crash in, May 1943, while commanding the European Theater of Operations, he has been a background figure in our history. General George C. Marshall, wartime Chief of Staff of the Army, captured the magnitude of his tragic loss to the Allied war effort by characterizing Andrews as one of the nation's "few great captains." As we celebrate the Centennial of Flight, I'd like to encourage the use of upcoming venues to spread-the word about lesser-known, selfless warriors, such as General Andrews, who epitomize the values we highlight to airmen today. On March 7, 2003, we formally named the Air Combat Command headquarters building after General Andrews. We are also close to establishing an endowed scholarship fund in his memory for Air Force Academy Preparatory School Cadets and creation of a permanent "Andrews" exhibit in the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB. Additionally, we plan to integrate his story into our professional military education programs. Memorializing General Andrews is one example of how we can commemorate the Centennial of Flight, emphasizing the tremendous impact an individual's efforts and contributions can have on aviation and the Air Force. Thank you for your support of this important project for aviation, the United States Air Force, and our nation.