Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg

• Selected to serve as Operations and Training Officer of the Air Staff at the beginning of World War II.
• Designed airpower strategies that contributed to key Allied ground victories in the North African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns during World War II.
• Was Chief of Staff of the 12th Air Force in 1942, supporting the North African Campaign.
• Commanded the 9th Air Force, whose air support during World War II paved the way for Allied advances across Europe and into Germany.
• Played a large role in planning and providing air support for the successful invasion of Normandy, France in 1944.
• Became Director of the Air Intelligence Agency in 1946
• Appointed Chief of Staff of the USAF in 1948 serving at the post through the Berlin Airlift and Korean Conflict.
• Earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Distinguished Service Medal.