UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MARKED BY SKYDIVE

Following is the text for the opening speech for the skydive, which took place on August 15, 1997 in Perris Valley, California.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, Welcome to Perris Valley Skydiving.
Today, we commemorate two significant anniversaries. This Summer marks the 50th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The Department of the Air Force was created when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947. It became effective September 18, 1947, when Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the oath of office to the First Secretary of the Air Force, W. Stuart Symington.
Today, Air Force resources include eight major commands, 37 field operating agencies, three direct reporting units, 96 major installations in the United States and overseas, and more than three-quarters of a million active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian personnel. We are honored and humbled to celebrate 50 years of dedication to valor, service to our country and protection of our freedom by the men and women of the United Sates Air Force.
Today, August 15, 1997, is the 52nd anniversary of 'The Last Mission of WWII' Few Americans are aware, that WW II did not end with the Flight of the Enola Gay. There were 779 subsequent, precision, B-29 air strikes conducted by 5 Bomb Wings, beginning August 13, 1945 and ending with the LAST mission August 15th. Aboard that Last Mission was Mr. Jim B. Smith, who is here with us on this Proud and Patriotic Day to pay tribute to The Last Mission and to the United States Air Force in a very special way.
Inspired by President George Bush's Skydive last spring, Jim has been trained by Perris Valley Skydiving and is ready to make a Skydive here this afternoon. He will exit our aircraft at an altitude of 12,500 feet, and freefall for nearly one minute at 120 miles per hour, before activating his parachute and flying it down for a landing. Jim is wearing the very same flight suit he wore in 1945 aboard the B-29 'Boomerang,' during that last mission of WWII.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the presence of some very distinguished guests.

Major General Doyle E. Larson, National President of the Air Force Association

Brigadier General Carrol H. Chandler, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB Arizona

Brigadier General Clayton T. Gadd, Commander of the 452d Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base

and... Mr. Jim B. Smith, today's celebrated freefall skydiver.

Ladies and Gentlemen...please rise for the colors and remain standing for the National Anthem..."
For more information, contact Lynn Schreck, Project Manager at Perris Valley Skydiving, 2091 Goetz Road, Perris, CA, phone (909) 657-1664, Voice Mail #133
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Return to The Last Mission for the whole story about Jim B. Smith and "The Last Mission."