THE “FIRST AIR COMMANDOS” WERE THE FIRST MILITARY UNIT TO OPERATE HELICOPTERS IN COMBAT: (1ST AIR COMMANDOS) Two Air Commando pilots and ground crewmen are photographed in front of one of the six Sikorsky R-4B helicopters that made up the Air Commando’s 10th Air Jungle Rescue Detachment,...

JUNGLE AIR ASSAULT: (1ST AIR COMMANDOS) The First Air Commandos were created to provide close air support, transportation, air assault and resupply to the Long Range Penetration operations of Major General Orde Wingate’s Anglo-Indian “Chindit” troops. The photo captures a group of Air Commando...

THE AIR COMMANDOS: (1st AIR COMMANDOS, BURMA) A great color photograph from the collection of Brad Smith, from his father, the great AVG fighter “Ace” R.T. Smith’s time in China and then in India and Burma. The Image shows the leadership of the First Air Commando Group in front of one of the Group’s...

“R.T.’s” MUSTANG: (1st AIR COMMANDO GROUP) An exciting new profile image created by noted aviation artist and SAAHF Foundation Board Member, James Laurier, of a North American P-51A Mustang fighter of the 1st Air Commando Group, flown by former AVG Fighter “Ace” Robert “R.T.”...

“R.T.” AND BARBIE: (1st AIR COMMANDO GROUP) Another remarkable color image from the collection of Brad Smith of his father Colonel Robert “R.T.” Smith, standing in front of his North American P-51A Mustang fighter. The 1st Air Commando Group “Provisional” was created...