The Cold War, 1945 to 1991

The Cold War began shortly after the end of World War Two.  The Cold War lasted nearly fifty years, ending in the late 1980s.  The fall of the Berlin Wall is generally recognized as the "official" end of the Cold War.   The main concern of this entire period was preventing an all out nuclear war between NATO and the USSR.  While the expected Third World War in Europe never happened, the Cold War became "hot" more than once during this period.  The Korean War and the Vietnam War are main examples of how the superpowers of the United States and the USSR fought without direct, nuclear confrontation.  In addition, there were numerous "brush fire wars" between proxies of the US and USSR.  In addition, intelligence collection played a major role in preventing a nuclear confrontation and several reconnaissance aircraft were shot down during this period.  Thanks to the bravery and determination of the "Cold Warriors," nuclear war never happened.  The Iron Curtain of Eastern Europe rusted and gave way to as yet emerging democracies in the former Communist countries.
 
 

Fred Ascani - Test Pilot and World Speed Record Holder in the F-86 and later USAF Major General.

Gen Ascani at the rollout ceremony for the XB-70 supersonic bomber.

USAF Colonel Flight Surgeon's blue winter shirt.  This style of shirt was worn in the USAF until the mid-1980s.  This example is from the 1960s.  This shirt is unusual in that the colonel rank insignia and the flight surgeon wings are embroidered in silver bullion directly into the shirt.

Here's a better view of the wings and rank insignia on the shirt at left.  These give the shirt a very sharp appearance.

1960's West German Luftwaffe NCO's tunic.  This particular example is dated 1966.

Uniform, patches, and photos from USAF Col Jack Kratt.  Col Kratt flew as a glider pilot and P-47 pilot during WW II. During the Korean War, he flew F-86s and is credited with shooting down a North Korean Yak fighter.  At the time of his retirement in the 1970s, Col Kratt was assigned to the North American Air Defense Command.

Stay Tuned.... More to Come!