More than 15,000 were killed in over 6,000 fatal USAAF aircraft accidents in the 48 States from 1941 to 1945. Those killed included ground personnel, crewmembers and pilots. These figures do not include accidents and deaths in the other military services. The Air Training Command was a very dangerous place to be during WWII. According to General Curtis E. Lemay it was even more dangerous than flying many combat missions. Some of the new pilot graduates shown in these clips probably did not survive the war. Most went on to fly their missions and prevail over the Axis. Others rose to high command in the independent USAF (Established in 1947) or in the U. S. Army. Many went on to serve in the air wars over Korean and Vietnam. They also flew the dangerous and complex missions throughout the Cold War including the Berlin Airlift. A few rose to be recognized icons in the Army, the USAF and the Department of Defense. Some left the service and flew for the airlines or corporate aviation. Many continued to fly just for pleasure and some others left flying forever. (Source: The National Archives)