OUR MISSION AND HISTORY

1. Our Mission>>
2. History of the Arnold Air Society>>
3. 1st Lt James L Badley Squadron>>
4. James L Badley's Bio>>

Our Mission

The AAS has adopted as its mission four interrelated objectives that enhance AFROTC and the USAFA programs and projects the US Air Force's image to the campus and community. The objectives and how each is fulfilled are as follows.

1. Objective: To create a more efficient relationship among Air Force officer candidates and in particular, within the Air Force Reserves Officer Training Corps.

Function: Provide leadership opportunities for greater interaction among AFROTC officer candidates. Encourage increased communications with other source candidates, USAF officers, and leaders in national defense, government, and industrial activities.

2. Objective: To aid in the development of effective Air Force officers.

Function: Provide expanded opportunities for Air Force officer candidates to exercise leadership, management, organizational, and public relations skills.

3. Objective: To further the purpose, traditions and concepts of the USAF.

Function: Provide opportunities for officer candidates to participate in campus and community activities, demonstrating the close interrelationship between civilian and military institutions.

4. Objective: To accomplish these through serving the community.

Function: Providing officer candidates with the opportunities to expand their skills while serving the community.

Motivation towards a successful and profitable AFROTC career is the all important objective.

While accomplishing these objectives, you develop such qualities as teamwork, cooperation, discipline, and dependability. Participation is the key to many doors opened by the Arnold Air Society.

History of the Arnold Air Society

In 1947, at an AFROTC field training camp, cadets from the University of Cincinnati discussed and presented the idea of an honorary society to Lt Col James F. Pierce, Major Victor J. Sampson, and Captain James I. Nolkamper. In October 1947, a cadet committee was formed to write a constitution and choose a name for their newly founded society. The name they chose was "Arnold Society of Air Cadets," in honor of General Henry H. Arnold. In December 1947, Gen Arnold granted permission to use his name for the proposed Society.

The Arnold Society of Air Cadets grew very quickly from its inception in the summer of 1947. High morals, physical fitness, and positive mental attitude formed the foundation of the Society. These characteristics were the basis for the Society's efforts to mold young cadets into future Air Force leaders.

The United States Air Force officially recognized the Society on 6 April 1948, and the Air Defense Command sent out copies of the Society's constitution to all colleges and universities throughout the nation in the hopes of forming similar organizations. Within the next year, twenty new squadrons had been formed.

The death of the Society's first National Honorary Commander, General H. H. Arnold, marred the beginning years of the Society. General James Doolittle was unanimously chosen as his successor.

National Conclaves were one of the many new ideas that came about in the early 1950s. The first NATCON was held at the University of Cincinnati in 1950. This conclave was held to determine the policies of the Society. Mrs. Eleanor Arnold was named the Honorary Sponsor. This same year, the organization officially became known as the "Arnold Air Society." During the second NATCON, AAS became affiliated with the Air Force Association. At the fourth and fifth NATCON's, a reconstruction of organizational structure of AAS was proposed. This resulted in the formation of the Executive Board, consisting of AAS national and area leadership. At following conclaves, more awards and policies were initiated, such as Angel flight in 1952, and the Arnold Air Society-Link Foundation Fellowship Awards for graduate work.

1st Lt. James L. Badley Squadron

On 27 March 1968, Captain Richard L. Whitteker and 2nd Lieutenant James L. Badley, both of the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, departed Danang Air Base on a strike mission into North Vietnam. Jim Badley did not return from his 85th mission - their F-4D PHANTOM went down in North Vietnam.

Although both men were initially listed as Missing in Action, an Air Force review board determined that the circumstances of their loss were such that survival was not possible and recommended that their status be changed. The recommendation was approved on 08 May 1968 and their status was changed to "Hostile Loss/Died while Missing/Body not Recovered". As of 5 July 2002, neither Whitteker's nor Badley's remains have been repatriated.

Jim Badley was graduated from Oregon State University with the Class of 1965 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force Reserve. He began flight training at Williams AFB, received his wings in October 1966, and received F-4 training at Davis-Monthan AFB before reporting to the 480th TFS at Danang in September 1967.

Badley was shot down on his 25th mission on 20 Nov 67 but was rescued. His actions while on the ground during the rescue operation warranted the award of the Silver Star. On 14 Mar 68 he assisted in providing RESCAP support during a successful effort to pick up two downed aviators; he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Commendation Medal for his efforts.

As noted above, Jim Badley's remains have not been repatriated - but a memorial stone to him was placed in the Willamette National Cemetery (Portland, Oregon) on 23 May 1969. His father, Burton E. Badley, LtC, USAF (Ret), was buried there as well on 7 Dec 1979.

James L. Badley's Bio

James L. Badley was born in Portland, Oregon, 16 April 1942. He started his schooling in Portland, but because his father was a career service man, he attended schools in many locations - Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Tripoli Libya. In 1960 he graduated from high school in Mountain Home, Idaho.

While in Washington D.C., he received his eagle scout award at the age of 13. He went on to achieve his God and Country and Bronze Palm awards. He was also a member of DeMolay.

He attended Oregon State University and received a Production-Technical Engineering degree in 1965. While at OSU, he was president of Theta Chi Fraternity, an officer on the Intra-Fraternity Council, member of Arnold Air Society, Scabbard and Blade, Silver Wings Drill Team, and was on the OSU Varsity Swim Team. He was presented the AAS award, which was given to the outstanding junior cadet who had developed inspirational leadership ability, military bearing, attitude, and initiative. In

June 1965, he received his commission and began flight training at Williams A.F.B., Arizona. In October 1966 he received his Pilot Wings and was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB for combat training in the F-4 Phantom. After graduating in August 1966, he requested combat duty at DaNang, Vietnam. He started flying combat missions on the 22nd of September 1967.

On 20 November 1967 while flying his 25th mission in North Vietnam, Lt. Badley's aircraft was shot down and he was forced to bail out. He remained calm under the pressure of intense small arms fire and vectored the rescue helicopter to his position within seconds of Viet Cong capture. For his heroic actions, he received the Silver Star for Gallantry and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement.

Lt. Badley was selected as a regular Air Force officer in November, and was also nominated for Junior Officer of the Year by his wing (366th TAC Fighter Wing). His additional duties at DaNang included: Assistant Operations Officer, Assistant Finance Officer, MPC Conversion Officer, United Fund Officer Assistant Alert Facility Officer, and Awards and Decorations Officer. Later that month, Lt. Badley volunteered for fifty additional North Vietnam missions in addition to his required one hundred. He was scheduled to upgrade to Command Pilot on 15 April 1968.

Lt. Badley displayed his bravery again on 14 March 1968. On this day, with marginal weather conditions, he helped in the rescue of two downed pilots. He continued to attack and drew enemy fire away from the rescue aircraft, even after expending all available ordinance. For his selfless role in the rescue, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

While flying his eighty-fifth mission on 27 March 1968, Lt. Badley was shot down and thereafter listed Missing In Action (MIA). 1Lt. James L. Badley was officially declared Killed In Action (KIA) on 8 May 1968.

He was held in high esteem by his fellow officers for his dedication and initiative in doing what he personally felt needed doing in Vietnam. He loved his fellow man regardless of race or creed and wholeheartedly believed in freedom, justice and liberty for all people - to which he dedicated his life.

The Arnold Air Society at Oregon State University changed its name to the 1st Lt. James L. Badley Squadron on 31 May 1991. The previous name was the Nathan F. Twining Squadron, which had been adopted when AAS was first chartered at OSU on 14 November 1951.

"Rest In Peace James You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"