Important Weapons in Air Defense HistorySeveral air defense weapon systems have earned their place in the Air Defense History Hall of Fame. Developed during a time of global conflict and an age of technology, these systems continue to play a vital and exciting role in U.S. air defense. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, triggered United States involvement in World War II. Enemy planes bombed the naval port of Pearl Harbor, killing many Americans and crippling the U.S. naval fleet. The United States realized the urgent need for viable air defense. On January 10, 1943, the 109th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) Gun Battalion began operations at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Lieutenant Clayton M. Ella was the first commander. On June 11, 1944, the 109th supported an attack by the American Third Army in the Ardennes. They killed enemy aircraft, ground vehicles and ammunition depots. Air defense proved its value and potential during the battles of World War II. The 109th AAA Gun Battalion was responsible for the destruction of 459 enemy aircraft and hundreds of armored vehicles (Coulter). In the early years of World War II, the 3-inch anti-aircraft gun protected our assets in many air battles fought against the United States. and allied forces. Weapons capable of engaging enemy aircraft became crucial as enemy aircraft began to fly higher and faster. In response to this new threat, the 90 mm cannon came into service. With the ability to engage targets up to 30,000 feet and a rapid rate of fire, the 90mm gun filled the skies with anti-aircraft shells for the duration of the war, giving it an important role in defense Air Force (Coulter).Operation Urgent Fury began on October 25, 1983. U.S. forces attacked airstrips at Po...... middle of paper ......Fury." DTC Online. (1983 ): 93. Np, nd Web October 16, 2011. .GlobalSecurity.org, nd Web October 15, 2011. : National Park Service, 1996. Web. “32nd AAMDC: Operation Iraqi Freedom 32nd AAMDC, US Army, nd Web, October 17, 2011. Defense Science Board Task Force Report.” Patriot system Washington DC: Under Secretary of Defense, 2005. Web October 14. 2011. .