Randolph Field, Texas, played an exceptional role in the development of the air arm of the United States Army, which eventually achieved its independence as the United States Air Force in September 1947. It was concieved and designed as a model airfield for flying training in the mid 1920's for the fledging Army Air Corps. The completed "air city" became the site of unique Air Corps schools for flying training and aviation medicine, and as well was a landmark in airfield planning and design. In addition, administrative headquarters at Randolph Field, including the Air Corps Training Center, and the Army Air Forces Central Flying Training Command, were keystones in the organizational structure of the Army Air Forces.

Kelly Air Force Base, the oldest continuously operating flying base in the United States Air Force, is located at the southwestern edge of San Antonio. Capt. Benjamin Foulois, the "father of military aviation," selected the site in November 1916 to expand the activities of the fledgling Aviation Section of the United States Army Signal Corps from Fort Sam Houston. The new airfield was named for Lt. George E. Kelly, who was killed in a crash at Fort Sam Houston on May 10, 1911. He was the first American military aviator to lose his life while piloting a military aircraft. The base was initially called Aviation Camp, then Kelly Field. When the air force achieved autonomy in 1947, the name was changed to Kelly Air Force Base.