What was the original name of the U.S. Air Force before it became independent?

The correct response highlights that prior to gaining independence as a separate branch of the U.S. military in 1947, the U.S. Air Force was known as the U.S. Army Air Corps. This organization was part of the U.S. Army and was responsible for conducting military aviation operations. The Air Corps played a significant role during World War II, developing the foundation and establishing the importance of air power in modern warfare. The transition from the Army Air Corps to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941 marked a step toward greater autonomy, yet it was the formal establishment of the U.S. Air Force as an independent service that reflected the growing recognition of air power's distinct strategic importance. Understanding this historical context is vital in grasping the evolution of the U.S. military structure and the significance of air operations in contemporary military strategy.