Significant Weapons in Air Defense History Several air defense weapon systems have secured a place in the Air Defense History Hall of Fame. Developed during times of world conflict and in the 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 the United States' involvement in World War II. Enemy planes bombed the naval port of Pearl Harbor, killing dozens of Americans and crippling the U.S. naval fleet. The United States realized the urgent need for a viable air defense. On January 10, 1943, the 109th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) Battalion began at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Lieutenant Clayton M. Ella was the first commander. On June 11, 1944, the 109th supported an attack by the U.S. Third Army in the Ardennes. They killed enemy aircraft, ground vehicles and ammunition dumps. Air defense demonstrated 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 vehicles in many of the air battles launched against the United States and Allied forces. Weapons capable of engaging enemy aircraft became crucial as enemy planes began to fly higher and faster. In response to the new threat, the 90 mm gun entered service. With the ability to engage targets up to 30,000 feet high and a rapid rate of fire, the 90mm gun filled the skies with anti-aircraft shells for the duration of the war, giving it a significant role in air defense (Coulter). Operation Urgent Fury began on October 25, 1983. American forces assaulted the Po airstrips...... middle of paper...... Fury." DTC Online. (1983): 93. Print. Np, nd Web. 16 Oct 2011 .GlobalSecurity.org. nd Web. 15 October 2011. .Encyclopedia of the New American Nation, nd Web 16 October. United States Army's Last Line of Defense, 1996. Web. "32nd AAMDC: Operation Iraqi Freedom 32nd AAMDC, US Army." GlobalSecurity.org, nd Web, 17 October 2011. Defense Science Board Task Force Report Patriot System Performance Report. Washington DC: Under Secretary of Defense, 2005. Web 2011. .