Mainstay of the US Strategic Air Command since its service entry in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress, with its nuclear payload, was the symbol of American might throughout the Cold War. Even with the appearance of newer aircraft, the B-52 soldiers on in the 21st century.

The B-52D, as shown in this painting, was produced in the largest numbers of any of the many versions. It was first planned to retire this and older models in 1971. After serving in Southeast Asia, the B-52D’s were kept on and in late 1972 over 200 aircraft, including newer B-52G’s, were bombing Hanoi. The B-52H, the only surviving version, continues to fly bombing missions in the Persian Gulf.