American Air Power in World War II

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the historical and technical development of the strategic and tactical air power methods used by the U.S. to defeat the Nazis. The paper also describes the extreme conditions that pilots operated under during WWII and the courage and heroism required of the pilots of that era.

Air Power Flexibility and Versatility during WWII
A B-17 Crew Member " a Gunner " Writes to his Mother
The Dangers of Fighter Pilots being Shot down
Body Armor ("Flak Suits") Protected Some Air Corps Fliers

From the Paper:

"There was a predictable yet seemingly restrained power struggle ongoing during the buildup to the U.S. engagement in Europe, between the ground forces and air command units; Spires writes (4) that a Field Manual on April 9, 1942 (Aviation in Support of Ground Forces) offered "much to satisfy the most ardent air power proponents in the newly designated Army Air Forces (AAF)". There would be some layers of authority to go through however, since the ground commanders would initiate requests for air power " through air support parties " and the requests would then be sent to air support command for approval. If indeed approved, the command at air support would issue orders to aircraft."

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