Trial By Fire: Forging American Close Air Support Doctrine, World War I Through September 1944

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book Trial By Fire: Forging American Close Air Support Doctrine, World War I Through September 1944 by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer, Lucknow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major Philip W. Wielhouwer ISBN: 9781782898290
Publisher: Lucknow Books Publication: August 15, 2014
Imprint: Lucknow Books Language: English
Author: Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
ISBN: 9781782898290
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Publication: August 15, 2014
Imprint: Lucknow Books
Language: English

Proper doctrine for close support of American ground forces by airpower has been a tumultuous issue since the first days of combat aircraft. Air and ground leaders struggled with interservice rivalry, parochialism, employment paradigms, and technological roadblocks while seeking the optimum balance of missions given the unique speed, range, and flexibility of aircraft. Neither ground force concepts of airpower as self-defense and extended organic artillery, nor air force theories focused on command of the air and strategic attack fit the middle ground of close air support (CAS), leaving a doctrinal void prior to American combat in World War II. This thesis focuses on the critical period from September 1939 through the doctrinal and practical crucible of North Africa, which eventually produced a resoundingly successful system. Theoretical and practical changes in organization and command, airpower roles, and the tactical air control system are examined, with subarea focus on cooperation and communications technology. Upon examination, discerning leadership, able to transcend earlier compromises and failures, emerges as the essential element for CAS success during the war. While many airpower concepts proved valid, air-ground cooperation through liaison proved indispensable, a lesson repeated even today.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Proper doctrine for close support of American ground forces by airpower has been a tumultuous issue since the first days of combat aircraft. Air and ground leaders struggled with interservice rivalry, parochialism, employment paradigms, and technological roadblocks while seeking the optimum balance of missions given the unique speed, range, and flexibility of aircraft. Neither ground force concepts of airpower as self-defense and extended organic artillery, nor air force theories focused on command of the air and strategic attack fit the middle ground of close air support (CAS), leaving a doctrinal void prior to American combat in World War II. This thesis focuses on the critical period from September 1939 through the doctrinal and practical crucible of North Africa, which eventually produced a resoundingly successful system. Theoretical and practical changes in organization and command, airpower roles, and the tactical air control system are examined, with subarea focus on cooperation and communications technology. Upon examination, discerning leadership, able to transcend earlier compromises and failures, emerges as the essential element for CAS success during the war. While many airpower concepts proved valid, air-ground cooperation through liaison proved indispensable, a lesson repeated even today.

More books from Lucknow Books

Cover of the book The Story Of Our Submarines by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Rendezvous With Destiny: A History Of The 101st Airborne Division by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book With The R.A.M.C. In Egypt [Illustrated Edition] by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Task Force Butler: by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Orde Wingate And The British Internal Security Strategy During The Arab Rebellion In Palestine, 1936-1939 by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book The 9th Australian Division Versus The Africa Corps: An Infantry Division Against Tanks - Tobruk, Libya, 1941 by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Ludendorff's Own Story, August 1914-November 1918 The Great War - Vol. I by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book With The Zionists In Gallipoli by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book The Battle Of The Huertgen Forest [Illustrated Edition] by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Role Of The Office Of Strategic Services In Operation Torch by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Combined Operations; The Official Story of The Commandos by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Forcible Entry And The German Invasion Of Norway, 1940 by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book My Secret Service, Vienna-Sophia-Constantinople-Nish-Belgrade-Asia Minor by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book War Diaries And Other Papers – Vol. II by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
Cover of the book Beyond The Gap: A Historical Perspective On World War II River Crossings by Major Philip W. Wielhouwer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy