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IN I ah eae r- i ef 199031 034- WITHCOURAGE "TheU S ArnyAirkF es invbrl Warll In the last decade of the twentieth century, today's United States Air Force marks the fiftieth anniversary of its part in'a national effort that opposed a coalition of enemies in a global war. American and allied air forces in the conflict for the first time achieved striking range and effectiveness making air power a force equal to that of traditional armies and navies. The Center for Air Force History has prepared this narrative to commemorate the accomplishments of American air power in World War 11 and present to the American people a record of valor in the name of freedom. The Cover The cover illustration is a reproduction of aviation artist William S. Phillips's Alone No More. A battle-damaged B- 17G chris- tened "Sweet Rose O'Grady" from the 303d Bomb Group limps home under the watch- ful eyes of two Mark IX Spitfire pilots from the RAF's 241 Squadron. ©The Greenwich Workshop. 1992 NOTICE. DISCLAIMER THIS DOCUMENT IS BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. THE COPY FURNISHED TO DTIC CONTAINED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF COLOR PAGES WHICH DO NOT REPRODUCE LEGIBLY ON BLACK AND WHITE MICROFICHE. ftlY The US. ArmyAirFOrces inWorld~arll[ DQ~T.I ~C ~ODT E~5 ~ "4wi ý ~li (cid:127)(cid:127)U.. VAI. Alfred M. Beck chief editor WIuTH COURAGE The US. ArmyAirFowes inWorldWarlI ~ii Bernard C. Nalty Alir Force John F. Shiner 1History & George M. Watson Museums Program 1994 Washington, DC Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Nalty, Bernard C. With courage : the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II : a commemorative history /Bernard C. Nalty, John F. Shiner, George M. Watson: Alfred M. Beck, editor. 366 p. 25 cm.--(General Histories) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-16-036396-9 (hard) 1. United States, Army, Army Air Force-History-World War, 1939-1945. I. Shiner, John F. II. Watson, George M. III. Beck, Alfred M., 1939-. IV. Title V. Series D790.N32 1994 940.54'4973---dc2O 94-4716 CIP For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 Foreword In the last decade of the twentieth century, the United States Air Force commemorates two significant benchmarks in its heritage. The first is the occasion for the publication of this book, a tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The four years between 1991 and 1995 mark the fiftieth anniversary cycle of events in which the nation raised and trained an air armada and com- mitted it to operations on a scale unknown to that time. With Courage: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War H retells the story of sacrifice, valor, and achievements in air campaigns against tough, determined adversaries. It describes the development of a uniquely American doctrine for the application of air power against an opponent's key industries and centers of national life, a doctrine whose legacy today is the Global Reach - Global Power strategic planning framework of the modern U.S. Air Force. The narrative integrates aspects of strategic intelligence, logistics, technology, and leadership to offer a full yet concise account of the contributions of American air power to victory in that war. A second commemoration in September 1997 marks the fiftieth birthday of the United States Air Force as a separate military institution. From its origins in 1907 until it achieved independence on September 18, 1947, the Air Force was, under several different names, a subordinate branch of the United States Army. The combat achievements and the incom- parable growth of air power capabilities and thought in World War II made the Air Force's separation from the Army both desirable and in- evitable afterward. In the early years of the Cold War that followed, the Air Force was the principal arm of American strategic deterrent policy. It has continued to develop as the most flexible military instrument of American policy. After World War II, the Air Force deployed units in three major conflicts and in a succession of crises. It revealed an increasing reach in humanitarian missions as well. In 1991, the U.S. Air Force fielded an overwhelming presence in the Persian Gulf to defeat the forces of a predatory local regime. For the first time in history, global and precise air power was the decisive element in bringing a hostile government and its ground forces to terms. As the Cold War recedes into history, it leaves in its wake ancient and new ethnic grievances, resurgent nationalism, and contending militant religious beliefs to complicate international relations. In this charged and unpredictable atmosphere, the Air Force has a demonstrated ability to reach points of tension around the world within hours, delivering decisive, precise force against any opponent. It is an unparalleled strategic instrument for a period of particularly volatile international relationships. As the Air Force meets the demands of the future, it is well to honor those who were present during its gestation and birth. We dedicate this volume, with respect and affection, to the men and women of the Army Air Forces of the Second World War. RICHARD P. HALLION January 1994 Air Force Historian vi