The U.S. strategic bomber / Roger Freeman.

Includes bibliographical references pages 7.

Military aviation in the USA prior to World War II, was largely divided between the Army and Navy. Most leaders of the Army element desired an autonomous airforce and the promotion of a doctrine of strategic bombardment became the principal means of justifying this end. Despite political and inter-service obstacles, with the outbreak of war in Europe the way was clear to build a heavy bomber force specifically to engage in the Army Air Corps' technique of daylight precision bombardment. During World War II major campaigns of strategic bombing were undertaken by the USAAF against Germany and Japan and had a profound effect upon the outcome of hostilities. Apart from an independent USAF, the dominance of the strategic bomber led to the creation of Strategic Air Command, the principal US deterrent force in the immediate post-war era.

This book deals primarily with the development of the US strategic bomber and its employment during World War II. The policies and planning of the pre-war period, together with technical developments, that preceded the vast US bomber fleets sent against Germany and Japan, are described in the opening chapters. Aircraft, equipment and tactics employed in the bombing missions over Europe and Asia are detailed, followed by comprehensive coverage of all the strategic campaigns of the war. Appendices have much statistical information plus tables of units and command personalities.