The Giant Unleashed 1943-1960

THE GIANT UNLEASHED 1943–1960

This volume traces the role of U.S. air power during the last three years of World War II, its emergence as a global air power in 1946, and its subsequent role and strategy during the Cold War.

1. The Road To Victory

In this chapter, the strength of U.S. air power reaches a new peak, to more than 2.4 million men and approximately 80,000 aircraft. Our bombers took the war to the heartland of Germany and Japan in daily bombing raids, while U.S. fighters controlled the air providing essential cover to ground troops in the European and Pacific fronts.

2. Korea & The Cold War

In 1947, the Army Air Force was reorganized into a separate branch of the military known as the U.S. Air Force. When war broke out in Korea, U.S. air power played a pivotal role in slowing down the communist advance and defending the Pusan perimeter. During this period, the Strategic Air Command was organized as the primary instrument of American nuclear deterrence.