Description
Book Synopsis West Point graduates played a central role in developing U.S. military air and space power from the earliest days of mechanized flight through the establishment of the U.S. Air Force in 1947, and continuing through the Persian Gulf War. These graduates served at a time when the world''s greatest wave of technological advancement occurred: in aviation, nuclear weapons, rocketry, ICBMs, computers, satellite systems in inner space and man in outer space.
This history traces the advancement of weapons and space technology that became the hallmark of the U.S. Air Force, and the pivotal role that West Point graduates played in integrating them into a wide variety of Air Force systems and programs. Many became aircraft commanders, test pilots, astronauts and, later in their careers, general officers who helped shape and implement technologies still in use today.
Trade ReviewThis book fills an important niche by tracing the history and importance of West Point in the evolution of the US Air Force. That importance was enormous. The West Point ethos and shared experiences shaped the air arm that we have today. Excellent work."—Phillip S. Meilinger, Col, USAF (Ret.)
"From Hap Arnold thru Robin Olds, Charlie Gabriel, Jerry O'Malley and many more officers from all ranks and branches of the Air Force, West Point graduates and their vision and values shaped the air arm of the United States from it's very beginning."—Ronald R. Fogleman, Air Force Chief of Staff (Ret.)
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments—ix
- Foreword by Richard P. Hallion—1
- Preface by Charles F.G. Kuyk, Jr.—5
- Abbreviations—11
- 1. The Early Years of U.S. Army Aviation (1903–47)—15
- 2. Path to Independence—34
- 3. The Class of 1950—47
- 4. Cultural Transitions—66
- 5. Focus on Advancing Technology—77
- 6. Flight Tests and Test Pilots—109
- 7. Aerial Reconnaissance—130
- 8. Military Airlift—145
- 9. ICBMs—161
- 10. Space—176
- 11. U.S. Air Force Academy—197
- 12. Leadership—217
- Epilogue—226
- Chronology of Key Events—229
- Chapter Notes—255
- Bibliography—265
- Index—271
