A Pattern For Joint Operations: World War II Close Air Support, North Africa

Mortensen, Daniel R

ISBN 10: 1477545859 / ISBN 13: 9781477545850

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012

About this Item

Print on Demand.

Seller Inventory # I-9781477545850

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Pattern For Joint Operations: World War II Close Air Support, North Africa
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1477545859
• ISBN 13: 9781477545850
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This study in the Historical Analysis Series examines a subject of importance not only to the Army but also to the Air Force: the origin and development of American close air support doctrine and practice in World War II. Close air support doctrine both then and now is critical to the services. As this study demonstrates, the doctrine that had been conceived and practice prior to the first American battles of World War II fell apart in the mud and fog of Tunisia. Both air and ground commanders in 1941 recognized the necessity of close cooperation between the staffs and forces in joint and combined forces. What they had to learn in 1942 was the degree to which close air support doctrine tested that cooperation and required alteration. The struggle of ground and air leaders to define and construct a command and control system, and ultimately to allocate and commit precious air resources to requisite ground missions, has as many lessons today as it did more than forty years ago.

About the Author

Daniel R. Mortensen, a historian with the Office of Air Force History, received his B.A. and M.A. in history from the University of California, Riverside and a doctorate in 1976 from the University of Sothern California (USC). He taught at several institutions in southern California, including Pepperdine, USC, and Loyola, and subsequently a course in aviation technology at the University of Maryland.