The US Eigth Air Force in World War II

ISBN-10: 1574419277
ISBN-13: 978-1574419276
AUTHOR: William J. Daugherty
PAGES: 348
FORMAT: Hardcover

When the United States joined World War II in 1941, the task of confronting Germany fell initially to the Army Air Forces. In January 1942, the US Eighth Air Force was established and dispatched to England, despite lacking manpower, equipment, and aircraft. Brigadier General Ira C. Eaker's tenure with the VIII Bomber Command and later as commander of the Eighth unfolds as a narrative of perseverance and strategic development aimed at transforming it into a formidable force capable of striking German targets from altitudes exceeding twenty thousand feet.

Originally assured one hundred aircraft and the necessary personnel, Eaker soon found that his bombers were frequently redirected to the North African and Pacific theaters. Amidst daunting challenges such as adverse weather, significant casualties, and the absence of escort fighters, Eaker faced criticism from General "Hap" Arnold, head of the Army Air Forces, for what was perceived as insufficient mission activity and aircraft deployment. The tension between Eaker and Arnold escalated, leading to Eaker's removal from command.

Nevertheless, the "Mighty Eighth Air Force" persisted in its relentless assault on German targets. Notably, even during the grueling Schweinfurt missions of 1943, where a quarter of the bombers and over six hundred men were lost per mission, the Eighth never wavered in its resolve to reach its objectives. The absence of suitable escort fighters for the heavy bombers like the B-17s and B-24s for the first two years underscores the extraordinary bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of the personnel involved. In many respects, the early years of the "Mighty Eighth Air Force" epitomize heroism and resilience more profoundly than the subsequent seventeen months of its campaign.