MacArthur's airman
Subtitle: General George C. Kenney and the war in the southwest Pacific
By: Thomas E. Griffith Jr.
Series: Modern war studies
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Lawrence, Kan
Language: eng
Number of pages: 338
Subjects: Kenney, George C. 1889-1977.; United States. Army -- Biography.; World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Area.; World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations, American.; World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, American.; Generals -- United States -- Biography.
Description: A fighter pilot who flew seventy-five combat missions in World War I, George C. Kenney was a charismatic leader who established himself as an innovative advocate of air power. As General MacArthur's air commander in the southwest Pacific during World War II, Kenney played a pivotal role in the conduct of the war, but until now his performance has remained largely unexplored.

Thomas Griffith offers a critical assessment of Kenney's numerous contributions to MacArthur's war efforts. He depicts Kenney as a staunch proponent of air power's ability to shape the outcome of military engagements and a commander who shared MacArthur's strategic vision.

He tells how Kenney played a key role in campaigns from New Guinea to the Philippines; adapted aircraft, doctrine, and technology to the demands of aerial warfare in the southwest Pacific; and pursued daring strategies that likely would have failed in the European theater.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 313-328) and index.