Airpower End of WW I Through WW II

Airpower: End of WW I Through WW II 1

Overview • • • Background—The 1920 s General Mitchell’s Crusade The Air Corps Act of 1926 Air Corps Tactical School Move To Autonomy in the 1930 s WWII Begins The Battle of Britain The United States Prepares for War The Army Air Forces 2

Overview (cont’d) • • • The US Enters the Second World War America and its Allies Plan Strategy The United States on the Offensive US Strategic Bombing Effort Against Germany The Air War Against Japan Tactical Airpower in the Pacific Strategic Airpower in the Pacific The End of the Second World War Evolution of Airpower 3

THE INTERWAR YEARS 4

Rickenbacker Video 5

Background to the Interwar Years • Following WW I, the United States returned to isolationism • Army Air Service reduced from 20, 000 officers in 1918 to 200 in 1919 • Civilian aviation boomed; military budgets were cut • Air service sought to develop an air doctrine • Period marked by organizational changes and personality clashes • Few saw the potential of the airplane 6

Gen William “Billy” Mitchell • Deputy Chief of Air Service in 1919 • Believed the airplane would change the defense establishment • Believed the air service was an offensive force equal to the Army and Navy • The Army and Navy strongly opposed these views • Americans wanted no part of a service that looked offensive in nature 7

Mitchell Video 8

Billy Mitchell (cont’d) • A visionary, fanatic, and prophet • Alienated many due to constant attacks and need for 100% support • Technology not capable of meeting his expectations—cost him credibility • Tried to work within the System – Dickman Board of 1919 • Assigned aviation units to ground control • Identified aviation unit functions – Menoher Board of 1919 -20 • First nation to mobilize an air fleet in wartime would have the advantage 9

Army Reorganization Act • Passed by Congress in 1920 – Air Service raised in stature equal to the Infantry, Artillery, etc. – Air Service granted procurement, research, and training autonomy – Air Service units assigned to ground control (opposed by General Mitchell) – Army aircraft coastal defense mission specified and limited 10

Gen Mitchell vs. Navy • Claimed the battleship was obsolete • Replaced by more effective and economical airplane • Air Service planes bombed and sank three ships – Infuriated the Navy leadership – Sparked interservice feuding • Air Service still not given the mission of coastal defense 11

Mitchell’s Last Campaign • 1922 -1924—General Mitchell concentrated on developing doctrine; advocated strategic bombardment • 1925—Demoted to colonel because of his unrelenting support for a separate air force • After the crash of the dirigible “Shenandoah, ” he accused military leaders of “incompetence and criminal negligence” • Court-martial began on October 28, 1925 12

Mitchell’s Legacy • Focused attention on airpower • Forced acceptance of the potential of airpower • Mentored many aviators who would carry on his work—some became instructors at the Air Corps Tactical School (ACTS) 13

Arnold Video 14

Air Corp Act of 1926 • Can be thought of as being triggered by General Mitchell • Army Air Service became Army Air Corps • Additional Assistant Secretary of War appointed to oversee air units • Air sections authorized in General Staff divisions • Flying units to be commanded by rated officers 15

Air Corp Tactical School (ACTS) • Founded in 1920 at Langley Field, Virginia • Renamed Air Corps Tactical School in 1926 • Moved to Maxwell Field, Alabama in 1931 • Original mission to teach air strategy and tactics • Mission changed to developing and teaching air doctrine (principles and philosophy) 16

ACTS (cont’d) • Future wars would be decided by airpower • Airplane would be the primary offensive weapon of modern forces • High-altitude, strategic, daylight bombing could paralyze and defeat an industrialized enemy without heavy losses 17

ACTS (cont’d) • Preoccupation with bombers and their missions overwhelmed other teachings – Claire Chennault • Led the Flying Tigers in WW II • Taught pursuit aviation—advocated escorting bombers and strafing enemy rear areas – George Kenney • Commanded the Pacific Air Force in WW II • Taught attack aviation—strafing attacks on enemy troops and behind enemy lines 18

Chennault Video 19

Organizational Changes • Army Reorganization Act of 1920 – Air Service gained autonomy in R&D, procurement, personnel, supply, and training • Air Corps Act of 1926 – Changed the name of the Air Service to Air Corps; implied the Air Corps was capable of independent operations • Establishment of General Headquarters (GHQ) Air Force in 1935 – Placed all tactical units under the Commander, GHQ – Recognized an independent aviation branch within the Army 20

The German Blitzkrieg • 1 Sep 1939—Germany attacks Poland – Luftwaffe aircraft were employed: • To gain air superiority • Cut supply lines • Support ground forces • Germany then easily conquered Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, and France 21

Battle of Britain • June 1940—Britain stands alone against German aggression • Germany attacks in four phases – Attacks against shipping lines – Day and night bombing of RAF airfields – Daytime bombing of the cities – Nighttime bombing of the cities 22

Phase I (10 July to 7 Aug) • The Luftwaffe concentrated on offensive reconnaissance in Phase I. Specific actions included: • Attacks on convoys in the English Channel • Attacks on air defense, especially radar (radio detection and ranging) stations • Attacks on coastal towns in the planned invasion area 23

Phase II (8 Aug to 6 Sept) Having tested and reconnoitered the defenses, the overall strategy was to focus on destroying aircraft of Britain’s Fighter Command, both on the ground and in the air. 24

Phase III (7 Sept-5 Oct) • Massed attacks began against London and other major cities, as well as aircraft factories and other strategic targets • When British fighters were successful against the day raids, the Germans switched to night bombing. 25

Phase IV (6 -31 Oct 1940) • Heavy night bombing raids against cities continued, while Luftwaffe fighterbombers attacked airfields, coastal towns, and other strategically-significant targets. • As the winter weather approached, the raids became less numerous and produced less damage. By November it was apparent that the offensive had failed. 26

Reasons for Luftwaffe’s Defeat • Luftwaffe not trained or equipped to conduct strategic bombing • British had excellent command, control, and communication systems in place • Luftwaffe had poor intelligence capabilities 27

Spaatz Video 28

Col Carl Spaatz’ Observations • The Luftwaffe – Primarily a ground-supporting air force – Tactically ill prepared for strategic bombing – Lacked a strategic bombing doctrine 29

United States Prepares for War • Army Air Corps was expanded – July 1940—Air Corps expands to 54 combat groups to include 14 heavy bomb groups – March 1941—Air Corps expands to 84 combat groups to include 24 heavy bomb groups • Emphasis placed on bombers, not escort aircraft —hurts US bombing efforts B-17 B-24 30

Air War Plans Division Plan # 1 • Formulated in response to Roosevelt's call for American air doctrine • Established independent operating objectives for the Air Corps • Called for precision bombing of German industry and economy • Flawed because it did not provide for longrange fighter escort P-51 31

AWPD 1—Target List • Emphasized the offensive nature of the mission • Ground support missions were secondary • Four major targets were… – Electrical power facilities – Transportation assets and structures – Synthetic petroleum production plants – Aircraft industry facilities 32

Forming the Army Air Force (AAF) • Army Air Corps and GHQ Air Force merged in June 1941 to form AAF • Merger resulted from decentralization of the War Department General Staff begun by General George Marshall in 1940 • General Hap Arnold named commander • One step from full independence as a separate service 33

The United States Enters WW II • Relations between the United States and Germany deteriorate—USS Reuben James sunk in October 1941 • Relations with Japan worsened in 1941 – Japan continues Asian aggression – July 1941—Roosevelt froze Japanese assets in U. S. and halts all American trade with Japan – 7 Dec 1941—Japan attacks Pearl Harbor 34

Allied Strategy for Winning World War II • Priority One: Safeguard Britain and United States • Priority Two: Fight a decisive air offensive against the Axis powers in Europe and fight defensively in Asia • Priority Three: Sustained air offensive against Japan after the Axis powers were defeated in Europe – Use land forces when, and if, necessary I + III = Victory 35

First US Offensive Action of WW II—North Africa • First use of US Ground forces against the Germans • Provided valuable combat experience for ground air forces • Opportunity for British and United States to fight a combined arms campaign • First defeat of the German forces since 1930 36

North Africa (cont’d) • United States learned valuable lessons concerning the employment of airpower in tactical situations • Initial problems experienced by the Allies – Air units were split among ground units – Ground commanders didn’t share aircraft – Airpower used defensively – Airpower employment fragmented and inflexible 37

North Africa (cont’d) • Allied airpower reorganized in 1942 – Command of the air forces went to Airmen – The air officer decided the missions and allocated forces – Missions became offensive in nature • Flexibility of Allied airpower was restored and air superiority was attained • Tactical missions followed and techniques refined • Allies achieve victory in North Africa in May 1943 38

North Africa (cont’d) “Anyone who has to fight, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy in complete command of the air, fights like a savage against modern European troops, under the same handicaps and with the same chances of success. ” ~ Field Marshal Erwin Rommell 39

Davis Video 40

US Strategic Bombing of Germany • Heavily influenced by ACTS and bomber advocates – Some felt strategic bombing alone would defeat Germany – Others believed strategic bombing would weaken Germany and a ground invasion would be required for her surrender 41

US Bombing Strategy • United States committed to high-altitude, daylight precision bombing • Believed heavy bombers, flying in formation, could fight their way to the target and back – Fighter escorts not necessary • Targets identified by AWPD-1 best hit in day time • US strategy ignored weather conditions, target obstruction, fighter opposition, and antiaircraft artillery 42

Strategic Bombing of Germany—Early Efforts • Strategic bombing of Europe was Eighth Air Force responsibility • First raids were against marshaling yards in France—little effect • Late 1942 and early 1943: Eighth AF attacked small targets in Europe—good experience, little effect 43

Strategic Bombing Becomes a Major Objective • Casablanca Conference (Jan 1943) established strategic bombing as a major objective – Destruction and dislocation of the German military, industrial, and economic system – Undermining of morale of the German people – German aircraft industry was the top priority target – The ball bearing industry was complementary target – Destruction of enemy aircraft industry would help achieve Air Superiority a 44

Strategic Bombing of Schweinfurt Germany • Eighth AF bombs the ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt in Summer 1943 – Aug 1943—Eighth AF inflicts heavy damage but loses 36 B -17 s and 360 crewmen – Oct 1943—AAF loses 60 bombers and has 138 aircraft damaged and 600 men lost • Losses were unacceptable • No fighter escorts left bombers vulnerable to enemy fighters and antiaircraft artillery 45

Strategic Bombing of Ploesti • Aug 1943—AAF launches attacks against oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania – 180 aircraft launched— 55 lost – Raids were costly but needed to shorten the war • Attacks were designed to reduce Germany’s oil and lubricant production – Generally ineffective and increased until attacks in 1944 deliveries were resumed 46

Strategic Bombing in Europe (cont’d) • Long-range fighter escorts arrived in theater December 1943 – Took significant toll on German aircraft and their experienced pilot force • Eighth AF resumed raids into Germany in February 1944 – Launched a 1000 -plane raid by end of February 1944 – Attacked Berlin in March 1944 – German POL production was reduced to 25% capacity by September 1944 47

European Strategic Bombing: Lessons Learned • Target list was not what it should have been – Attacks on sub pens and ball bearing plants were ineffective – Best targets were the POL production facilities and sources of electrical power • Terror bombing of civilians was ineffective and did little to lower morale • Bombers needed fighter escorts to and from the target 48

Pacific Theater in World War II “In our victory over Japan, airpower was unquestionably decisive. That the planned invasion of the Japanese Home islands was unnecessary is clear evidence that airpower has evolved into a force co-equal with land sea power, decisive in its own right, and worthy of the faith of its prophets. ” ~ General Carl A. Spaatz 49

Japanese Objectives • Territorial expansion to reduce overcrowding at home and gain raw materials • Fill the power vacuum in the Southwest Pacific created by German aggression in Europe • Keep the U. S. out of the war for two years with a knockout blow at Pearl Harbor – Underestimated American resolve and anger 50

Tunner Video 51

Allied Strategy to Defeat Japan • China-Burma-India—Japan’s back door – Campaign to re-supply troops in China and recapture Southeast Asia – AAF flew the “hump”—Supply route over the Himalayas—A logistics triumph • South Pacific Offensive—Islandhopping campaign led by General Mac. Arthur • Central Pacific Offensive—Islandhopping campaign led by Admiral Nimitz C-47 Skytrain 52

Tactical Airpower in the Pacific • Far East Air Force (FEAF)— formed to support the South Pacific campaign – Made up of the Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces – Used innovative techniques, such as fragmentation bombs, to interdict enemy positions and troops – Employed fighters and medium bombers; P-38 was a huge success – Won air superiority through a war of attrition P-38 Lightning 53

Doolittle Video 54

Strategic Airpower in the Pacific • 18 April 1942—First strategic raid – Jimmy Doolittle led flight of 16 bombers from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet – 600 -mile flight did little damage, but boosted morale of US forces and shocked the Japanese • Twentieth Air Force formed in 1944 specifically to bomb Japan – Initial results were poor due to high altitude bombing techniques 55

Le. May Video 56

Strategic Airpower in the Pacific (cont’d) • January 1945—General Arnold put Gen Curtis Le. May in charge of strategic bombing – Changed tactics to use incendiary bombs – Lowered bombing altitude to improve B-29 s’ accuracy – 9 March 1945—Launched firebomb attack of Tokyo first • 279 B-29 s participated • Burned 16 square miles, destroyed 267, 000 buildings, and killed 85, 000 people 57

End of the War • President Truman authorizes nuclear strikes against Japan – 6 Aug 1945: Hiroshima bombed— 70, 000 killed – 9 Aug 1945: Nagasaki bombed— 40, 000 killed • Japan surrendered 15 August 1945 • WW II ended formally with ceremonies on the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945 58

Evolution of Airpower • So, what have we learned? – What were significant airpower achievements and changes during this period? – What was the impact of these achievements and changes?

Summary • • Background—The 1920 s General Mitchell’s Crusade The Air Corps Act of 1926 Air Corps Tactical School Move To Autonomy in the 1930 s WWII Begins The Battle of Britain The United States Prepares for War • The Army Air Forces 60

Summary (cont’d) • • • The US Enters the Second World War America and its Allies Plan Strategy The United States on the Offensive US Strategic Bombing Effort Against Germany The Air War Against Japan Tactical Airpower in the Pacific Strategic Airpower in the Pacific The End of the Second World War Evolution of Airpower 61