Title
To Rule the Skies: General Thomas S. Power and the Rise of Strategic Air Command in the Cold War (History of Military Aviation),Used
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To Rule the Skies: General Thomas S. Power and the Rise of Strategic Air Command in the Cold War fills a critical gap in Cold War and Air Force history by telling the story of General Thomas S. Power for the first time. Thomas Power was second only to Curtis LeMay in forming the Strategic Air Command (SAC), one of the premier combat organizations of the twentieth century, but he is rarely mentioned today. What little is written about Power describes him as LeMay's willing hatchet manuneducated, unimaginative, autocratic, and sadistic. Based on extensive archival research, General Power seeks to overturn this appraisal.Brent D. Ziarnick covers the span of both Power's personal and professional life and challenges many of the myths of conventional knowledge about him. Denied college because his middleclass immigrant family imploded while he was still in school, Power worked in New York City construction while studying for the Flying Cadet examination at night in the New York Public Library. As a young pilot, Power participated in some of the Army Air Corps' most storied operations. In the interwar years, his family connections allowed Power to interact with American Wall Street millionaires and the British aristocracy. Confined to training combat aircrews in the United States for most of World War II, Power proved his combat leadership as a bombing wing commander by planning and leading the firebombing of Tokyo for Gen. Curtis LeMay.After the war, Power helped LeMay transform the Air Force into the aerospace force America needed during the Cold War. A master of strategic air warfare, he aided in establishing SAC as the Free World's 'Big Stick' against Soviet aggression. Far from being unimaginative, Power led the incorporation of the nuclear weapon, the intercontinental ballistic missile, the airborne alert, and the Single Integrated Operational Plan into America's deterrent posture as Air Research and Development Command commander and both the vice commander and commanderinchief of SAC. Most importantly, Power led SAC through the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Even after retirement, Power as a New York Times bestselling author brought his message of deterrence through strength to the nation.Ziarnick points out how Power's impact may continue in the future. Power's peerless, but suppressed, vision of the Air Force and the nation in space is recounted in detail, placing Power firmly as a forgotten space visionary and role model for both the Air Force and the new Space Force. To Rule the Skies is an important contribution to the history of the Cold War and beyond.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'To Rule the Skies'? A: 'To Rule the Skies' centers on General Thomas S. Power and his significant role in shaping the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, providing a detailed account of his life and contributions.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Brent D. Ziarnick, who conducted extensive archival research to present a comprehensive view of General Power's life and career.
- Q: What historical period does the book cover? A: 'To Rule the Skies' covers the Cold War era, specifically focusing on the development and impact of the Strategic Air Command.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers interested in military history? A: Yes, this book is ideal for readers interested in military history, particularly those focusing on the Air Force and Cold War strategies.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'To Rule the Skies' contains 312 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of General Power's contributions.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which adds to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Q: When was 'To Rule the Skies' published? A: 'To Rule the Skies' was published on February 15, 2021.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include leadership in military strategy, the evolution of air power, and the historical significance of General Power's role in the Air Force.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or photographs? A: While the primary focus is on the text, the book may include relevant photographs or illustrations relating to General Power and the Strategic Air Command.
- Q: What makes this book a unique contribution to Cold War literature? A: 'To Rule the Skies' challenges existing narratives about General Power, providing a fresh perspective on his contributions and impact on military policy during a pivotal time.