The Strategic Air War Against Germany and Japan

Book excerpt: "The Strategic Air War Against Germany and Japan" is part of a continuing series of historical volumes produced by the Office of Air Force History in direct support of Project Warrior. Since its beginnings in 1982, Project Warrior has captured the imagination of Air Force people around the world and reawakened a keener appreciation of our fundamental purpose as a Service: to deter war, but to be prepared to fight and win should deterrence fail. Military history helps provide a realistic perspective on warfare. Through the study of past events, we gain insight into the capabilities of armed forces and, most importantly, a sound knowledge of the policies, strategies, tactics, doctrine, leadership, and weapons that have produced success in battle. Each of us, in broadening our knowledge of air power's past, helps to maintain the most effective Air Force possible, now and in the future. This book seeks to recount the air experience and development before World War II, to describe the objectives, plans and effects of strategic warfare in Europe and the Pacific, and to offer criticism, opinion, and lessons of that great conflict.