Week 10 Contrails Flashcards
When was the decision made to establish an Air Force song? Who convinced who?
1937, Brigadier General Henry H. Arnold convinced Chief of the Air Corps Major General Oscar Westover.
What magazine put out the reward for the winning composer? Who was the publisher and who decided the winner?
Liberty Magazine, publisher Bernarr Macfadden offered $1000 prize. Determined by Air Corps prize committee- senior air corps wives with musical backgrounds.
How many entries, and what were the requirements for the AF song?
700 entries, simple harmonic structure and set to a march tempo of military pattern.
What was the winning entry? Describe author
Two days before deadline, Robert Crawford submitted the winning song. He was a professional musician and reject WW1 Air Service pilot.
Who adopted the song?
General Arnold, Chief after Westover was killed in a 1938 plane crash.
3rd verse of AF song.
Here’s a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old
Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
What is the ACTS and what did it develop?
The Air Corps Tactical School was influenced by Billy Mitchell, Italy’s Giulio Douhet, and the RAF’s Hugh Trenchard to develop an air war theory that emphasized strategic bombardment. (Bypass armies and cripple economies by striking vital centers). Known as the “industrial web” theory
Or High Altitude Precision Daylight Bombardment.
Describe plane that fulfilled bombing vision
In August of 1935, Boeing Model 299 flew 2,100 miles from Seattle to Dayton at an average speed of 232 mph. Renamed B-17 “Flying Fortress” for size, range, Norden Bombsight, and 300+ mph top speed.
When was first U.S operational bombing mission?
On August 17, 1942, twelve B-17Es of the 97th Bomb Group against a railroad marshaling yard in Rouen, France. Escorted by RAF Spitfires.
What ended the unescorted bomber campaign?
October 14, 1943, General Eaker ordered 291 B-17s into fighter gauntlet against Schweinfurt. 60 shot down, 7 crashed upon landing in England, and 138 suffered battle damage.
What was developed to escort bombers? Describe.
North American P-51B Mustang. 440 mph top speed, basic range of 500 miles, 850 augmented.
What happened between Feb 20-25 1944?
Lt Gen Carl Spaatz’s Operation ARGUMENT. Eighth AF flew 3,300 heavy bomber sorties, 15th AF added 500 from Italy, and RAF Bomber Command flew 2,750 night attacks. Protected by ~4,000 fighter sorties.
Numbers of Op. ARGUMENT
Lost: 226 US bombers, 114 British heavies, and 41 USAAF fighters.
Destroyed: 355 fighters, damaged 155, killed 400 pilot.
Summarize Elwood “Pete” Quesada.
Started as a flying cadet in 1924.
As a major, commanded 33rd Fighter Group on Long Island.
Became Brig Gen in charge of First Air Defense Wing, then in 1943 Ninth Fighter Command.
Modified P-47 Thunderbolt for tactical support.
Highest ranking American killed in war?
Lt Gen Leslie McNair, killed when bombs fell short of target in Operation COBRA on July 25, 1944
