WS-18 Airpower through the Cold War, Pt. 1

Question 1

1. State the Soviet action taken in the blockading of Berlin.

Answer 1

a. Soviets blockaded all roads, rail, and waterways
b. Soviets allowed three air corridors
c. Soviets refused to supply food
d. Soviets demanded their currency be adopted
e. Soviets cut off power

Question 2

2. Identify the Western Allies’ response to the Berlin blockade.

Answer 2

a. The Western Allies’ response was the Berlin Airlift, known as Operation Vittles.
b. Western Allies’ supplied food and coal
c. Backup of airlift through basing of strategic nuclear capability in England (36 B-29s deployed)
i. This was the first success of nuclear deterrence
d. US was not seeking vengeance in Germany
e. US did not accept Soviet currency

Question 3

3. Outline the significance of airpower during the Berlin airlift.

Answer 3

a. Became a diplomatic weapon
b. represented technical achievement
c. demonstrated strength of airpower
d. NATO (demonstrated allied prestige)
e. First victory of the Cold War

Question 4

4. List General LeMay’s accomplishments and impact on the Air Force. – KNOW ALL

Answer 4

a. IMPACT
 High standards of readiness and realistic training * Foot Stomp*
 Bombers became airborne nuclear alert Foot Stomp
 Procured personnel and aircraft
 Integrated ICBMs
 Nuclear deterrence became reality
b. ACCOMPLLISHMENTS
 Navigator on B-17 as Lt in early airpower demonstration with ocean liner “Rex” in 1938
 Commanded units in Berlin airlift
 Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC)
 Air Force Chief of Staff

Question 5

5. Identify the contributions of airpower during the Korean War.

Answer 5

a. Air Superiority: Interdiction and close air support Foot Stomp

Question 6

6. Describe the effect the Soviet nuclear threat had on US missile development.

Answer 6

a. CREATED AN ARMS RACE BETWEEN THE SOVIETS AND US

b. US increased production of ballistic missiles

Question 7

7. Identify which missile became the mainstay of Strategic Air Command’s missile retaliatory force.

Answer 7

a. The Minuteman became the mainstay of SAC’s missile retaliatory force (solid state instead of liquid)