Aviators and Air Combat: A Study of the U.S. Eighth Air Force and R.A.F. Bomber Command
Abstract
This thesis investigates the unique nature of aerial warfare and the men who participated in it by analysing aircrew selection, reaction to combat, adaptability to stress, morale, leadership, and combat effectiveness. Moreover, it provides the first detailed examination of the sensitive subject called 'Lack of Moral Fibre.' First-hand reflections of combat airmen, published materials, reports and official documents are used to compare the efforts of the U.S. Eighth Air Force and R.A.F. Bomber Command. There is an important reason for this comparative method. All too often the strategic bombing offensive against Germany is regarded as two separate campaigns. In fact, it was very much a common enterprise. Although the Allied effort featured two air forces, two different philosophical concepts and two distinct approaches to the same problem, both organisations were committed essentially to achieve a central objective. A comparative method therefore makes it possible to gain some genuine insights into the nature of air combat and its impact on aviators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA265349
Entities
People
- Mark K. Wells
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology