Trials of Command: General John D. Lavelle and the Seventh Air Force in Vietnam
Abstract
In July 1971, Air Force General John D. Lavelle assumed command of the Seventh Air Force. After just seven months on the job, Lavelle found himself relieved of command, rushed into retirement, and the focus of congressional hearings regarding his actions as the Seventh Air Force commander. Initially citing health issues as the reason for his abrupt retirement, the Air Force later revealed publicly that it had lost faith in Lavelle because of irregularities in his command responsibilities while executing the air war. Subsequently, allegations of unauthorized bombing and falsified operational reports surfaced in the media. A media craze and congressional hearings ensued that put Lavelle on public trial and, ultimately, forced him to retire at his permanent grade of Major General. After 40 years of silence, and the death of Lavelle, the release of the Nixon Presidential Tapes shed new light on the actions of Lavelle and grought into question his dismissal and subsequent disciplinary action by the Air Force and Congress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA603357
Entities
People
- Dale R. White
Organizations
- Marine Corps University