Air Force Spoken Here: General Ira Eaker and the Command of the Air

From Publishers Weekly\nBy one of Baker's wartime aides, "in cooperation with the Air Force Historical Foundation," this anecdote-rich biography offers new material on the development of American air power and its application during World War II. Baker, an air pioneer, went on to lead the first bombing operations against western Europe, directed the great expansion of the Eighth Air Force in 1943, and commanded the Allied Air Forces in the Mediterranean theater. His postwar career included stints with Hughes Aircraft and McDonnell-Douglas and he gained a reputation as one of the foremost civilian spokesmen for the responsible use of air power. Baker's sterling leadership during the war is at the core of the narrative, along with a running account of his often strained relations with Air Corps chief "Hap" Arnold, who was not only a mentor but a father figure to Baker. Parton is founder of the American Heritage publishing company. Photos. (November 3
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.\nFrom Library Journal\nUnlike Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton, the name Eaker is not well known. A great combat leader and a brilliant administrator, Eaker was one of the small group of regular officers who prepared the U.S. Army Air Corps for World War II combat. Assigned to command the fledgling 8th Air Force in England in early 1942, he was responsible for its growth from six officers and no planes to 400,000 men and 8000 planes. Despite intense opposition by the British and many U.S. officers and politicians, Eaker championed daylight precision bombing against German industry. A modest man, Eaker never received the public recognition due him. This eminently readable, authoritative biography by his former aide may help to correct the situation. Essential for all World War II and aviation history collections. Stanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park,
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.