Hap Arnold: The General Who Invented the US Air Force by Bill Yenne. 304 pages (October 14, 2013) Regnery History. Henry H. 'Hap' Arnold's life paralleled the growth of America's air power and he personally contributed to most of the major milestones of development during the long period until he retired in 1946. Three years later, by act of Congress, he received permanent five-star rank as general of the Air Force, the first such commission ever granted. His long career in aviation spanned the period from the Wright brothers' earliest aircraft to jet fighters. His military experience in logistics, research and development, training, and commanding operational units molded him into the perfect Airman to build and to command the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. His efforts laid the foundation for modern U.S. Air Force logistics, R&D and operations.

Death from the Heavens: A History of Strategic Bombing by Kenneth P. Werrell. 400 pages (July 1, 2009) Naval Institute Press. A comprehensive look at the history, technology, and operational development of strategic bombing from its beginnings with light aircraft before WW I to the bombers and missiles of the 21st century. While primarily focused on the United States, the strategic bombing programs of Great Britain, Germany, and Russia are also covered. The author is a professional historian, also a former USAF pilot, able to effectively present his deep knowledge and analysis of the subject.

The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour by Andrei Cherny. 640 pages (April 17, 2008) Putnam. The Soviet blockade of Berlin in 1948 was the first serious test of the US by the USSR at the dawn of the Cold War. Against the advice of all the "experts" Pres. Truman took the position that the United States could not and would not abandon Berlin. He ordered the military to find a way. The resulting airlift was a technical, logistical and humanitarian miracle which still stands as one of the most unlikely and difficult operations of all time. Its resounding success set the tone for many Cold War confrontations to come.

American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day by Robert Coram. 416 pages (May 3, 2007) Little, Brown and Company. This is an excellent biography with a great subject. Col. Day is the most decorated American officer since World War II, serving first in the Marine Corps and then in the Air Force. As an F-100 fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, Col. Day was shot down over enemy territory and, although injured, evaded capture and almost succeeded in reaching friendly lines. Tragically he was discovered and shot by a North Vietnamese patrol, captured and held over five years in North Vietnam as a POW, suffering endless torture and mistreatment. Following his repatriation in 1973, his many combat decorations were capped by the highest U.S. award, the Medal of Honor. His life, military career, and post-service political activity are an inspiring American story.

American Fighters Over Europe. 112 pages, 300 illustrations and 140 photographs. This attractive book provides a large number of photos and drawings of U.S. fighter planes of the WW II ETO with details of their colors and markings. The book is directed toward modelers, but is valuable for anyone interested in how these planes looked in their original time and place. Kalmbach Publishing Co. has a number of other books for military modelers which may also be of interest.

Untold Valor: Forgotten Stories of American Bomber Crews over Europe in World War II by Rob Morris. 304 pages (April 14, 2006) Potomac Books Inc. This book covers the history of the bomber war in Europe during WW II, as seen by the men involved. Based on interviews with surviving crews, the author extracts a lot of interesting details about the men who bravely rode the planes of the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Force, how they lived, fought, and too-often died in the air and on the ground after capture.

Reddo's Raiders: Memoirs of a B17 Bomber Aircraft Commander by author. 264 pages (January 6, 2004) 1st Books Library. The reminiscences of a B-17 Flying Fortress captain and his crew during WW II.

B-24 Bomber Crew: A True Story of the Pacific War With Japan by J. A. Nichols. 78 pages (November 1997) Vantage Press. A short first person account of a B-24 pilot in the Pacific Theater, from training to operational missions. Photo section.

By Any Means Necessary : America's Secret Air War in the Cold War by William E. Burrows. 416 pages (October 2001) Farrar Straus & Giroux. This book tells the story of aerial reconnaissance, the "black missions" practiced by the US during the Cold War along the periphery and over the territory of the Communist bloc. Starting in the closing days of World War II the dangerous and super-secret missions were required to keep the US nuclear deterrant credible and to provide early warning of the intentions and capabilities of the adversaries. Using the best manpower, flying everything from obsolete aircraft to amazing special planes like the U-2 or SR-71, these largely unsung warriors did their clandestine work in obscurity. They were military men flying missions planned by SAC, the CIA or NSA. For them the Cold War was hot -- many were shot at, some shot down and killed or captured. The captured crews were occasionally returned but many disappeared and the US Government was constrained by the secrecy of the missions from actively pursuing their release.

There is drama on several levels. There is the technology war of measures and counter-measures, pushing aircraft and crews to ever higher performance to meet mission objectives. Starting with refitted WW II prop-driven bombers and fighters, and off-the-shelf radio electronics, the author follows the evolution of technology to todays NRO satellites, stealth aircraft, and fantastic digital ECM gear. But there is also a human dimension of flyers risking and losing their lives while the US is ostensibly at peace, and their families who cannot find out what happened to them, cannot get the recognition and honor they deserve.

The book is an exceptional guide to the conduct of strategic reconnaissance by both sides during the last 55+ years, right up to the US-China clash over the Navy EP-3E in April 2001.