General Laurence Kuter and the Birth of the U.S. Air Force: American Warriors

Architect of Air Power: General Laurence S. Kuter and the Birth of the US Air Force (American Warriors Series)

by Brian D. Laslie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3441 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

General Laurence Kuter was a pioneering American military leader who played a pivotal role in the formation and early days of the United States Air Force. As the first commander of the USAF, he laid the foundation for what would become the world's most powerful air force.

Early Life and Career

Laurence S. Kuter was born on May 10, 1895, in Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1917 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During World War I, he served as a pilot in the Army Air Service, flying reconnaissance and bombing missions over France.

After the war, Kuter remained in the Army Air Service, which later became the U.S. Army Air Corps. He held a variety of command and staff positions, including commander of the 1st Pursuit Group and chief of staff of the Air Corps Training Command.

World War II and the Birth of the Air Force

With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Kuter was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to the staff of General Henry H. Arnold, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Kuter played a key role in planning and executing the air campaigns against Germany and Japan.

In 1945, Kuter was promoted to lieutenant general and given command of the Twentieth Air Force, which conducted the strategic bombing campaign against Japan from the Mariana Islands. The Twentieth Air Force played a major role in the defeat of Japan and the end of the war.

After the war, Kuter was appointed as the first commander of the newly created United States Air Force. He served in this position from 1947 to 1953, during which time he oversaw the establishment of the Air Force as an independent branch of the U.S. military.

Legacy

General Laurence S. Kuter was a visionary leader who helped to shape the United States Air Force into the world's premier air power. His legacy includes the following:

* He was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Air Force as an independent branch of the military. * He oversaw the development of the Air Force's strategic bombing doctrine. * He led the Air Force during the Korean War and the Cold War. * He was a strong advocate for air power and for the importance of air superiority.

General Laurence S. Kuter died in 1979 at the age of 84. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

General Laurence S. Kuter was an American warrior who played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States Air Force. His vision and leadership helped to create the world's most powerful air force, which has played a vital role in defending the United States and its allies for over 70 years.

Architect of Air Power: General Laurence S. Kuter and the Birth of the US Air Force (American Warriors Series)

by Brian D. Laslie

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3441 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	235 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE