Air Commando

Author: Roderick Chisholm 
Publisher: Chatto & Windus London
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
Published: 1953
Bomb
 Through fog and darkness, these crews pushed their adapted planes and finicky collections of glowing tubes named 'radar'.

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Synopsis: Warren Trest's historical account examines the development and operations of special operations aviation units, focusing on the innovative tactics and aircraft employed by air commando forces in support of unconventional warfare and special operations missions. Trest's narrative reveals how air commando units evolved from experimental concepts during World War II to become essential components of modern military special operations capabilities. The book details the origins of air commando operations in the China-Burma-India Theater, where innovative commanders developed new techniques for supporting ground forces operating behind enemy lines in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Through extensive research in archives and interviews with veterans, Trest examines how air commando units adapted conventional aircraft and tactics to meet the unique requirements of special operations, including personnel insertion, supply missions, and close air support for irregular forces. The narrative provides insights into the selection and training of air commando personnel, revealing the specialized skills required for flying dangerous missions in hostile territory with minimal support and navigation aids. The work demonstrates how air commando operations required exceptional coordination between air and ground forces, as pilots worked closely with special operations teams to provide effective support while maintaining operational security. Trest's account includes analysis of aircraft modifications and specialized equipment developed for air commando missions, showing how engineering innovation enabled operations that would otherwise have been impossible or prohibitively dangerous. The book examines the evolution of air commando doctrine through operational experience, as units learned to balance mission effectiveness with aircraft survivability while operating in areas defended by enemy forces. The narrative reveals the broader strategic impact of air commando operations, showing how specialized aviation capabilities enabled unconventional warfare campaigns that contributed to Allied victory in multiple theaters. The work provides detailed accounts of specific operations, revealing how air commando crews overcame technical challenges and enemy resistance while accomplishing missions that supported broader strategic objectives. Trest's research demonstrates how air commando units influenced subsequent special operations development, as their innovations in tactics and equipment became the foundation for modern special operations aviation capabilities. The book serves as both operational history and institutional study, examining how military organizations developed specialized capabilities while adapting to changing strategic requirements and technological possibilities. The account illustrates how innovative thinking and willingness to accept risk could create new military capabilities that expanded strategic options while providing crucial support for specialized operations.

Air Commando, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.