Great Engines and Great Planes

Author: Wesley Stout
Publisher: Chrysler Corp Mich
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 1947
History
THIS BOOK IS A CHRONICLE OF THE EFFORTS OF THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION DURING WORLD WAR II TO BUILD AND SUPPLY ENGINES FOR THE B29"S. 

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Synopsis: Howard Mingos' comprehensive survey of American aviation achievements during World War II presents inspiring accounts of individual heroism and collective excellence that characterized United States air operations across all theaters of the global conflict. This wide-ranging work celebrates the courage and skill of American airmen who overcame initial disadvantages through superior training, technological innovation, and determined leadership to achieve air superiority against experienced opposition. Mingos' extensive research draws upon official records, personal memoirs, and contemporary accounts to present balanced assessment of American aviation contributions to Allied victory. The book begins with examination of American aviation's pre-war development and the challenges faced by rapidly expanding air forces that had to achieve combat effectiveness while simultaneously building organizational structure and training systems. Mingos demonstrates how American industrial capacity and systematic training approaches enabled unprecedented expansion of air power capabilities despite starting the war with relatively modest forces compared to experienced opponents. The author reveals how innovation in training methods, aircraft production, and operational doctrine combined to create air forces capable of achieving decisive results in multiple theaters simultaneously. Through biographical sketches of outstanding individual airmen, Mingos illustrates the personal courage and professional competence that characterized American aviation performance throughout the conflict. The work extensively covers major air campaigns in all theaters, showing how American air power evolved from defensive operations during the war's early phase to overwhelming offensive capability that dominated enemy air forces and ground operations. Mingos' analysis of the Pacific campaign reveals how carrier-based aviation achieved unprecedented results against Japanese forces while land-based bombers conducted strategic campaigns that ultimately forced enemy surrender. The author's coverage of European operations demonstrates how American air forces overcame initial disadvantages through superior tactics, technology, and numerical strength to achieve air supremacy over Nazi Germany. Through detailed examination of specific operations and individual achievements, Mingos shows how American airmen adapted quickly to various operational requirements while maintaining high standards of performance under extreme combat conditions. The book includes extensive coverage of technological innovations that gave American forces decisive advantages, including advanced aircraft designs, sophisticated navigation systems, and electronic equipment that enabled effective operations under conditions impossible for earlier generations of aviators. Mingos' analysis of training programs reveals how systematic approaches to pilot development created large numbers of competent aircrews capable of operating complex aircraft and equipment with remarkable effectiveness. The work doesn't ignore failures and setbacks, honestly examining how early defeats and costly mistakes provided valuable lessons that influenced subsequent operations and tactical development. Through statistical analysis of operational results, Mingos demonstrates how American air power achieved decisive strategic impact through systematic application of superior resources and innovative tactics against enemy vulnerabilities. The author's assessment of individual and unit achievements provides inspiring examples of personal courage and professional excellence that motivated continued innovation and improvement throughout the conflict. The book concludes with evaluation of American aviation's contribution to Allied victory and its influence on post-war military developments, showing how wartime achievements established foundations for continued American air power dominance. For students of military aviation and American military history, this work provides comprehensive coverage of air power achievements that helped determine the outcome of humanity's greatest conflict.

Great Engines and Great Planes, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.