General Otto P. Weyland, USAF: Close Air Support in the Korean War (Paperback)

This study analyzes the impact General O.P. Weyland had on close air support in the Korean War. First, the author briefly traces the history and evolution of air-ground support from its infancy to the start of the Korean War. Then, the focus shifts to the effectiveness of close air support throughout the conflict and why this mission was so controversial for the Army and Air Force. Finally, the study highlights General Weyland's perspective on tactical airpower and his role in the close air support "controversy." Throughout his career, Weyland was a staunch advocate of tactical airpower. As Patton's airman in World War II, Far East Air Force commander in Korea, and the commander of Tactical Air Command in the mid-50s, Weyland helped the tactical air community carve out its role as a critical instrument of national power.