Strategic Air War Against Japan

From the foreword: In his prefect, the author admits that prejudice and a natural tendency toward self-defense may have crept into this book. In my judgement, there is less prejudice apparent in his work than in most of the personal diaries written by leaders and participants in World War II. In fact, he has been unusually generous toward fellow participants in the historical review of the incidents he relates.

I believe Hansell’s opportunity to review the Strategic Air War Against Japan was unique. Few leaders in any conflict have had the opportunity to participate in the plan for a campaign, in its execution in combat, and in a review of the success or failure of the plans and operations. Major General Hansell not only had this rare opportunity, but fortunately for US Air Force history, he had the analytical ability, the writing capability, and the all-important industry to accomplish this significant task in superlative fashion.