In this thoroughly researched and lucidly written volume, Lt. Col. John F. Shiner describes the Air Corps' effort to prepare the nation for war; to gain money, air craft, and, even more important, independence; and to achieve a capability to wage aerial war. The focus of the work is Maj. Gen. Benjamin Foulois and his tenure as Chief of the Air Corps between 1931 and 1935.

This is the first of a multi-volume Encyclopedia of U.S. Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems. Volume 1 deals with the development, deployment, and operations of fighter aircraft between 1945 and 1973, commencing with the F-80 Shooting Star and ending with the development of the F-15 Eagle. Many of these aircraft were employed during the Korean War, the war in Southeast Asia, and during the cold war crisis throughout the world. The origin of each aircraft is noted as well as its most troublesome development, production, and operational problems. Also covered are significant modifications,...