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Air War in the Pacific: The Journal of General George Kenney, Commander of the Fifth U.S. Air Force
Air War in the Pacific details the development and ultimate supremacy of the US Air Force during World War 2. Written from the perspective of General George C. Kenney, the man in charge, the book is a candid insider’s account of how America turned the tables on the Japanese in the Pacific through a combination of strategy, tactics, and superior air technology.
An entertaining read, as well as an important historical document, Air War in the Pacific features a cast of larger-than-life personalities know to WW2 buffs, from brilliant tactician ‘Big Chief’ General Douglas MacArthur to eccentric hotshot pilot Paul ‘Pappy’ Gunn.
An entertaining read, as well as an important historical document, Air War in the Pacific features a cast of larger-than-life personalities know to WW2 buffs, from brilliant tactician ‘Big Chief’ General Douglas MacArthur to eccentric hotshot pilot Paul ‘Pappy’ Gunn.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2014
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About the author
George C. Kenney
24 books1 followerGeorge Churchill Kenney was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II, the commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 5, 2019
My Dad flew in the 5th Air Force (22nd Bomb Group) for General Kenney and was decorated by the man. Dad really respected him so I wanted to read his account of the war in which my Dad served.
Wow, was it a different time.
The enemy was all but dehumanized by Kenney, often referred to in the singular - the Jap, the Nip - but I guess that happens in all wars.
Clearly Kenney loved his airmen as a group and in a few cases he took on a fatherly love for individuals. But mostly he spoke of them as chess pieces. He talks a lot about “only losing three crews”, or four B-24s ... not so much about what that actually meant, the death of 25 or more young American sons, brothers, husbands, fathers.
For me this was well worth reading insomuch as it illuminates some of what my Dad faced. But it also illustrated dramatically the divide between the young men who fight the wars and the old men who lead from afar.
Wow, was it a different time.
The enemy was all but dehumanized by Kenney, often referred to in the singular - the Jap, the Nip - but I guess that happens in all wars.
Clearly Kenney loved his airmen as a group and in a few cases he took on a fatherly love for individuals. But mostly he spoke of them as chess pieces. He talks a lot about “only losing three crews”, or four B-24s ... not so much about what that actually meant, the death of 25 or more young American sons, brothers, husbands, fathers.
For me this was well worth reading insomuch as it illuminates some of what my Dad faced. But it also illustrated dramatically the divide between the young men who fight the wars and the old men who lead from afar.
July 8, 2020
Caution. This book has to be read in context. Rampant racism existed on all sides during World War II and the author uses language to describe the Japanese that is highly offensive today, but was widespread at the time he wrote it.
Content-wise I found the book excellent in that it described what was going on behind the scenes during the intense fighting in the Southwest Pacific. This isn't a book for those wanting a turn by turn account of aerial dogfights and bombing raids. It does throw considerable light on the logistical problems faced by U.S. commanders in fighting a war in tropical environments on the other side of the planet from home. Kenney's commentary on the relationship between America's two leading aces, Dick Bong and Tommy McGuire, was interesting. As was learning the mindset of top brass in Washington DC as they tried to manage a war on three fronts - Europe, North Africa and Far East. The comments on the logistics involved in maintaining the war were enlightening. I recommend the book highly for its historical value.
Content-wise I found the book excellent in that it described what was going on behind the scenes during the intense fighting in the Southwest Pacific. This isn't a book for those wanting a turn by turn account of aerial dogfights and bombing raids. It does throw considerable light on the logistical problems faced by U.S. commanders in fighting a war in tropical environments on the other side of the planet from home. Kenney's commentary on the relationship between America's two leading aces, Dick Bong and Tommy McGuire, was interesting. As was learning the mindset of top brass in Washington DC as they tried to manage a war on three fronts - Europe, North Africa and Far East. The comments on the logistics involved in maintaining the war were enlightening. I recommend the book highly for its historical value.
September 26, 2021
No maps
This is an outstanding book with exceptional insight into the workings of the air forces in the Pacific theater. General Kenney's journal was very detailed. It contained Amazing detail of the victories, and the few less than perfect missions that occurred. Under all the stress and lasses, our fighting men maintained morale along with a sense of humor. We can not thank those who made the supreme sacrifice to free our world from the terror of diabolical rulers.
The only shortcoming was no maps. It would have been helpful to see where all cities towns and Islands mentioned are located. Many were new names I've never knew existed. It would have helped the reader who doesn't keep a world atlas at hand.
This is an outstanding book with exceptional insight into the workings of the air forces in the Pacific theater. General Kenney's journal was very detailed. It contained Amazing detail of the victories, and the few less than perfect missions that occurred. Under all the stress and lasses, our fighting men maintained morale along with a sense of humor. We can not thank those who made the supreme sacrifice to free our world from the terror of diabolical rulers.
The only shortcoming was no maps. It would have been helpful to see where all cities towns and Islands mentioned are located. Many were new names I've never knew existed. It would have helped the reader who doesn't keep a world atlas at hand.
October 9, 2017
An easy read, I learned a lot about the conduct of the war, as far as forming a new opinion of MacArthur. As many said that he was one that really understood how war should be fought in Asia. I was surprised at the use of the B-24 and P-47 not being a desireable aircraft to use in Europe, therefore they we used in the Pacific. I also did not know that the an eighth air force headquarters was
established in the Pacific before the war was over. I enjoyed this book as I said it brought up a lot of new information that I had not seen before.
established in the Pacific before the war was over. I enjoyed this book as I said it brought up a lot of new information that I had not seen before.
July 27, 2021
I'm a WWII history buff and I learned a lot about the war in the Pacific theater from the dark days to the final surrender by Japan. It's easy to see that it is dated by the language and the racism and sexism that is openly displayed.
But, still, a very good book about a very important period of our history!
It was filled with a lot of info, facts, figures, etc. but, yet, it wasn't hard to read.
Jim
But, still, a very good book about a very important period of our history!
It was filled with a lot of info, facts, figures, etc. but, yet, it wasn't hard to read.
Jim
November 14, 2022
Excellent Memoir
General George Kenney’s war memoir allows us into the thoughts and experiences of the commander of the 5th Air Force during the bulk of the Pacific Campaign in WW2. Well written, and effectively mixing the experience of combat with the politics of senior command, the reader will be well served to have Wikipedia nearby to fill out Kenney’s battles and follow the campaign from New Guinea to Japan. A good, engaging read.
General George Kenney’s war memoir allows us into the thoughts and experiences of the commander of the 5th Air Force during the bulk of the Pacific Campaign in WW2. Well written, and effectively mixing the experience of combat with the politics of senior command, the reader will be well served to have Wikipedia nearby to fill out Kenney’s battles and follow the campaign from New Guinea to Japan. A good, engaging read.
December 9, 2018
Great overview of air contributions to the Pacific campaign.
The first third is very interesting relating to stumblings of a force new to operating in a hostile environment. The middle third is simply a laundry list of sorties flown and results. A very good insight Info the man - MacArthur.
The first third is very interesting relating to stumblings of a force new to operating in a hostile environment. The middle third is simply a laundry list of sorties flown and results. A very good insight Info the man - MacArthur.
September 21, 2020
One of the best
Although I have studied World War 2 since I was a boy, I really did not know a lot about General. I loved his book. There was just at the right amount of detail to fully inform without bogging the story down. There is not much about World War II that I have not studied, and I greatly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
Although I have studied World War 2 since I was a boy, I really did not know a lot about General. I loved his book. There was just at the right amount of detail to fully inform without bogging the story down. There is not much about World War II that I have not studied, and I greatly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2021
Hero
This description that has been incorrectly in re ent years is an honest description of the author and those Americans highlighted in this book. Actually well written in an easy to follow manner. Well worth reading because unlike the idiots taking down statues and forgetting the past, history cannot and should not be changed.
This description that has been incorrectly in re ent years is an honest description of the author and those Americans highlighted in this book. Actually well written in an easy to follow manner. Well worth reading because unlike the idiots taking down statues and forgetting the past, history cannot and should not be changed.
August 31, 2017
Excellent historical reading!
This book outlines the air war involving the 5th Air Force through the pacific war. A bit boring at times, but these were our fathers and relatives who gave their lives to defend The United States. If you love history you should read this.
This book outlines the air war involving the 5th Air Force through the pacific war. A bit boring at times, but these were our fathers and relatives who gave their lives to defend The United States. If you love history you should read this.
May 4, 2019
Should be a requirement for US citizenship
50% of the"Greatest Generation's effort in saving the world. Excellent summery of the Pacific half of WW II. Every American should know these details.
50% of the"Greatest Generation's effort in saving the world. Excellent summery of the Pacific half of WW II. Every American should know these details.
June 3, 2019
A hitherto unknown...
To me, general, great leader and innovator of WWII.
General Kennedy applies air-power in dynamic fashion to get the job done.
Would have rated 5 stars but just too dense to digest all the nuance.
To me, general, great leader and innovator of WWII.
General Kennedy applies air-power in dynamic fashion to get the job done.
Would have rated 5 stars but just too dense to digest all the nuance.
Read
February 2, 2020Amazing step-by-step accounting of the Pacific Air Forces' path to victory.
General Kinney recalls in amazing detail both the fighting and the personal. It includes description of battles no longer needed with the surprise use of Atom Bombs.
General Kinney recalls in amazing detail both the fighting and the personal. It includes description of battles no longer needed with the surprise use of Atom Bombs.
February 11, 2021
Good read
It’s a good read, but you have to remember it’s from the perspective of one general. I’m sure there’s a lot of other writings that would a complement to this one to give a more complete picture of the War in the Pacific.
It’s a good read, but you have to remember it’s from the perspective of one general. I’m sure there’s a lot of other writings that would a complement to this one to give a more complete picture of the War in the Pacific.
June 5, 2021
A Must read for anyone interested in WWII.
I think General Kenney is a wonderful author, who takes the job of a commander and sets you beside him. He was in the middle of the b ottom of the barrel fight in the Pacific from the beginning to the end.
I think General Kenney is a wonderful author, who takes the job of a commander and sets you beside him. He was in the middle of the b ottom of the barrel fight in the Pacific from the beginning to the end.
December 9, 2018
A great book of history written by a great man. Terrific.
June 13, 2019
The
The interesting book by General Kenney was the most interesting of all of the books that I have ever read regarding world war 2. I
The interesting book by General Kenney was the most interesting of all of the books that I have ever read regarding world war 2. I
January 11, 2020
A Great Journal For A Great General
This was an outstanding account of the Army Air Corps' participation in the Pacific during WW2. General Kenny was one who took of his people.
This was an outstanding account of the Army Air Corps' participation in the Pacific during WW2. General Kenny was one who took of his people.
March 7, 2020
Awesome
The book is a chronological order of how air planes brought a new era in the form of warfare. A great read.
The book is a chronological order of how air planes brought a new era in the form of warfare. A great read.
October 10, 2020
Great read
The bravery of the pilots and support to continue to fight for additional islands to create airfields and continue on is amazing.
The bravery of the pilots and support to continue to fight for additional islands to create airfields and continue on is amazing.
August 29, 2015
This is one of the best personal histories on WW2 in the Pacific I have read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews