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Master of Airpower: General Carl A. Spaatz
“A valuable and long-overdue biography of one of America’s greatest soldiers.”— Parameters
The story of Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz’s life is more than a biography of one of America’s great military leaders. It is a history of the development of airpower, and a fascinating, inside look at the long, difficult struggle to win autonomy for the U.S. Air Force. Spaatz earned his wings in 1918, when flying was a new and dangerous occupation; aviation school mortality rates were 18 percent. After gaining experience as a fighter pilot during the “Great War,” he became one of the Air Corps’ top pursuit commanders during the 1920s. During the 1930s, he moved over to bombers just as modern, long range aircraft were coming into service. As a senior bomber commander, Spaatz significantly influenced the emerging strategic bomber doctrine. By the time of the outbreak of the Second World War, Spaatz was one of America’s most experienced aviators.
He was at the helm of the evolution of the new American military “strategic airpower” doctrine, which proved to be a decisive factor in World War II. After the Allied victory, planning and launching an independent Air Force would occupy Spaatz for the remainder of his career.
Today’s Air Force bears his indelible stamp. “Tooey” Spaatz was a low-profile leader who was known for his open mind and pragmatic approach, and who was influential in a quiet, forceful way. Possessed of absolute integrity, even when his beliefs were unpopular, he pressed them at the risk of his career.
The story of Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz’s life is more than a biography of one of America’s great military leaders. It is a history of the development of airpower, and a fascinating, inside look at the long, difficult struggle to win autonomy for the U.S. Air Force. Spaatz earned his wings in 1918, when flying was a new and dangerous occupation; aviation school mortality rates were 18 percent. After gaining experience as a fighter pilot during the “Great War,” he became one of the Air Corps’ top pursuit commanders during the 1920s. During the 1930s, he moved over to bombers just as modern, long range aircraft were coming into service. As a senior bomber commander, Spaatz significantly influenced the emerging strategic bomber doctrine. By the time of the outbreak of the Second World War, Spaatz was one of America’s most experienced aviators.
He was at the helm of the evolution of the new American military “strategic airpower” doctrine, which proved to be a decisive factor in World War II. After the Allied victory, planning and launching an independent Air Force would occupy Spaatz for the remainder of his career.
Today’s Air Force bears his indelible stamp. “Tooey” Spaatz was a low-profile leader who was known for his open mind and pragmatic approach, and who was influential in a quiet, forceful way. Possessed of absolute integrity, even when his beliefs were unpopular, he pressed them at the risk of his career.
430 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 23, 2016
This is a biography of one of the three most important men in United States Military Aviation. Carl A. “Tooey” Spatz (1891-1974) became the first Chief of Staff of the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947.
The author goes into detail about “Tooey” Spatz during World War 1 and II. Mets points out that Spatz was the only person present at the signing of the surrender papers at both the German and Japanese ceremonies.
Spatz graduated from U. S. military Academy in 1914 and was stationed in Hawaii. In 1915 he attended the aviation school in San Diego, California. He went to France in November 1917 to command the 31st Aero Squadron. He received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918. In World War II he was in the Army Air Corp and he commanded the 12th Air Force in North Africa in 1942, then the 15th Air Corp in Italy and the 8th Air Force in England. After the surrender of German, he was sent to Guam to command the Strategic Air Force of the Pacific.
The author provides an in-depth look at the formation of the United States Air Force and the air doctrines that came into effect. Spatz was the first chairman of the Civil Air Patrol from 1949 to 1959. I enjoyed this book. If you are interested in military aviation, world wars I and II or the history of the United States Air Force this book if for you.
I read this as an e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad. The book was 430 pages. The book was originally published on July 31, 1988 and republished on April 2, 2009.
The author goes into detail about “Tooey” Spatz during World War 1 and II. Mets points out that Spatz was the only person present at the signing of the surrender papers at both the German and Japanese ceremonies.
Spatz graduated from U. S. military Academy in 1914 and was stationed in Hawaii. In 1915 he attended the aviation school in San Diego, California. He went to France in November 1917 to command the 31st Aero Squadron. He received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918. In World War II he was in the Army Air Corp and he commanded the 12th Air Force in North Africa in 1942, then the 15th Air Corp in Italy and the 8th Air Force in England. After the surrender of German, he was sent to Guam to command the Strategic Air Force of the Pacific.
The author provides an in-depth look at the formation of the United States Air Force and the air doctrines that came into effect. Spatz was the first chairman of the Civil Air Patrol from 1949 to 1959. I enjoyed this book. If you are interested in military aviation, world wars I and II or the history of the United States Air Force this book if for you.
I read this as an e-book on my Kindle app for my iPad. The book was 430 pages. The book was originally published on July 31, 1988 and republished on April 2, 2009.
February 11, 2024
Not a bad book but some of the mistakes of the author made with certain things in the book. This makes me wonder if there are any other mistakes in his writing on information about Spaatz is true. The main mistakes may seem minor to some, I believe it takes away from the how the book should be taken as quality. The two errors that I thought stood out were Mets kept referring to Operation Anvil as the invasion of Southern France, which is what it was called in the planning stage but in the end it was named Operation Dragoon (because Churchill said he was "dragooned" into the operation. The second one was saying that General "Boy" Browning was in charge of the ground portion of Operation Market-Garden, where he was in charge of the XVIII Airborne Corps which was the airborne component. While General Brian Horrocks was in charge of the ground portion, as the commander of the XXX British Corps. While the errors stand to me, I still think it is a good book but not great.
December 24, 2019
Excellent book that puts into perspective the everlasting dilemma of AirPower practitioners and advocates. Building and maintaining a strategic air force does not mean breaking away from tactical affairs as Carl A. Spatz understood. Instead, it requires an agile force able to shift from one to the other or conduct both types of operations at the same time. In today’s budgetary context, this dilemma is all the more acute that capability choices have to be made.
November 19, 2019
A very good biography of one of the most important, but possibly one of the least known generals of WWII. General Spaatz was instrumental in the establishment of the current Air Force as well as instrumental in victories throughout Europe in WWII. He along with General Jimmy Doolittle may have been most instrumental in the development of air power during WWII, and beyond. He, at one time, was General Eisenhower's right hand man during the planning of Operation Overlord (D-Day). General Spaatz was an unassuming gentleman, but a great general who's story is to be read.
February 16, 2016
Confession in order: I live, as the plane flies, half a mile or so from General Carl A. Spaatz Field, aka as the Reading Airport. Back a few years I even used to fly out of it, before my County politicians either failed to save the air service or deliberately sabotaged it, depending on which version of reality one adheres to.
In any event, a native of Berks County, Gen. Spaatz was once a well known military figure in America, and then a well know writer and reporter, mostly on Air Power and military matters. He was the only person present at the signing of the surrender papers at both of the German ceremonies and also the Japanese one. During WWII, he served mostly in the ETO, with Eisenhower, as the Air Commander. He was the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.
This biography sheds some unusual lights on the war while following a most unusual career. While the general reader may not find much here to rivet attention, the history enthusiast can take it as
Recommended.
In any event, a native of Berks County, Gen. Spaatz was once a well known military figure in America, and then a well know writer and reporter, mostly on Air Power and military matters. He was the only person present at the signing of the surrender papers at both of the German ceremonies and also the Japanese one. During WWII, he served mostly in the ETO, with Eisenhower, as the Air Commander. He was the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.
This biography sheds some unusual lights on the war while following a most unusual career. While the general reader may not find much here to rivet attention, the history enthusiast can take it as
Recommended.
September 27, 2015
A bit of a slog to get through but it picks up speed at the onset of WW2. I appreciated the author's detailed discussion of wrangling over the uses of strategic and tactical air power, deliberations over the best targets for air interdiction, and debates between the WW2 leaders over the best courses of action.
March 28, 2016
It was an excellent history. I was most interested in the first years of the Air Force. I came into the air doctrine studies in the 70s and now I better understand the reasons they did what they did in the 60s and 70s. It was all influenced by the doctrines of the 40s. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in General Spaatz and the formation of the Air Force.
October 23, 2014
As a former USAF pilot I appreciate knowing how the service evolved and learning more about one of the architects.
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July 19, 2018Was very curious about the role of General Spaatz in WW2 and this book clarifies his contributions. The way Mets described him was similar to a biography of Nimitz. The man is described by his accomplishments and relationships. A good read with good insight into strategy.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews