Architect Of Air Power

At age 36, Laurence S. Kuter (1905-1979) became the youngest general officer since William T. Sherman. He served as deputy commander of allied tactical air forces in North Africa during World War II and helped devise the American bombing strategy in Europe. Although his combat contributions were less notable than other commanders in the Eighth Air Force, few officers saw as many theaters of operation as he did or were as highly sought-after. After World War II, he led the Military Air Transport Service, Air University, Far East Air Forces, and served as commander-in-chief of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Despite these accomplishments and others, however, Kuter remains widely underappreciated. In 'Architect of Air Power,' Laslie offers the first biography of this important but unsung pioneer whose influence can be found in every stage of the development of an independent US Air Force.