BLUF

The US Army Air Force made a major contribution to the allies' invasion of Nazi Europe in 1944 by providing very effective close air support—while also continuing the strategic bombing of German industry.

Summary

Prof. Sebastian H. Lukasik writing in the USAF Air University magazine, makes the following points:

  • Day 1944 proved just how important it was to maintain air superiority in support of ground troops.
  • D-Day was “the classic example of complex combined arms, multiservice, coalition warfare.
  • The navy got the allies to the beaches and provided artillery support during the landing, the air forces provided air cover, and the army engaged German land forces.
  • The war in Ukraine, however, today demonstrates the importance of tactical air support, whether aircraft or drones.
Learn more about US Air Force culture since WW2.

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