Roger G. Miller Knihy

Traces the history of the epic Berlin Airlift, the first Western victory of the Cold War.

An account of the post-WW2 tensions that brought about the isolation of Berlin and the operation mounted to sustain the city from the West, this is an excellent historical account of the airlift from the roots of the conflict through the aftermath. It also discusses the lessons learned for modern military airlifting.

The Berlin Airlift explores the pivotal events of 1948-1949 when Western Allies supplied West Berlin by air in response to the Soviet blockade. It examines the logistical challenges, the bravery of the pilots, and the political tensions of the Cold War era. Through detailed accounts and personal stories, the book highlights the resilience of the citizens of Berlin and the strategic significance of the airlift in shaping post-war Europe. The narrative captures both the human spirit and the geopolitical stakes involved in this historic operation.

Set against the backdrop of the 1916 Punitive Expedition into Mexico, this account details the pivotal role of the 1st Aero Squadron in response to Pancho Villa's attack on Columbus, NM. For the first time, the U.S. Army's air force participated in an active campaign, focusing on communication and observation rather than combat. The narrative highlights the squadron's unique contributions and contrasts the early use of air power with modern military strategies.