Overview

Winning Armageddon provides definition to an all-too-long neglected figure of the Cold War General Curtis E. LeMay and tells the story of his advocacy for nuclear first strikes while leading Strategic Air Command--the Cold War Air Force's nuclear organization. This was despite a publicly proclaimed policy of deterrence. In telling this story Albertson builds for the reader a world that while not in the distant past has been forgotten by many; the lessons of that past however are as applicable today as they were 65 years ago. In weaving his story the author brings to life the challenges fears and responses of a Cold War United States that grappled with a problem to which it did not have a clean solution: nuclear war. It was this concern that LeMay sought to assuage through making his arguments for attacking first in a nuclear conflict--but only if and when it was clear that the enemy was preparing to launch their own surprise strike. This approach commonly referred to as preemption was designed to catch an attacker off-guard and prevent the destruction of one's own nation. In LeMay's case he made the argument that such attacks should initially be directed at an enemy's long-range air forces in an effort to deprive them of an ability to destroy American cities industry and its own military. In so doing LeMay hoped that rather than plunging the world into a fruitless nuclear exchange he could diffuse the conflict at its outset. It was a novel solution to a vexing problem.

Full Product Details

9781682474228

Table of Contents

Reviews

An important and insightful review of how Curtis LeMay and SAC built and maintained an effective nuclear deterrent. Naturally, any book on this subject will be contentious and provoking for some readers, but totally absorbing for others. - Most Highly Recommended --FIRE Trevor Albertson has written a deeply researched study of a vital subject: preemptive nuclear war. His work follows the concept's development through the actions of a key advocate, Strategic Air Command's General Curtis LeMay. The author makes a compelling case for LeMay's singular role in physically and intellectually preparing America's nuclear arsenal for instantaneous use against an impending Soviet attack. This original and important work addresses a rarely examined period in airpower and military history. --Col. Edward A. Kaplan, USAF, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chair of Aerospace Studies, U.S. Army War College, and author of To Kill Nations: American Strategy in the Air-Atomic Age and the Rise of Mutually Assured Destruction In this critical and provocative analysis, Trevor Albertson goes beyond the accepted narrative of Curtis LeMay as a gifted strategist and combat commander to argue that it was his pragmatism that shaped U.S. victory in the Cold War. For LeMay, even nuclear war was just another problem to solve. Preemption, retribution, and mass destruction were not terms to avoid, but were concepts to wargame and plan for in his new vision for the Strategic Air Command. Albertson's book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of airpower or of the Cold War. --Lt. Col. Craig F. Morris, U.S. Air Force, assistant professor of history, U.S. Air Force Academy, and author of The Origins of American Strategic Bombing Theory

Trevor Albertson has written a deeply researched study of a vital subject: preemptive nuclear war. His work follows the concept s development through the actions of a key advocate, Strategic Air Command s General Curtis LeMay. The author makes a compelling case for LeMay s singular role in physically and intellectually preparing America s nuclear arsenal for instantaneous use against an impending Soviet attack. This original and important work addresses a rarely examined period in airpower and military history. Col. Edward A. Kaplan, USAF, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chair of Aerospace Studies, U.S. Army War College, and author of To Kill Nations: American Strategy in the Air-Atomic Age and the Rise of Mutually Assured Destruction In this critical and provocative analysis, Trevor Albertson goes beyond the accepted narrative of Curtis LeMay as a gifted strategist and combat commander to argue that it was his pragmatism that shaped U.S. victory in the Cold War. For LeMay, even nuclear war was just another problem to solve. Preemption, retribution, and mass destruction were not terms to avoid, but were concepts to wargame and plan for in his new vision for the Strategic Air Command. Albertson s book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of airpower or of the Cold War. Lt. Col. Craig F. Morris, U.S. Air Force, assistant professor of history, U.S. Air Force Academy, and author of The Origins of American Strategic Bombing Theory An important and insightful review of how Curtis LeMay and SAC built and maintained an effective nuclear deterrent. Naturally, any book on this subject will be contentious and provoking for some readers, but totally absorbing for others. Most Highly Recommended FIRE Those seeking a fresh view of and new insights about the early days of the Cold War will find Winning Armageddon worthwhile. The Daily News Trevor Albertson has written an important book reminding us of the nature of military leadership required for deterrence. - Defense.info With a striking image on its cover of a B-47 strategic bomber taking off with full rocket assist, Winning Armageddon is an excellent description of the often-controversial commander during the years from 1948 through 1957. To many, LeMay s leadership as SAC commander defined the beginning of the Cold War. Author Trevor Albertson s 304-page publication does a great job telling the LeMay story, which has been all but forgotten . The author offers a fresh perspective of a period of USAF history that I thought I knew well. I left this story with even more understanding and respect for SAC Commander General Curtis LeMay - Flight Journal Albertson makes clear the general s attention to detail, concern for his troops and strong operational know-how. And he shows LeMay s human side with his interest in auto racing and the outdoors. Albertson s study is the preface to the Mutual Assured Destruction strategy ultimately adopted. Serious students of the Cold War should not miss Winning Armageddon. - Green Valley News

Trevor Albertson has written a deeply researched study of a vital subject: preemptive nuclear war. His work follows the concept's development through the actions of a key advocate, Strategic Air Command's General Curtis LeMay. The author makes a compelling case for LeMay's singular role in physically and intellectually preparing America's nuclear arsenal for instantaneous use against an impending Soviet attack. This original and important work addresses a rarely examined period in airpower and military history. --Col. Edward A. Kaplan, USAF, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Chair of Aerospace Studies, U.S. Army War College, and author of To Kill Nations: American Strategy in the Air-Atomic Age and the Rise of Mutually Assured Destruction In this critical and provocative analysis, Trevor Albertson goes beyond the accepted narrative of Curtis LeMay as a gifted strategist and combat commander to argue that it was his pragmatism that shaped U.S. victory in the Cold War. For LeMay, even nuclear war was just another problem to solve. Preemption, retribution, and mass destruction were not terms to avoid, but were concepts to wargame and plan for in his new vision for the Strategic Air Command. Albertson's book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of airpower or of the Cold War. --Lt. Col. Craig F. Morris, U.S. Air Force, assistant professor of history, U.S. Air Force Academy, and author of The Origins of American Strategic Bombing Theory

Author Information

Dr Trevor Albertson is an Assistant Professor and Course Director at the Department of Defense's Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He earned his PhD from the University of California, Merced, and was an IGCC-UCDC Dissertation Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies. He is a former US Air Force Officer, federal congressional staffer, and Deputy Secretary of a cabinet department of California state government. His research focuses on the political-diplomatic history of the 20th century United States.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available