General Thomas Sarsfield Power (1905–70) was a U.S. Air Force officer who shaped strategic air power during the Cold War. As Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 1957–64, he oversaw the expansion of America’s nuclear deterrence.
Born in New York City, Power entered the Army Air Corps flying school in 1928, earning his commission in 1929. His early career included assignments at Langley, Bolling, and Randolph Fields, where he served as a flying instructor and engineering officer.
During World War II, he commanded B-24 bomber missions in Italy and later led the 304th Bomb Wing on Guam, directing the first large-scale firebombing raid on Tokyo in March 1945. After the war, he participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.
As SAC commander, Power championed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and continuous airborne nuclear alert, influencing U.S. nuclear strategy. His stance on nuclear warfare made him a polarizing figure in military circles. His book, Design for Survival (1965,) outlines his views on Cold War strategy and nuclear preparedness.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Thomas S. Power
Putting aside all the fancy words and academic doubletalk, the basic reason for having a military is to do two jobs—to kill people and to destroy the works of man.
—Thomas S. Power
Topics: Simplicity
Leave a Reply