FEATURING A TIPPED-IN ILLUSTRATION SIGNED BY POLISH-AMERICAN WWII AND KOREAN WAR ACE GABBY GABRESKI

(GABRESKI, Gabby) CRANE, Conrad C. American Airpower Strategy in Korea, 1950-1953. Lawrence, Kansas: University Press of Kansas, (2000). Octavo, original blue cloth, original dust jacket. $350.

First edition of this in-depth examination of the Air Force's involvement in the Korean War, signed on a tipped-in illustration by Polish-American ace Gabby Gabreski.

"American Airpower Strategy in Korea, 1950–1953 is a comprehensive, thoroughly researched treatment of the many issues that the newly constituted U.S. Air Force faced as a result of having to fight its first war as an independent service—a war that it was not doctrinally or materially prepared for, and that the service had neither anticipated nor especially wanted to fight. Crane logically takes the reader through the war from the prehostilities period, which generally set the stage for the limited character of the war and specifically established the character of the Air Force’s contribution; the opening moves and initial setbacks; the miraculous end-around at Inchon and subsequent march to the Yalu; the bitter winter of 1950–51; and finally to the stalemate along the thirty-eighth parallel" (Brown, Naval Air College Review). This copy features a tipped-in printed illustration of two planes flying over mountains signed by ace Gabby Gabreski. Gabreski was a career pilot who served in the military for 26 years before retiring as a colonel. During his service in World War II and the Korean War, Gabreski was credited with destroying 34-1/2 aircraft in combat. He was also one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to become an ace in two wars.

Front hinge slightly loose. A handsome copy with signed illustration.