Commanding the Air Force During a Continuum of Conflict

Gen John P. McConnell progressed through many eras of Air Force history toemerge as the sixth Chief of Staff commanding the Air Force during the frigid years ofthe Cold War and the sweltering torpidity of the Vietnam War. An intellectual in his ownright and leader throughout beginning as the First Captain of Cadets at West Point in1932, his career was dominated and defined by flying. He began as a pursuit pilot as ayoung officer and then flew bombers in the China-Burma-India theater rising to flag rankand exhibiting leadership in joint/ combined headquarters. After World War II,McConnell served on the Air Staff establishing the reserve and guard forces in the newlyestablished Air Force. As a rising leader in the Air Force, Gen McConnell became asenior leader developing and leading the Strategic Air Command. After a stint as thedeputy at European Command and the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Gen McConnellassumed command of the Air Force in February 1965.Leadership of the Air Force required during the period of 1965-1969 requiredintellect, fortitude and foresight. His leadership occurred under the ominous Cold Warcloud, the vexing crisis of the Vietnam War and the domineering administration ofPresident Lyndon B. Johnson and his Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. GenMcConnell's leadership confronted and dealt with personnel and force structure issuesrequiring the modernization of aircraft and weapons systems all while maintainingdeterrence against the Soviets and engaging in combat in Southeast Asia. This thesisexamines the successes and failures associate with Gen McConnell's influence ondeveloping the future Air Force while dealing with the exigencies of the Vietnam Warand the larger Cold War.