Written by: Penelope Wildwood

George Kenney: The Architect of Allied Air Supremacy

George Churchill Kenney, a United States Army general, is renowned for his exceptional leadership as the commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II. Under his command, the Allied Air Forces emerged victorious in several crucial battles, including the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, cementing his reputation as a mastermind of air warfare.

Early Life and Military Career

Born on August 6, 1889, Kenney enlisted as a flying cadet in the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps in 1917. He served on the Western Front with the 91st Aero Squadron, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and was awarded a Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, including fighting off German fighters and shooting down two enemy aircraft.

After the war, Kenney participated in the Occupation of the Rhineland and later flew reconnaissance missions along the US-Mexico border during the Mexican Revolution. He was commissioned into the Regular Army in 1920 and attended the Air Corps Tactical School, where he later became an instructor. During this period, he played a crucial role in the acceptance of Martin NBS1 bombers built by Curtis and test-flew them. He also developed innovative techniques for mounting .30 caliber machine guns on the wings of an Airco DH.4 aircraft.

World War II and the Allied Air Forces

In early 1940, Kenney became the Assistant Military Attaché for Air in France, where he observed German and Allied air operations during the early stages of World War II. His experiences led him to recommend significant changes to Air Corps equipment and tactics, which would later prove instrumental in the Allied victory.

In July 1942, Kenney assumed command of the Allied Air Forces and Fifth Air Force in General Douglas MacArthur's Southwest Pacific Area. Under his leadership, the Allied Air Forces developed novel command structures, weapons, and tactics that reflected Kenney's focus on attack aviation. His innovative approach led to a string of victories, including the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in March 1943, where his forces sank a Japanese convoy, crippling their naval capabilities.

Kenney's successes continued with the bombing raids on Wewak in August 1943, where 174 Japanese planes were destroyed, and on Hollandia in March-April 1944, where 400 enemy aircraft were eliminated. These victories ultimately led to complete air supremacy in the New Guinea campaign.

Legacy and Honors

General Kenney's contributions to the Allied victory in World War II were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. He also received the honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) from King George VI.

After the war, Kenney continued to serve in the military, eventually retiring as a four-star general in 1951. He passed away on August 9, 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in air warfare and a hero of World War II.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "The only way to win a war is to attack, attack, attack!"
• "Air power is the greatest single factor in modern warfare."

General Kenney's quotes and sayings reflect his unwavering commitment to the concept of air superiority and his role in shaping the course of modern warfare.