Kenney, George C. (George Churchill), 1889-1977

During a military career that spanned more than thirty years, George Churchill Kenney fought in both World Wars, was active in aeronautical research and development, and pioneered the use of machine guns mounted in the wings of Air Corps pursuit planes. Kenney served as a fighter pilot in the First World War, downed two German aircraft and won the Distinguished Service Cross. Between the wars, he attended Command and General Staff College and the Army Air College and then taught at the Air Corps Tactical School. He earned a reputation as an accomplished engineer and became recognized as an expert in tactical aviation. In August 1942, as a Major General, Kenney was selected to become Douglas Mac Arthur's air deputy and became commander of the Fifth Air Force and then the Far East Air Forces. For three years, he directed the air war against Japanese positions in and around New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, Borneo and the Philippines. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1944 and received his fourth star in 1945. By 1946 General Kenney became the first commander of the newly formed Strategic Air Command (SAC), but chose to spend most of his time fighting for the establishment of an independent Air Force. As a result, SAC's efficiency suffered and General Curtis LeMay replaced Kenney as commander of SAC. Kenney then served as commander of the Air University until his retirement in 1951. General Kenney wrote three books after his retirement, one entitled "General Kenney Reports: A Personal History of the Pacific War" which detailed his experiences from 1942-1945. The other two books dealt with the careers of two of the most prominent airmen under his command in World War II. They were entitled: "The Saga of Pappy Gun" and "Dick Bong: Ace of Aces." He also hosted a documentary television series about military air power. George Kenney died in 1977 at Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.

From the description of John W. Huston - George C. Kenney collection, 1943-1971. (US Air Force Academy). WorldCat record id: 450034751