Hubert R. Harmon: Airman, Officer, Father of the Air Force Academy

Meilinger establishes that the inculcation of the values of the Point, choice assignments in the shadow of senior airmen, attaché duty, combat command, and the leadership of large administrative and personnel organizations during World War II provided the basis for Harmon's ability to bring the Academy into being despite huge bureaucratic hurdles and the ravages of cancer. Meilinger's command of the sources, deep understanding of the culture of the Air Corps, and excellent perspective on the challenges and workings of senior military leaders during World War II and the Cold War makes his account authoritative in chronicling Harmon's career and unique relationships with President Eisenhower and other prominent peliticians, senior officers, and leaders.