American Airpower Comes of Age

AMERICAN AIRPOWER COMES OF AGE
islands, Richardson believes that Okinawa must be Armycontrolled
in view of Army’s almost 100% interest. I agree that
if we don’t there will be many troubles. Priorities must be
made in accordance with necessities for prosecution of war.
There must be a shipping and supply priority clearing board.
Conference with Stone, Combs, Kenney, Hutchison re air in
PI [Philippine Islands]; everything was apparently ironed out
OK. 111 It looks best in view of the many restrictions to have
one Air Depot and Supply System on Okinawa for both 20th
Air Force and Kenney’s FEAF [Far Eastern Air Force]. 112 Other
matters were more easily adjusted. Told Strat that if he could
not get Al Wedemeyer to find a place for the 10th Air Force I
thought that we ought to turn it over lock, stock and barrel to
Kenney. 113 Did not as yet send wire re Negro units but believe
that we must as there is no place for them here. 114 Went out
to Fort McKinley for press conference.
Same general terrain but most of the houses burned and
destroyed, our house among those gone, only a few remain. No
Filipino house boys or blue pants. Post Exchange destroyed,
all by Japs; parade ground growing up with grass, almost a
jungle. It is very hard to pick out land marks. 115
Lunch with Kenney and then rest. After lunch had Gilmer for
conference. He is of opinion that Staff here is not working
together, will not accept any advice or suggestions (that burns
OPD up), that the Air part of the command is the only one that
works smoothly. Styer came and we talked over logistics. Query:
“Will Okinawa be the same as Guam or Saipan?” 116 Went down
to say adios to MacArthur and was shown Nimitz answer to
FEAF plan for coordinated bombing areas. 117 Nimitz would have
none of: (a) Kenney bombing ships; (b) Kenney operating ten
miles off shore; (c) Navy not having first priority rights in Japan
inland sea. May have to and probably will have to relieve Lynd,
why not Gardner? 118 Saw Smoak as Strat and Stone left. 119
Tuesday, June 19, 1945 [Luzon, Philippine Islands]
Up at 7:00, breakfast. To McKinley with Kenney, [took] photos
of our old quarters at McKinley or what was left of them. 120 Took
off at 9:05, trip around Corregidor and El Fraile (Drum). 121 Corregidor
badly battered. Results of bombing: disabled batteries,
336