Two-Starred Doghouse

Less than two years ago, sharp, angry Colonel Hugh J. Knerr of the Army Air Forces was in the doghouse. One of the air arm's crack staff officers, Hugh Knerr had been retired for physical disabilities in 1939, had forthwith begun to write and speak. Target of most of his word bombardment: the admirals of the Navy and their limited view of air power. His remedy for this situation: a separate air force, poison to any devout Navy man.

Annapolis-educated Colonel Knerr (who transferred to the Army after three years of service as a naval officer) was saying what most officers of the Air Forces believed and were glad to hear. But his insistence became embarrassing. Finally Secretary of War Stimson listened to Navy's angry gripes. In October 1942 he publicly muzzled angry Critic Knerr.

But the Army still needed such men. Hugh Knerr was recalled to active duty. He soon became a brigadier general. Last week his doghouse got another star. Hugh Knerr became a major general, was revealed as having one of the most important posts in the Air Forces. He is chief of the Air Service Command for the Strategic Air Forces in Britain, has the job of keeping the great U.S. bomber fleets flying over Europe.

Navy men who have forgiven him for his breaches of the best Annapolis etiquette (i.e., public criticism of command) could take pride in his newest promotion. Annapolis was doing well in England.

Lewis Brereton, who was graduated from the Academy in 1911 (three years after General Knerr), is also a major general. He bosses the Ninth (Tactical) Air Force, which escorts bombers over Europe, will blaze the way for invasion.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.