Accession Number:

AD0743283

Title:

Operation 'Strangle' (Italy, Spring 1944): a Case Study of Tactical Air Interdiction

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Sallagar, F. M.

Report Date:

1972-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

111.0

Abstract:

The report is an analysis of a major World War 2 air interdiction campaign which was designed to force the withdrawal of the German armies from central Italy by denying them essential supplies. As it turned out, Operation STRANGLE had less effect on the enemys supply problem than had been expected but made a major contribution to the Allied victory in a way that had not been generally foreseen. The interdiction campaign succeeded in paralyzing the tactical mobility of the German armies during the combined Allied ground and air assault on the heavily fortified enemy positions. The study raises questions that may have an important bearing on the future use of tactical airpower and the doctrine for its employment. Why did supply denial prove unattainable in Italy, and should mobility denial have been chosen as a preferred objective. Bibliography includes both Allied and German accounts of the campaign.

Descriptors:

• *TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT
• MOBILITY
• MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• LOGISTICS
• TACTICAL BOMBING
• ITALY
• COMBAT READINESS
• CLOSE SUPPORT

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE