Setting: In 1940, George S. Patton listened
while a young field artillery forward observer enthusiastically explained
the potential of light aircraft in artillery spotting and observation.
Patton, then Commander of the 2d Armored Division, saw the merit of
Lieutenant Spruance's ideas and tasked him to develop aerial tactics
and strategy for the division. The pioneering work of that young officer
led to the successful use of light aircraft in WW II, and laid the cornerstone
for today's vital forward air control mission.
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of General Spruance
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