Operations research grew out of the application of the scientific method to certain problems of war during World War II. This book tells the story of how operations research became an important activity in the Eighth Air Force.

The author emphasizes the people involved in these historical events, rather than the technical matters with which they dealt. Focusing on a time of great importance in the history of this century, the book reveals the vital role this group of civilian scientists played in the defeat of Germany.

Co-published with the London Mathematical Society beginning with Volume 4. Members of the LMS may order directly from the AMS at the AMS member price. The LMS is registered with the Charity Commissioners.

Reviews

"An interesting study on the advent of Operational Research in the U.S. Air Force ... A useful and informative book."

-- The Journal of the United Service Institution of India

Table of Contents

• The beginning of operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force
• The pioneer operations research section organizes, October-December 1942
• The operational research section of the Eighth Bomber Command continues to organize, January-June 1943
• Operations research in the Eighth Bomber Command, June-December 1943
• The operational research section of the Eighth Fighter Command, March-December 1943
• The operations research section of the Eighth Air Force, January 1944-6 June 1944
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, 6 June 1944-July 1944
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, August-December 1944, Part I
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, August-December 1944, Part II
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, August-December 1944, Part III
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, August-December 1944, Part IV
• Operations analysis in the Eighth Air Force, the last four months of combat operations