The enclosed history of close air support was prepared by the US Army Close Air Support Requirements Board, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and was to have been included in the final board report as an introductory annex. The purpose of this appendix is to review the history of close air support since the introduction of military aviation to the United States in 1907. It is intended that such a review will emphasize and clarify the evolution of CAS doctrine over the years. By such means, it is hoped that greater insight into the CAS subject will be gained. Table of contents: purpose; birth of military aviation; emergence of tactical air power; definition of close air support; the issue; beginning of U.S. military aviation; emerging opinions; doctrine of the times; CAS doctrine of the forties; post war doctrine; National Security Act- 1947; war in Korea; unofficial CAS working doctrine; CONARC- TAC doctrine; JCS CAS policy; CINCSTRIKES approach to CAS; and Army study of CAS continued, etc.

N17949.31 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.