At head of title: "Air University Air Force Research Institute." "May 2008." "This study examines the development and effectiveness of Lt Gen William H. Tunner's Leadership during the interwar years, World War II, and early Cold War. This thesis draws upon current Air Force leadership doctrine and proposes an Air Force Leadership framework with which to assess the relationships between personal experience, leadership competencies, leadership actions, and the results they produce. The author begins with Tunner's early experiences, to include military education, training, and operational practice. The focus then shifts to Tunner's progression in Ferrying Command and the development of his leadership competencies. Next, the author presents Tunner's leadership actions during the Hump airlift operation and the Berlin Airlift. The study concludes with a critique of Tunner based on Air Force leadership doctrine. Tunner was brilliant at improving airlift efficiency and safety, but his single-minded focus limited his leadership accomplishments. Nonetheless, his contributions to the airlift element of airpower confirm that while often underappreciated, Lieutenant General Tunner was a major force in the development of air transportation and a successful Air Force leader."--AU Press web site.

Introduction -- Education, training, and experience -- Leadership competencies -- Leadership actions: the Hump airlift operations -- Leadership actions: the Berlin airlift -- Summary and critique -- Conclusion.