"The North American B-45 Tornado was America's first jet bomber and was used in a number of vital missions for nearly a decade. Drawing from declassified secret documents, this history explains the bomber's use in strategic reconnaissance and atomic-weapon strike missions from its 1944 development to its role in the Cold War"--Provided by publisher.

Wild blue wonder -- New bomber for a new Air Force -- The dawn of jet bombardment -- To the Yalu--and beyond -- Atomic interlude -- Flying cartographers -- NATO's shield -- Distant war, perilous vigil -- Cordial collusion -- Russia redux -- On final -- Appendix: SAC versus TAC bombing competition.