Command Decision (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | William Wister Haines |
| Products | War novel |
Command Decision is a war novel authored by William Wister Haines, initially serialized in four installments during 1946–47 in The Atlantic Monthly before its book release in 1947. Originating from an unproduced play intended to accompany a 1947 Broadway show, the story was subsequently adapted into the 1948 film. The narrative centers on U.S. Army Air Forces General K.C. "Casey" Dennis as he manages the strategic and costly B-17 Flying Fortress missions targeting German jet fighter production in World War II.
This novel is regarded as one of the earliest major fictional explorations of World War II, highlighting the burdens of command, political conflicts, ethical challenges, and psychological strain rather than focusing on combat heroics. It offers an unvarnished portrayal of the significant human and material sacrifices involved in aerial warfare. The plot takes place entirely over a two-day period within the English headquarters of an American bombardment division, notably without depicting any battle scenes.