"Bombs, Cities, and Civilians: American Airpower Strategy in World War II"
By Conrad C. Crane
In "Bombs, Cities, and Civilians," it is mantained that for the most part, American airmen in World War II remained committed to a precision bombing doctrine. Instead of attacking densely populated urban areas simply to erode civilian morale, Army Air Forces adhered to a policy that emphasized targeting key industrial and military sites.

It is demonstrated that while the British, Germans, and Japanese routinely conducted indiscriminate aerial bombardment of enemy cities, American airmen consistently conducted daylight raids against carefully selected targets, especially in Europe. Daytime precision missions were far more dangerous than night area attacks, but such Army Air Force tactics increased bombing efficiency and also reduced the risk of civilian casualties.