(selections from pp. 8-9 )

By assembling such reports, commanders could get an up-to-date picture of the operations--and shortcomings--of American airpower all over the world. Thornton had no interest in building an empire of clerks. His vision was much more sophisticated. He thought the system and the data, if used intelligently, could help win the war. That was the guiding principle of statistical control and what made it exciting to be part of this team.