How did World War II illustrate the importance of an independent Air Force?

The choice that illustrates the importance of an independent Air Force during World War II is that it showed airpower could achieve strategic victories. This conflict was pivotal in demonstrating how air superiority was crucial for successful military outcomes. Key moments, such as the strategic bombing campaigns over Germany and Japan, showcased that precision aerial attacks could devastate enemy infrastructure, morale, and manufacturing capacity, directly affecting the war's trajectory.

Moreover, the effectiveness of aerial strategies, like the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and the extensive bombing of German cities, showcased the potential of airpower to influence the course of war beyond traditional ground battles. The ability to project power from the air allowed for rapid, long-range strikes that ground forces could not accomplish alone, reinforcing the argument for a dedicated and independent Air Force capable of operating without being subordinate to other branches of the military.

In contrast, while land warfare techniques, naval superiority, and the necessity of combined operations were significant during the war, they do not specifically highlight the unique contributions and strategic victories that could only be achieved through independent air operations.