Henry H. Arnold (25 Jun. 1886 - 15 Jan. 1950)
Henry Arnold was Chief of the Army Air Forces when the United States formally became involved in the war. In July 1941, Arnold submitted to the President an air war plan, in preparation for any potential enemies if war broke out. The plan sought defence of the Western Hemisphere, a strategic attack on Germany, and finally an air strategy against Japan being initially defensive, before changing to attack.
When the war began, Arnold was promoted to become a lieutenant general, and the Army Air Force soon became autonomous from the armed forces, Arnold becoming the Commanding General and gaining seats on the Chiefs of Staff. He increased production of aircraft, redirecting initial war plans (including denying B-29s to Europe).
Against his wishes, the bombers stationed in Europe began assaulting North Africa. During this time it became obvious that Arnold was a determined commander, willing to sacrifice friends to ensure victory, sacking men or eliminating their positions. During mid -1943, there were heavy losses. Arnold blamed this on his bomber commanders, whist ignoring the head of Bomber Command. This shows that Arnold may not have been a great strategist.
He became subject to criticism for his strong support of the B-29s, which had been riddled with developmental issues. He also visited training camps to ensure that the men were prepared. When the B-29s were not successful in the Pacific theatre, Arnold characteristically sacked the commander, which he did several times after 1944. In 1944 he also became a five-star General of the Army.
For more information on Henry H. Arnold:
Coffey, Thomas M. Hap: The Story of the U.S. Air Force and the Man Who Built It General Henry H. ‘Hap’ Arnold. (Michigan: Viking Press), 1982.
Overy, Richard. Hap Arnold and the Evolution of American Airpower (Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press), 2001.
"Hap Arnold", on http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/airforce/p/World-War-Ii-General-Henry-Hap-Arnold.htm [last accessed 28/02/2012].
When the war began, Arnold was promoted to become a lieutenant general, and the Army Air Force soon became autonomous from the armed forces, Arnold becoming the Commanding General and gaining seats on the Chiefs of Staff. He increased production of aircraft, redirecting initial war plans (including denying B-29s to Europe).
Against his wishes, the bombers stationed in Europe began assaulting North Africa. During this time it became obvious that Arnold was a determined commander, willing to sacrifice friends to ensure victory, sacking men or eliminating their positions. During mid -1943, there were heavy losses. Arnold blamed this on his bomber commanders, whist ignoring the head of Bomber Command. This shows that Arnold may not have been a great strategist.
He became subject to criticism for his strong support of the B-29s, which had been riddled with developmental issues. He also visited training camps to ensure that the men were prepared. When the B-29s were not successful in the Pacific theatre, Arnold characteristically sacked the commander, which he did several times after 1944. In 1944 he also became a five-star General of the Army.
For more information on Henry H. Arnold:
Coffey, Thomas M. Hap: The Story of the U.S. Air Force and the Man Who Built It General Henry H. ‘Hap’ Arnold. (Michigan: Viking Press), 1982.
Overy, Richard. Hap Arnold and the Evolution of American Airpower (Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press), 2001.
"Hap Arnold", on http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/airforce/p/World-War-Ii-General-Henry-Hap-Arnold.htm [last accessed 28/02/2012].