Arnold, Henry Harley (1886-1950), developed the small U.S. Army Air Corps into a large, powerful U.S. Air Force. Arnold commanded the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was the only person to serve as both General of the Army and General of the Air Force.
Arnold was born on June 25, 1886, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. He was nicknamed “Hap.” He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1907, and took flying lessons from the Wright brothers. During World War I, he organized the air defense of the Canal Zone. After the war, he transferred to the newly formed Air Service. He made many experimental flights, including the first mass flight of B-10 bombers. He helped start air mail flights, air refueling, and air forest fire patrols.
Before and during World War II, Arnold fought for expansion of U.S. air power. He became chief of the Army Air Corps in 1938 and U.S. deputy chief of staff for air in 1940. Arnold was made chief of the new Army Air Forces in 1941 and commanding general in 1942.
As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he successfully asked for daylight precision bombing against Germany. Previous bombing raids had been staged at night because they were thought to be safer. Daylight bombing increased accuracy because the targets could be seen. Arnold retired in 1946. He died on Jan. 15, 1950.
