Henry H. Arnold

Henry Harley “Hap” Arnold (25 June 1886 – 15 January 1950) was an American general officer who became one of the most important leaders in aviation history. He held the highest ranks in both the Army and the Air Force, becoming the only U.S. officer to achieve five-star status in two different military services. Arnold was an early aviation pioneer, learning to fly from the famous Wright Brothers and becoming one of the first military pilots in the world.

During World War I, Arnold helped expand the Air Service, and later he became Chief of the Air Corps and then commanding general of the United States Army Air Forces. He guided the Army Air Forces through a huge growth just before and during World War II, turning it from a small group into the largest and most powerful air force in the world. Under his leadership, new technologies like the intercontinental bomber, jet fighters, radar, and atomic warfare were developed.

Arnold was also known for founding Project RAND, which later became the RAND Corporation, a major global policy research group. He helped start Pan American World Airways, one of the first international airlines. His nickname “Hap” came from his time as a silent film stunt pilot and was used by colleagues and his wife. Arnold’s leadership and vision helped shape modern air power and aviation.

Early life and career

Born on June 25, 1886, in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, Henry H. Arnold grew up in a military family. His father was a physician and part of the prominent Arnold Family, while his mother came from a "Dunker" farm family. Arnold attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania and later entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. Though he had considered a different career path, he joined West Point after his brother encouraged him to take the entrance exam.

Arnold showed great interest in aviation from an early time. He transferred to the Signal Corps to become a pilot and learned to fly at the Wright brothers' school in Dayton, Ohio. He became one of the first rated military aviators and went on to teach others, set altitude records, and perform various pioneering flights. Despite facing fears after a few accidents and crashes, Arnold continued to develop his skills and contributed to early military aviation efforts in the United States.

Between the wars

Henry Arnold worked closely with other airpower advocates during a time when military aviation was still under the control of the ground forces. He faced challenges and disagreements but remained committed to the idea of an independent air force. Arnold’s efforts helped lay the groundwork for the future development of the U.S. Air Force.

Arnold took on various roles and faced health challenges, but continued to push for advancements in aviation. He was involved in important projects and helped shape the future of airpower in the United States.

World War II

See also: Air warfare of World War II

The United States Army Air Forces were created in June 1941, just before Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Henry Arnold became Chief of the Army Air Forces and worked to organize and expand the air force. He helped plan strategies for defending the Western Hemisphere, attacking Germany, and later targeting Japan.

After the U.S. entered World War II, Arnold pushed for more aircraft and pilots. He supported women pilots through the Women's Flying Training Detachment, led by Jacqueline Cochran. Arnold focused on using long-range B-29 bombers against Japan, overcoming many challenges to get them ready for combat.

Final years

Between 1943 and 1945, Arnold faced serious health challenges, including several heart attacks that required hospital stays. Despite these difficulties, he continued to travel and work under great stress during World War II, visiting many places such as the United Kingdom, North Africa, China, the Middle East, Italy, Normandy, Germany, and Potsdam. His dedication remained strong even when facing health issues.

After the war, Arnold was promoted to the rank of General of the Army and later became the first and only General of the Air Force. He also helped start Project RAND, which grew into the RAND Corporation, an important research group. Arnold retired in 1946 and lived on a ranch in Sonoma, California, where he wrote his memoirs titled Global Mission. In 1949, his rank was officially changed to General of the Air Force, a title he remains unique in holding.

Death

Henry H. Arnold passed away on 15 January 1950 at his home in Sonoma. He was honored with a state funeral in Washington, D.C., which included special services at Arlington Memorial Amphitheater. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arnold's three surviving sons all graduated from West Point and went on to become colonels in the military. The two youngest sons served in the United States Air Force and were also buried near their father's grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy

General H. H. Arnold Field (Athletic Field) at Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, is named for Arnold. Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, and the Arnold Engineering Development Complex are named after him. The Air Force Research Laboratory sees Arnold as a leader who understood the importance of research in winning wars.

The cadet social center at the United States Air Force Academy, Arnold Hall, and the Arnold Hall Community Center at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas, are both named for Arnold. The Civil Air Patrol gives an award called the Hap Arnold Award to cadets. The Air Force Association gives the H. H. Arnold Award for important contributions to national defense.

Arnold was appointed to the rank of General of the Army in 1944, joining a very small group of top military leaders. In 1967, he was honored by the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and in 1972, by the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. During the last mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-134, a special five-star insignia connected to Arnold was carried into space.

Film

Arnold was shown in the 1954 film The Glenn Miller Story, played by Barton MacLane. He also appeared as himself in the 1942 short film Men of the Sky, speaking to new pilots at a training base.

Summary of service

Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold was a key figure in the early days of aviation and the development of the U.S. Air Force. He served as Chief of the Air Corps from 1938 to 1941 and later became the commanding general of the United States Army Air Forces. Arnold was the only officer to hold a five-star rank in two different U.S. military services: the Army and the Air Force.

Arnold also played an important role in founding Project RAND, which later became the RAND Corporation, a major global policy think tank. He was also one of the founders of Pan American World Airways, an early international airline. His contributions helped shape modern air travel and military aviation.

Main article: Ranks of Henry H. Arnold

	Cadet, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, 1903
no insignia of rank in 1907	Second lieutenant, Infantry: 14 June 1907
	First lieutenant, Infantry: 10 April 1913
	Captain, Aviation Section, Signal Corps (ASSC): 20 May 1916
	Captain, Infantry: 23 September 1916
	Major, ASSC: 27 June 1917
	Colonel, Signal Corps, National Army: 5 August 1917
	Major, Infantry: —Temporary: 15 January 1918 —Permanent Establishment: 1 July 1920
	Major, Air Service: 11 August 1920
	Lieutenant colonel, Air Corps: 1 February 1931
	Brigadier general: —Temporary: 2 March 1935 —Assistant Chief of Air Corps: 24 December 1935 —Permanent: 2 December 1940
	Colonel, Air Corps: 1 March 1936
	Major general: —Chief of Air Corps: 22 September 1938 —Permanent: 3 February 1941
	Lieutenant general, Army of the United States: 15 December 1941
	General, Army of the United States: 19 March 1943
	General of the Army: —Temporary, Army of the United States: 21 December 1944 —Permanent: 23 March 1946
	Placed on retired list: 30 June 1946
	General of the Air Force, United States Air Force: 7 May 1949

Awards and decorations

General Henry H. Arnold received many awards and decorations for his service. He was highly honored for his leadership and contributions to aviation and the military. These recognitions highlighted his important role in developing air forces and supporting global policies.

Published works

General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold wrote many books about flying and airplanes. Some of his non-fiction books include Airmen and Aircraft: An Introduction to Aeronautics from 1926, Wings over America from 1943, and Global Mission from 1949. He also wrote several books with Ira Eaker, like This Flying Game and Winged Warfare.

Arnold also wrote a series of fun children’s books featuring a character named Bill Bruce. These books include Bill Bruce Becomes an Ace, Bill Bruce in the Trans-continental Race, and Bill Bruce on Forest Patrol, all published in 1928.