Henry Hap Arnold

ModernGeneralUnited States1886 — 1950

Only officer to hold five-star rank in two US services.

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Quick Facts

Born

1886

Died

1950

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)78

Political (20%)75

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)65

Leadership (15%)78

Strategy (15%)82

Total Score71.5

Henry Hap Arnold — Complete Timeline

1942 AD

Appointed Commanding General of US Army Air ForcesPolitical Action◆ Major

Arnold was appointed Commanding General of the US Army Air Forces, overseeing the expansion of the air force from 20,000 to 2.5 million personnel. He directed the strategic bombing campaigns in Europe and the Pacific.

World War IIAir ForceCommand

Impact: global

1944 AD

Promoted to General of the Army and General of the Air ForcePolitical Action◆ Major

Arnold was promoted to five-star rank as General of the Army, and later became the only officer to hold five-star rank in two US services when he was also made General of the Air Force. This recognized his role in creating an independent air force.

Military RankAir ForceRecognition

Impact: nationalconstructive

Oversaw Development of B-29 SuperfortressInvention◆ Major

Arnold championed the development and production of the B-29 Superfortress, the most advanced bomber of World War II. The B-29 was used for strategic bombing of Japan and ultimately dropped the atomic bombs.

World War IIAviationBomber

Impact: global

1947 AD

Established the US Air Force as an Independent ServiceReform◆ Major

Arnold was a key advocate for the creation of an independent US Air Force, separate from the Army. The National Security Act of 1947 established the Air Force as a separate service, fulfilling Arnold's long-term goal.

Military ReformAir ForceIndependence

Impact: globalconstructive