https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/25afbea4-6d3d-42ed-8e36-1abb4dc97357 Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold (June 25, 1886 -- January 15, 1950) was an American general officer holding the grades of General of the Army and later General of the Air Force. Arnold was an aviation pioneer, Chief of the Air Corps (1938--1941), Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, the only Air Force general to hold five-star rank, and the only person to hold a five-star rank in two different U.S. military services. Instructed in flying by the Wright Brothers, Arnold was one of the first military pilots worldwide, and one of the first three rated pilots in the history of the United States Air Force. He overcame a fear of flying that resulted from his experiences with early flight, supervised the expansion of the Air Service during World War I, and became a protégé of Gen. Billy Mitchell. Arnold rose to command the Army Air Forces immediately prior to U.S. entry into World War II and directed its expansion into the largest and most powerful Air Force in the world. An advocate of technological research and development, his tenure saw the development of the intercontinental bomber, the jet fighter, the extensive use of radar, global airlift and atomic warfare as mainstays of modern air power. Arnold's most widely-used nickname, "Hap," was apparently short for "Happy," attributed variously to work associates when he moonlighted as a stunt pilot or to his wife. He was called Harley by his family during his youth, and "Sunny" by his mother. Arnold was known to his West Point classmates as "Pewt" or "Benny". By his immediate subordinates and headquarters staff he was referred to as "The Chief." Summary: General Henry H. Arnold’s life was deeply intertwined with the early development of military aviation. Trained by the Wright brothers, he recognized the airplane’s potential long before it became a critical weapon of war. Starting from the small Army Signal Corps, Arnold helped build and expand the Air Corps into a powerful force, advocating for air power alongside President Roosevelt. Under his leadership, the U.S. developed advanced capabilities like in-air refueling and massive bomber fleets, playing a decisive role in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. Despite health challenges, Arnold continued to serve his country until his death, becoming the first General of the Air Force and leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer of American air power and a protector of freedom. 000 —Main titles. General Arnold’s life story is deeply tied to aviation; he was taught to fly by the Wright brothers and became an early advocate for military aviation. 0:59 — The early U.S. Air Force began as a small branch of the Army Signal Corps, initially seen as mainly useful for observation during war. 1:17 — The military gradually recognized the airplane as a new type of combat weapon during World War I, despite some skepticism. 1:40 — These early experimental years faced doubts about the future of flying, but the Army kept testing and training pilots. 2:08 — The plane “Question Mark” set a record for continuous flight through in-air refueling, showing aviation’s growing capabilities. 2:32 — Pioneers believed air power would dominate future wars, a vision supported by General Arnold. 3:00 — General Arnold advocated strongly for air power, gaining support from President Roosevelt to build a powerful Air Corps. 3:31 — Arnold and others warned of aerial threats before WWII; their warnings were proven true as the first attacks came by air. 4:04 — By WWII, air power was central to U.S. military strategy, with extensive bombing campaigns over Europe. 5:21 — In the Pacific, American air forces advanced steadily against Japan from Alaska to Australia. 6:00 — Under Arnold’s leadership, massive bomber fleets delivered devastating blows to Japan. 7:15 — WWII was largely an air war, with Arnold playing a key role throughout. 7:39 — After the war, Arnold continued to serve despite declining health, dedicating himself fully until the end. 8:41 — Upon his death, Arnold was honored as the first General of the Air Force, reflecting his pioneering contributions. 10:28 — Arnold’s legacy was the creation of America’s air power—a shield of freedom and a gift of wings to mankind. 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