Who established the Army Air Force in 1941?

The establishment of the Army Air Force in 1941 is attributed to General Henry H. Arnold. He played a crucial role in developing air power and was a strong advocate for the Air Corps, which later became the Army Air Force. His leadership during this transitional period was instrumental in organizing and expanding air operations, particularly as World War II approached.

General Arnold was pivotal in promoting the importance of an independent air force and was also recognized for his contributions to strategic bombing and air logistics. His insights and determination led to a more structured command of aviation assets within the Army, aligning military strategy with the evolving technology of warfare during that time.

Other prominent figures in military aviation history, such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General George C. Marshall, and General Billy Mitchell, greatly influenced air power and military strategy, but they were not responsible for the establishment of the Army Air Force in the specific context of 1941. Arnold’s vision and leadership directly shaped the formation and role of air power in the U.S. military during a critical period leading up to and during World War II.