General Henry H. Arnold
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF)

Background
Henry H. Arnold was born June 25, 1886 in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Nicknamed "Hap".

World War II
During 1941, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. During World War II, Arnold was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu, nominated defending P-40B Warhawk pilot Lt. George S. Welch for the Medal of Honor, but instead earned the second highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions

On May 19, 1942 Arnold attended the White House ceremony where U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt bestows Brigadier General James H. Doolittle with the Medal of Honor.

In March 1943 promoted to the rank of four-star General, the first aviator to become a full general. In early May 1944, Bong was sent home to the United States to meet General Arnold and delivered a report from General George C. Kenney.

On December 21, 1944 the newly created five star rank of "General of the Army" was bestowed on General Henry H. Arnold.

Postwar
On December 21, 1945, promoted to the rank of five-star General. In March 1946 retired from military service to his farm in Sonoma, CA.

Memorials
Arnold died on January 15, 1950 at age 63. Three days later, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery at section 34, grave 44-A.

References
U.S. Air Force - General Henry H. Arnold
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Henry "Hap" Arnold (grave photos)
FindAGrave - Henry “Hap” Arnold (photo, grave photo)
Forward In Flight "Richard Bong Inspired by Hap Arnold's plane" Volume 17, Issue 1 Spring 2019 by John Dodds pages 14-17

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