HAP ARNOLD

In WWII as later, defense contractors and military weapons designers were always trying to improve the design and proto-models, thus stalling production and utilization. Arnold’s statement galvanized the program and B-29s reached the Pacific theater to help win the war.

Over 1000 WASPs--Women Airforce Service Pilots—flew and tested all kinds of military aircraft, thus freeing up male pilots for combat. They transported planes and key personnel, tested new airplanes, and even towed targets for anti-aircraft trainees to practice firing at. 38 WASPS died in the line of duty and the government did not even pay for the funerals. In 1977 Congress finally recognized WASPs as Veterans of WWII.

The United States at the time was overly weak in military preparedness. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had authorized the rapid building and deployment of 10,000 airplanes. Arnold cut through all the bureaucracy and red tape.

Over 1000 WASPs--Women Airforce Service Pilots—flew and tested all kinds of military aircraft, thus freeing up male pilots for combat. They transported planes and key personnel, tested new airplanes, and even towed targets for anti-aircraft trainees to practice firing at. 38 WASPS died in the line of duty and the government did not even pay for the funerals. In 1977 Congress finally recognized WASPs as Veterans of WWII.

In WWII as later, defense contractors and military weapons designers were always trying to improve the design and proto-models, thus stalling production and utilization. Arnold’s statement galvanized the program and B-29s reached the Pacific theater to help win the war.

The United States at the time was overly weak in military preparedness. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had authorized the rapid building and deployment of 10,000 airplanes. Arnold cut through all the bureaucracy and red tape.