Who was the first General of the Air Force?

General Henry Harley Arnold was the first General of the Air Force, a distinction he earned in 1949 when he was promoted to a five-star rank, equivalent to that of a general in the Army and Navy. This promotion, specifically to General of the Air Force, recognized Arnold's significant contributions to the development of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and his role in establishing the United States Air Force as an independent service.

Arnold's leadership helped shape military aviation, and he was instrumental in advancing air power as a crucial component of U.S. military strategy. His promotion was a unique accomplishment that highlighted the importance of the Air Force in modern military operations. The rank itself, established after World War II, reflects the heightened status and responsibility of the Air Force as a separate branch within the United States Armed Forces. This historical context is vital in understanding why he is recognized as the first to hold this distinguished title.