H.H. "HAP" Arnold Signed and Inscribed Photograph, to Maj. Albert Haney

Presented is a signed and inscribed head and shoulders portrait of General H.H. “Hap” Arnold. General Arnold is photographed in his five-star uniform. The photograph is signed and inscribed in the bottom margin in black fountain pen "To Maj: Albert Haney, Cordially & with best wishes, H. H. Arnold." 

General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold (1886-1950) was one of the most influential figures in the development of American air power and one of the few officers to hold five-star rank in the history of the United States military. A 1907 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Arnold was commissioned into the infantry but soon transferred to the Signal Corps, where he became one of the Army’s earliest aviators under the mentorship of the Wright brothers. He earned his pilot’s license in 1911 and quickly distinguished himself as a skilled flyer, setting altitude records and helping to demonstrate the military potential of aircraft. During World War I, Arnold served in Washington in key administrative and planning roles, contributing to the expansion and organization of the Army’s fledgling air service.

Arnold’s greatest contributions came during World War II, when he rose to Commanding General of the United States Army Air Forces and became a principal architect of America’s strategic air war. He was instrumental in the planning of aerial attacks against Japan and the daylight bombings raids on Germany. He also oversaw the massive buildup of personnel, aircraft production, and global air operations, transforming the Air Forces into a decisive instrument of modern warfare. Arnold was a strong advocate of long-range bombing and advanced aeronautical research, supporting innovations that would shape postwar aviation.

In 1944, he was promoted to General of the Army, and in 1949 he became the only officer ever to hold the rank of General of the Air Force, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in the establishment of an independent United States Air Force and the broader doctrine of air power in the twentieth century. 

CONDITION:

Very good+ condition. Matte-finish, black and white photograph of General Hap Arnold wearing his five-star uniform. Signed and inscribed in black fountain pen in bottom margin, "To Maj: Albert Haney, Cordially & with best wishes, H. H. Arnold." Some creasing to the upper right corner, minor paper loss in the borders, toning to margins. Photograph dimensions: 9 3/4"H x 7 3/4" W. 

Archivallly framed in a custom built wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 16 1/8"H x 13 7/8"W x 1 1/4"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.