In which year did Hap Arnold become the first General of the Air Force?

Hap Arnold became the first General of the Air Force in 1949. This distinction was significant because it marked a new era for the United States Air Force, recognizing its evolution as an independent branch of the military after its separation from the Army. The promotion to the rank of General of the Air Force established Arnold as a key figure in American military history, particularly as he played a pivotal role during World War II in shaping air power and its strategic importance in warfare.

His leadership during the war and subsequent advocacy for air force independence contributed to the establishment of a formal rank for service chiefs, which reinforced the importance of air strategy in national defense. The year 1949 is hence significant in understanding the development of military leadership structures in the U.S. and the growing prominence of the Air Force.