Heritage Image and Identity

<p>The heritage image and identity of the United States Air Force (USAF) was cultivated from the heroic exploits of American aces born forged from aerial dog fights of World War I (WWI). This celebrated pilot heritage and image became ingrained as pilot exploits were heralded in the US media and the identity of the fledgling air service reached new heights. Not to be outdone strategic bombing advocates such as General Billy Mitchell and Hap Arnold further developed USAF's identity in the quest for its independence. American pilots were held in great esteem by an admiring public and were equally successful in dominating US military aviation leadership positions as exemplified by General Henry Hap Arnold the first Chief of the Army Air Forces and its Commanding General during World War II.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>