No previously published work examines General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold’s role in depth during the Pacific War of 1944-1945, in the context of planning for the destruction of Japan. In this new study, Herman S. Wolk, retired Senior Historian of the U.S. Air Force, examines the thinking of Hap Arnold, Commanding General, Army Air Forces (AAF), during World War II. Specifically, Wolk concentrates on Arnold’s leadership in crafting the weapons, organization, and command of the strategic bombing offensive against Japan, which culminated in Japan’s capitulation in the summer of 1945, ending the Pacific War.

The narrative is, in a real sense, a sustained controversy over strategy, organization, and command in the war against Japan. The B-29 long-range bombing campaign against the Japanese home islands dictated unprecedented organization and command; hence, Arnold established the Twentieth Air Force, commanded by himself from Washington and reporting directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Here Arnold excelled in his command of the AAF, relieving a long-time colleague (Hansell) in favor of a hard-nosed operator (LeMay). This crucial move was a turning point in the Pacific war.

The book is published by University of North Texas Press.

“Wolk's book includes more detail and depth on Pacific air campaign grand strategy than any other available. His work is a solid contribution....” (Dik A. Daso, author of Hap Arnold and the Evolution of American Airpower)

“Wolk has produced a volume with which students of the U.S. Air Force and World War II must reckon.” (Military History of the West)

“The author does an outstanding job of identifying the critical issues and events, helping us understand combat leadership.” (Journal of America's Military Past)