Description
Signed first edition of Global Mission by General of the Air Force, Henry “Hap” Arnold.
Octavo, xii, 626pp. Black cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. Stated “first edition” on copyright page with “H-Y” designation. Solid text block, free of any marks or notations, a few dog-eared leaves. Rubbing to gilt title on spine. In the publisher’s scarce dust jacket, $5.00 on front flap, bright illustrations, faint sunning to spine, short closed tear to top edge of spine, faint shelf wear, a near fine example.
Signed on the front free endpaper: “To ‘Big’ John, I hope that you find this book interesting. H.H. Arnold.”
General Henry “Hap” Arnold (1886-1950) was commanding general of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, becoming the first airman to receive the five-star rank. In 1944 he was promoted to General of the Army, and later become the only person to hold the rank of General of the Air Force. Prior to the onset of World War II, he took command of the Army Air Forces, expanding the organization from 20,000 men and 800 aircraft to becoming the largest air armada in the world. He died unexpectedly in 1950, shortly after the publication of this book.