Harold L. George
| Harold L. George | |
|---|---|
Lieutenant General Harold L. George
|
|
| Birth name | Harold Lee George |
| Born | July 19, 1893 Somerville, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | February 24, 1986 (aged 92) Laguna Hills, California |
| Place of burial | United States Air Force Academy Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 U.S. Army Air Service U.S. Army Air Corps U.S. Army Air Forces United States Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1917–1946, and 1955 |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant General
|
| Commands held |
96th Bombardment Squadron 2d Bombardment Group Air Transport Command |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross Legion of Merit Air Medal Knight of the Order of the Southern Cross |
Harold Lee George (July 19, 1893 – February 24, 1986) was an American aviation pioneer who helped shape and promote the concept of daylight precision bombing. An outspoken proponent of the industrial web theory, George taught at the Air Corps Tactical School and influenced a significant group of airmen passing through the school, ones who had powerful influence during and after World War II. He has been described as the leader of the Bomber Mafia, the men who advocated an independent military arm composed of heavy bombers. George helped shape America's bomber strategy for the war by assisting Air War Plans Division with the development of a complete aircraft production and bombing strategy.
In 1934, George helped institute the Order of Daedalians, and served as that organization's first Wing Commander.
During World War II, George led the Air Transport Command, taking it from 130 obsolescent aircraft to 3,000 modern transports, operated by 300,000 airmen. Following the war, he helped Hughes Aircraft become a very profitable company, and was twice elected mayor of Beverly Hills, California.
George was born July 19, 1893 in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Horace and Susan E. George. He attended George Washington University, but decided to interrupt his studies when the United States became directly involved in World War I. George joined the United States Army and on May 21, 1917, received his commission as second lieutenant in the Cavalry as a reserve officer. A month later, he went on active duty with the Cavalry at Fort Myer, Virginia, and married Anna Virginia Helms on August 10. In October George resigned his reserve commission to become a flying cadet with the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps.
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