Great Expectations: Brigadier General Haywood S. Hansell, Jr.and the XXI Bomber Command

Abstract

General Henry Hap Arnolds removal of Brigadier General Haywood Hansell from XXI Bomber Command in January 1945 illuminates issues of loyalty, subordination, and leadership. Hansell was an ideal choice to command the bombers. Yet, the command struggled to produce results commensurate with Arnolds demands. After a mere six combat missions, Arnold replaced Hansell with Major General Curtis LeMay. Inter-personal strife, poor weather, and operational challenges all contributed to the commands poor results, but Hansell bore the brunt of Arnolds dissatisfaction. Arnolds removal of Hansell was precipitate and not altogether fair. Yet, the demands of wartime and the age-old code of command renders it just.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2015
Accession Number
AD1015760

Entities

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  • Christopher G. Seaman

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  • Air University

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  • Air Platforms

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  • Aerial Photography
  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Bombing
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  • Instructors
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  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Second World War
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  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

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  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.