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Former Head of the Bomber Mafia Forms the Air Transport Command
From a Three-man Office to over 200,000 Personnel and 3,500 Aircraft in Three Years. |
The Most Famous General You Never heard Of
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Some military leaders have a natural flair for flamboyance that propels them to ever-increasing responsible positions. “Star Power” gives them an aura of invincibility and followers are legion. Others have mentors, who for one reason or another, believe in the person and his or her potential, and pave the way to those lofty levels where the individual can exercise the intangibles of leadership. There is yet another pathway to the exalted levels of the military hierarchy, and that is the one of quiet, pragmatic expertise in all assignments. Steadfast in convictions and possessing an uncanny vision of what future warfare resources will be needed is an inherent attribute.
Harold Lee George is numbered in that latter category. Knowing that daylight strategic bombing of the enemy’s key targets would decimate his will to continue, he worked tirelessly to promote the concepts and doctrines. WWI combat in bombardment, Aberdeen Proving Grounds research, a student, then an instructor at the Air Corps Tactical School, and composer of the WWII Air War Plans displayed an unique set of tools. When diverted from his deep desire to command a bomb group or Air Force and asked to form the Air Transport Command, he was not found wanting. His post retirement career found him at the top of the corporate ladders; CEO of Peruvian International Airlines, and Vice president positions with Hughes Aircraft and TRW. His wide-ranging experience, direct style and conservative outlooks vaulted him into politics as a councilman and mayor of Beverly Hills. Truly a man for the times, Harold Lee George walked the stage during tumultuous periods, and demonstrated repeatedly his leadership skills and organizational expertise. Available through author at awagner29909@gmail.com |