WWII General HAP Arnold was an American military officer who served as the Commanding General of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He was the only person to ever hold a five-star rank in two branches of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of only nine Americans to have ever held a five-star rank in any branch of the U.S. military. Arnold was also the founder of the US Air Force and was responsible for the development of strategic bombing tactics during the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Medal of Honor for his service.