Carl Spaatz

ModernGeneralUnited States1891 — 1974

First Chief of Staff of the US Air Force.

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Quick Facts

Born

1891

Died

1974

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)72

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)82

Legacy (20%)68

Leadership (15%)78

Strategy (15%)75

Total Score74.4

Carl Spaatz — Complete Timeline

1942 AD

Commanded Eighth Air Force in EnglandWar◆ Major

Spaatz commanded the Eighth Air Force in England, establishing the US strategic bombing capability in Europe. He built up the force from scratch and conducted the first US bombing missions against occupied Europe.

World War IIEighth Air ForceStrategic Bombing

Impact: regional

1944 AD

Commanded US Strategic Air Forces in EuropeWar◆ Major

Spaatz commanded the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe, directing the combined bomber offensive against Nazi Germany. He oversaw the bombing of oil refineries, transportation networks, and industrial targets.

World War IIStrategic BombingEurope

Impact: global

1945 AD

Commanded US Strategic Air Forces in the PacificWar◆ Major

Spaatz commanded the US Strategic Air Forces in the Pacific, overseeing the strategic bombing of Japan including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was responsible for the final air campaign against Japan.

World War IIAtomic BombStrategic Bombing

Impact: global

1947 AD

Appointed First Chief of Staff of the US Air ForcePolitical Action◆ Major

Spaatz was appointed the first Chief of Staff of the newly independent US Air Force. He oversaw the transition from the Army Air Forces to a separate service and shaped its early organization and doctrine.

Air ForceLeadershipPost-War

Impact: nationalconstructive