Like Brereton, Hugh J. Knerr was a graduate of the Naval Academy who transferred to the Army so he could be a pilot. Knerr made the change after three years, joining the Army in 1911 as an artillery officer and finally wrangling a pilot training slot in 1917. Over the next two decades he flew observation and bombardment aircraft, while also acquiring a reputation as an excellent administrator. As a result, when the GHQ Air Force was formed in 1935, its commander, Frank Andrews, selected Knerr as his chief of staff. Unfortunately, Knerr also had a reputation as an outspoken advocate of strategic airpower. As a result, in 1939 he was banished to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, to the same position occupied by Billy Mitchell the previous decade. Knerr chose to retire. When war broke out, however, he was brought back on active duty and sent to Europe as the Eighth Air Forces deputy commander for administration. He retired again after the war, but due to a scandal involving a senior officer, he was activated once again in 1947 and became the first inspector general of the Air Force. He retired a third time in 1949.
Knerr wrote an unpublished memoir titled, "The Vital Era, 1887-1950," that can be seen in the Air Force Academy's Special Collections Branch of the library. In truth, this work is not overly useful. There is no indication here of the fire which drove Knerr out of the service on two occasions. He was well known as a strong supporter of Frank Andrews over Hap Arnold, but there is no mention of that affinity here. Although he was praised for his outstanding work administering and supplying the American bomber forces in England, he scarcely discusses how he achieved such successes. Instead, we have a barely interesting memoir of anecdotes, stories, and opinions with little insight or analysis.
Disclaimer
The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the US Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.
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