American Airpower Comes of Age

AMERICAN AIRPOWER COMES OF AGE
the enlisted personnel. There are accounts and photos of Arnold’s visit to
both Groups in the unit histories at AFHRA, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
153. The missions of 26 April were among the last flown by the Groups,
which were returned to the United States after the war ended in Europe 10
days later. Both arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in August. This illustrated
the speed with which units were being moved out of Europe to the
United States for possible retraining or equipping for use in the Pacific.
154. The villa is not otherwise identified.
155. Brig Gen William F. “Bozo” McKee, deputy AC/AS, A-3, Headquarters
AAF.
156. Fez is a city in north central Morocco, 150 miles east of Casablanca.
157. Dar Si Said Palace, constructed in 1591, has been converted into a
museum of modern Moroccan art since Arnold’s visit.
158. Arnold as well as Churchill and Roosevelt had stayed at different
times in 1943 at the Taylor villa in Marrakesh. See chap. 5.
159. News reached Arnold during this dinner of Himmler’s 23 April 1945
offer to surrender unconditionally to the United States and Great Britain but
not to the USSR, a proposal rejected by Eisenhower three days later. According
to a fellow diner: “There is much consternation.” Lindsay Diary, 28 April
1945.
160. Apparently, the Post Exchange was opened specifically for Arnold’s
visit, the day being Sunday. A fellow shopper observed: “Much money is
passed in return for some goods of the realm.” Lindsay Diary. Many of the
items purchased on this and other trips were sent to his daughter, Mrs.
Ernie Snowden. See their correspondence in AP.
161. Brig Gen Malcolm C. Grow, now chief of Medical Services, USSTAF;
General Claire is not otherwise identified.
162. Brig Gen selectee Charles B. B. Bubb, deputy commander, US Army
Forces, South Atlantic.
163. Kay Francis was a Hollywood figure on a tour of American service
installations in Latin America; Maj Gen Ralph H. Wooten, USA, CG, US
Army Forces South Atlantic. Hotel de Gink was an expression dating from
before the war to denote hotels in which the airmen normally stayed, oftentimes
the officially recommended or required one and not always a term of
admiration for its facilities.
164. Arnold had first visited Recife on 15 February 1943. See chap. 5 of
this publication.
165. Arnold meant Col George C. Fraser, commander of Dakar Army Airfield.
It is difficult to determine precisely what was given to Arnold, but it
may well have been a poignard-dragonne-beliers.
166. Vice Adm William R. Munroe, USN, commander South Atlantic
Forces.
167. Now a major general, St. Claire Streett was deputy CG, Continental
Air Forces, Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C. Details are not known of the specific
matters to be discussed with Streett on Arnold’s return. Paul Riddle
operated flying schools in several Allied countries on a contract basis for the
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