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Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Captain Hutchison I. Cone, Commander, United States Naval Aviation Forces

Chronological Copy.                        File No. <4-1-5>

Cablegram Received May: <2, 1918> 07203 TOH

Origin  Opnav Washington.                  Ser. No. 5622

S-1 3 May

29 ADR

Simsadus.

5622. For Cone. Arrangement now being made for training of men called for in reference as follows: Marine Corps to man 4 day bombing squadrons and Navy to man 2 day bombing squadrons and 6 night bombing squadrons.1 McDonnell2 says believed that you now have trained or in training sufficient personnel to <(man?)> 2 Navy day bombing squadrons. Confirmation of this requested since if this is true will materially expedite completion of present project. 19002 5622

Benson       

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The hand-written date is confirmed by the time-date stamp at the end of the cable.

Footnote 1: Although U.S. naval aviators embraced strategic bombing and participated in both day- and night-bombing, their impact on the war was negligible due to the small numbers of aircraft and trained pilots. Rossano and Wildenberg, Striking the Hornet’s Nest: 3-4.

Footnote 2: Lt. Edward McDonnell, who was attached to Cone’s staff.

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