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Naval History and Heritage Command

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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