Background
Knerr, Hugh Johnston was born on May 30, 1887 in Fairfield, Iowa, United States. Son of Ellsworth Brownnell and Elizabeth (Barclay) Knerr.
United States Air Force officer
Knerr, Hugh Johnston was born on May 30, 1887 in Fairfield, Iowa, United States. Son of Ellsworth Brownnell and Elizabeth (Barclay) Knerr.
Student Midland College, 1900-1904, United States Naval Academy, 1904-1908, United States Army staff schedul, 1925-1926, United States Army War College, 1930-1931. Various special schools in Coast Artillery and Air Corps.
1 son, Hugh S. Graduate United States Naval Academy, 1908. Ensign, United States Navy, 1908-1912. Transferred to Coast Artillery, United States Army, 1912-1917.
Military aviator, United States Army Air Corps., 1917-1939. Served as air officer Hawaiian Department, 1918-1919. Command 88th Observation Squadron, 2d Bombardment Group, chief of staff of General Headquarters Air Force, 1935-1938.
Air officer 8th Corps Area at time of retirement. Retired as colonel because of physical disability incident to military service, March 21, 1939. Became military advisor Sperry Gyroscope Company, 1939, returned to active service as department commander, Headquarters Air Service Commanded, Fairfield, O., October 1942.
Brigadier general, July 1943. Deputy commander VIII Air Service Commanded, London, England. Commanding general Headquarters Air Service Commanded, United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe, and deputy commanding general for administration (London), January 1944.
Major general, March 1944. Deputy commanding general for administration, Paris, Fr., December 1944. Commanded Headquarters Air Technology Service Commanded, Wright Field, Dayton, O., June 1945.
Inspector general of the United States Air Force, 1948-1949. Vice president Liberty Liners. Incorporated from 1950.
An associate of General William Mitchell and long a partisan to get air power recognized as the primary strategic weapon for United States. In collaboration with General Andrews furthered doctrines of Air Forces in active service. Decorations: Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, War Department Commendation.
American Defense with star, European Campaign with 3 stars. Liberty Medals both World Wars. French Legion of Honor, Croix de Guerre with palms.
British Companion of the Bath.
Member Society Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Married Hazel Dow, September 2, 1910.