Oliver P. Echols
Oliver Patton Echols | |
|---|---|
Major General Oliver P. Echols | |
| Born | March 4, 1892 Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Died | May 15, 1954 (aged 62) Los Angeles, California |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Service U.S. Army Air Corps U.S. Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1916–1946 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Purple Heart |
| Other work | Chairman and President of Northrop |
Oliver Patton Echols (March 4, 1892 – May 15, 1954) was an American military officer who brought success in World War II to the United States Army Air Forces by expanding the inventory of America's air arm to meet the needs of the coming war. More than any other man under Chief of the Army Air Forces, General Henry H. Arnold, Echols was responsible for the development, procurement and supply of aircraft and aeronautical equipment. Fighter projects officer Benjamin S. Kelsey, directly subordinate to Echols from 1934 to 1945, called him "The Man Who Won World War II."