Who commanded the first mass-air bombing attack?

General Billy Mitchell is recognized for commanding the first mass-air bombing attack, particularly during World War I. He was a pioneering figure in military aviation and advocated for the strategic use of air power. In 1918, Mitchell led a successful bombing campaign against German U-boats in the harbor at Cattaro, using a fleet of American bombers. This operation is considered a significant milestone in military history as it demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated air attacks on enemy positions, paving the way for future aerial warfare strategies.

Mitchell's foresight about the potential of air power fundamentally shaped air tactics and doctrine in the ensuing years. His approach emphasized the importance of air superiority and the ability to strike an enemy’s capacity to wage war directly from the sky. This foresight and leadership firmly established him as a key figure in the development of military aviation.