Harold Lee George (July 19, 1893[1] – February 24, 1986) was an American aviation pioneer who helped shape and promote the concept of daylight precision bombing.

He attended George Washington University, but decided to interrupt his studies when the United States became directly involved in World War I.

[7] In 1919, George clerked part time for U.S. Supreme Court Justice James McReynolds,[8] and graduated in 1920 from the National University School of Law with an LL.B.

In September, 1931, he went to Maxwell Field, Alabama, to study at the Air Corps Tactical School (ACTS) where he helped refine the precision daylight bomber doctrine taught there.

Following graduation, George became an instructor at ACTS, teaching air tactics and precision bombing doctrine,[2] and became de facto leader of the influential "Bomber Mafia".

George flew to South America as a part of Air Corps goodwill flights in February 1938 and November 1939, and received for his participation the Order of the Southern Cross (Knight), from the government of Brazil.

[2] Promoted to the temporary rank of lieutenant colonel on December 30, 1940, he also filled the position of Executive Officer of the 2nd Bombardment Wing from January 1941.

George led it brilliantly throughout World War II, with the able assistance of many staff officers including his deputy, General C. R. Smith, peacetime president of American Airlines.

[2] After the war he served for a while as director of information for the USAAF and as senior Air Force representative of the military staff of the United Nations.

George followed a few months later to help form the Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation, competing directly with Hughes by developing ballistic missile defenses.

That year, he collected and donated more than $21,000 to various Republican Party candidates and conservative causes including the Jesse Helms-founded National Congressional Club and the "Helms for Senate" campaign.

[19] In his directorship of ACTS, George is known today as the unofficial leader of the men in the Army Air Corps who closed ranks and pushed exclusively toward the concept of daylight precision bombing as a strategic, war-winning doctrine.

"[22] The Air Force Aid Society bestows the "Lieutenant General Harold Lee George Educational Grant Award.