What individual or factor played a major role in the development of the air service and the air corps during the interwar years?

One of the most influential figures in the development of air service and the air corps during the interwar years was General Billy Mitchell. He was a strong advocate for the importance of air power in modern warfare, famously arguing for the establishment of an independent air force. Mitchell's demonstrations of aerial capability and his outspoken criticism of military leadership helped to shift perceptions of air power, leading to significant advancements in military aviation and the eventual formation of the U.S. Air Force. His efforts laid the groundwork for the strategic role of air power in World War II and beyond.