born May 30, 1869, Caserta, Italy
died Feb. 15, 1930, Rome
Italian general.
He served as commander of Italy's first aviation unit, the Aeronautical Battalion (191215). In World War I his criticism of the war's conduct led to his court-martial, imprisonment, and retirement. An investigation in 1917 justified his criticisms; his conviction was reversed, and he was appointed head of the aviation service. In books such as The Command of the Air (1921) he advanced his ideas on strategic air power and the importance of strategic bombing. He advocated the creation of an independent air force, reduction of land and sea forces, and unification of the armed forces. Though his ideas aroused great controversy, many were adopted by the major powers.