| In 1915, during World War I, Douhet unsuccessfully urged that Italy build a fleet of Caproni bombers and destroy vital areas in Austria. Imprisoned for a year (1916-1917) for criticizing his superiors, he was later “vindicated” by the Italian defeat at Caporetto, which occurred much as he had predicted. Released, he was appointed director of aeronautical technical services.
Douhet retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1918 but was given post-service rank as major general in 1921. He died in Rome on February 14, 1930. His most famous book is The Command of the Air, published in 1921 and studied by air forces all around the world.
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