14. Despite the failures development on the Bug continued
Upon learning of the semi-successful flight of the Bud, General Squier sent a report to the Army’s Chief of Staff, evidently the first acknowledgment of the project’s existence. On October 22, another test of the aircraft was conducted. That time the Bug achieved its programmed altitude, flew its programmed distance, and descended on its preselected target. An ecstatic Squier so informed his superiors, and with their approval dispatched Hap Arnold to Europe to brief General John J. Pershing. The latter was the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe. He was at the time planning a major offensive for the spring of 1919, and Squier wanted him to be aware of the availability of the new weapon and its potential use.
Arnold was stricken with the Spanish Flu during his journey to Europe, and Pershing was not informed of the existence of the Bug until after the armistice was declared on November 11, 1918. When he was informed of the Bug’s existence he was impressed, and supported further development of the weapon for use in future wars. Great Britain’s military leaders were also briefed on the device and requested an opportunity to have a representative inspect the weapon. The US Army declined, having not yet accepted the Bug as a deliverable. The weapon was not yet in full production, and testing and evaluation continued. The Army Air Service wanted the weapon, though senior officers of the infantry and artillery opposed its acquisition.