Curtis Emerson LeMay (November 15, 1906 – October 1, 1990) was a US Air Force general who implemented an effective but controversial strategic bombing campaign in the Pacific theater of World War II.

General Curtis Emerson LeMay is the fifth chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. The general was born at Columbus, Ohio, in 1906. He attended Columbus public schools and Ohio State University.

Jul 3, 2019 · LeMay is best remembered as a military hero who played a major role in the modernization of the U.S. Air Force. For his service and achievements he was awarded numerous medals by the U.S. and other governments, including …

Feb 28, 2025 · Curtis E. LeMay (born Nov. 15, 1906, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.—died Oct. 1, 1990, March Air Force Base, Calif.) was a U.S. Air Force officer whose expertise in strategic bombardment techniques was important during World War II and afterward.

Curtis LeMay retired from the Air Force in 1965 with the rank of General. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished military career characterized by significant contributions to aviation, military strategy, and national defense.

Aug 2, 2024 · Following World War II, LeMay’s prominence grew as he assumed leadership of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC). In this capacity, he orchestrated a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s nuclear arsenal, ensuring readiness during the tense Cold War period.

Mar 31, 2023 · Curtis E. LeMay is one of the icons of American airpower history, ultimately becoming the Air Force’s fifth Chief of Staff and the first who did not attend West Point. LeMay earned his commission through ROTC at Ohio State in 1928 and over the next decade became one of the best navigators and pilots in the Air Corps.

General Curtis Emerson Lemay was the “Father of the Strategic Air Command.” When he took over as its commander in 1948, it consisted of little more than a few understaffed and untrained B-29 groups left over from World War II.

Curtis LeMay, the youngest and longest-serving general in modern American history, rose from obscurity, lacking social graces, old-boy connections, or lineage, to become America’s most innovative and—to this day—controversial military commander.

Mar 11, 2016 · LeMay became chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force in July 1961, and in that role he tangled with Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara over plans to cut back on manned bombers for...