LeMay, Curtis Emerson (1906-1990), commanded the Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1957. During a period in which American foreign policy depended heavily upon the striking power of the Strategic Air Command’s long-range bombers, LeMay became one of America’s most famous airmen.
In 1957, LeMay became vice chief of staff of the Air Force. He served as Air Force chief of staff from 1961 until January 1965, when he retired as a four-star general. In 1968, LeMay was the American Independent Party candidate for vice president of the United States. George C. Wallace was the presidential candidate (see Wallace, George C.).
LeMay was born on Nov. 15, 1906, in Columbus, Ohio, and was graduated from Ohio State University. He enlisted as a flying cadet in the Army Air Corps in 1928. During World War II, LeMay won attention as a bomber commander in Europe. In 1943, he commanded the Third Bombardment Division of the Eighth Air Force. In September 1944, LeMay took command of the 20th Bomber Command in India.
When the Pacific islands of Guam and Saipan became the main bases for the growing B-29 offensive against Japan, LeMay took charge as the commander of the 21st Bomber Command. From January 1945 until the end of the war, he directed an air assault of mounting intensity against Japan. He died on Oct. 1, 1990.
