Curtis LeMay was born on November 15, 1906 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up moving around the United States as his father's job required them to relocate frequently. LeMay attended St. Peter's High School in Columbus before going on to study civil engineering at The Ohio State University.
LeMay joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1928 as an enlisted member. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a pilot, eventually earning a commission as an officer. During World War II, LeMay played a pivotal role in directing strategic bombing campaigns against Germany and Japan.
After the war, LeMay was appointed as the head of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Under his leadership, the SAC was transformed into a formidable force capable of carrying out nuclear attacks at a moment's notice. LeMay was a staunch advocate of total war through air attack and was responsible for the devastating firebomb raids over Tokyo which resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 civilians.
LeMay firmly believed that nuclear war was inevitable and meticulously drew up plans for the SAC to unleash a "Sunday punch" attack consisting of 133 atomic bombs targeting 70 Soviet cities. He was a key figure in shaping American military strategy during the early years of the Cold War.
LeMay's uncompromising stance on national defense often put him at odds with his superiors and political leaders. Despite this, his strategic acumen and determination to ensure American military superiority solidified his reputation as a revered war hero in the eyes of many.
Outside of his military career, LeMay was known for his no-nonsense demeanor and unwavering commitment to duty. He was a devoted family man and took great pride in serving his country. Despite his controversial tactics and beliefs, LeMay's contributions to shaping modern warfare cannot be denied.
LeMay's legacy continues to be a subject of debate among historians and military analysts. Some view him as a visionary strategist who played a crucial role in shaping American military dominance, while others criticize his willingness to embrace the devastating power of nuclear weapons.