Curtis LeMay

Date of Birth: November 15, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 1, 1990

Biography

Curtis Emerson LeMay was a prominent United States Air Force general who played a significant role in World War II and the Cold War. Born in Columbus, Ohio, LeMay graduated from the Ohio State University in 1928 with a degree in civil engineering. He joined the Army Air Corps (which later became the United States Air Force) in 1929, where he quickly distinguished himself as an innovative and fearless leader. During World War II, LeMay was instrumental in developing strategic bombing techniques that were used against Japan, including the incendiary bombing of Tokyo. His aggressive tactics, although controversial, were deemed effective in hastening the end of the war. LeMay continued to impact military strategy during the Cold War. As the Commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1948 to 1957, he was responsible for transforming it into a powerful deterrent force. His tenure as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (1961-1965) was marked by his advocacy for a strong nuclear arsenal and his development of policies that emphasized readiness and rapid response.

5 Interesting Facts about Curtis LeMay

1. Curtis LeMay was the vice presidential running mate for George Wallace in the 1968 U.S. presidential election.

2. He was known for his blunt and often controversial statements, earning him the nickname “Iron Ass.”

3. LeMay was a major proponent of the “Total War” strategy, advocating for relentless and overwhelming force.

4. He played a key role in the Berlin Airlift, ensuring the successful supply of West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.

5. LeMay’s leadership significantly modernized and expanded the United States Air Force’s strategic capabilities during the Cold War.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Curtis LeMay

1. “I suppose if I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal.”

2. “If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting.”

3. “There are no innocent civilians, so it doesn’t bother me so much to be killing innocent bystanders.”

4. “My solution to the problem would be to tell them frankly that they’ve got to draw in their horns and stop their aggression, or we’re going to bomb them back into the Stone Age.”

5. “Wars don’t run on sentiment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While Curtis LeMay was a high-ranking military official, there are no specific records of his net worth. Typically, military personnel, even at the highest ranks, do not accumulate significant personal wealth from their service alone.