Move to the front of the B-17.

Curtis LeMay has been called the “father of modern strategic bombing” and is one of America’s most famous air commanders. The Columbus native attended The Ohio State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1928, he entered the Armed Services as a flying cadet.

LeMay participated in the first mass flight of B-17 Flying Fortresses to South America in 1938, and the Second Bomb Group won the Mackay Trophy for outstanding aerial achievement.

After carefully calculating the dangers, LeMay stopped maneuvering bomber formation to avoid antiaircraft fire and initiated straight-in bomb runs which improved bombing accuracy. He also devised new formations, techniques and procedures, which were eventually used by all B-17 and B-24 units throughout the European theater. He later used low-level night raids by B-29s against Japan.

In 1948, LeMay assumed command of the newly formed Strategic Air Command (SAC) and built an all-jet bomber force, manned and supported by professional Airmen dedicated to the preservation of peace. The general commanded SAC for nearly 10 years, and under his leadership and supervision, plans were laid for the development and integration of an intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

LeMay served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965.