Curtis Emerson LeMay (1906-1990) was a general in the United States Air Force, known for significantly shaping American strategic bombing doctrine. During World War II, he devised and implemented devastating low-altitude incendiary bombing campaigns against Japanese cities, a tactic that was controversial but considered decisive in accelerating Japan's surrender. After the war, his career was equally influential: he successfully organized the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and, as commander of Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1948 to 1957, transformed it into a powerful, constantly ready nuclear deterrent force, prepared to strike around the clock. He concluded his military career as Chief of Staff of the Air Force (1961-1965). For his service, LeMay received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and international awards such as the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun.