Revisionist History Bombs-Away LeMay
Jul 23, 2020
Conrad Crane, a military historian specializing in WWII, joins to dissect the legacy of Curtis LeMay. They delve into LeMay's uncompromising leadership style and problem-solving prowess. Expect gripping anecdotes about ethical dilemmas during WWII operations, including a striking air force exercise gone awry. The discussion also highlights the dramatic changes in aerial strategies, particularly the controversial nighttime raids on Japanese cities, shedding light on the human cost and moral implications of such decisions.
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LeMay's Bombing Exercise
- In 1937, Curtis LeMay bombed a US Navy ship during a training exercise, despite seeing sailors on deck.
- He prioritized the exercise objective over potential harm, demonstrating his problem-solver mindset.
Reaching Japan
- Japan's distance from Allied airbases initially prevented effective bombing campaigns.
- The B-29 bomber and capture of the Mariana Islands solved this, placing Japan within striking range.
Hansel's Failure
- Haywood Hansel, a proponent of precision bombing, led the initial B-29 attacks on Japan.
- Despite repeated attempts, his missions failed due to the unforeseen jet stream and high winds.