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Image 7 - General Curtis LeMay - SAC's second commander-in-chief (1948-1957), LeMay played a crucial role in developing the capabilities of his command so that it could launch an atomic offensive at short notice. LeMay had shown his organizational and command abilities during World War II, when he directed mass bombing operations against Japanese cities, including the fire bombing of Tokyo in March 1945. LeMay is shown here "[taking] a break for a cigar during flight operations aboard [the aircraft carrier] the USS Midway ([CVA-41). General LeMay is on board, along with 50 high-ranking NATO officials for a one day cruise designed to portray the Sixth Fleet in action." (Box 507)

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