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Questions and Answers
What approach did Major General Curtis LeMay take when he first arrived in the Marianas?
What approach did Major General Curtis LeMay take when he first arrived in the Marianas?
Which significant obstacle did LeMay encounter while trying to execute his bombing missions?
Which significant obstacle did LeMay encounter while trying to execute his bombing missions?
How did Admiral Nimitz respond to LeMay's dinner invitation?
How did Admiral Nimitz respond to LeMay's dinner invitation?
What specific target did LeMay initially focus on for bombing missions?
What specific target did LeMay initially focus on for bombing missions?
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What did LeMay conclude about Hansell's previous missions?
What did LeMay conclude about Hansell's previous missions?
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What was one of LeMay's main concerns that led to changes in the bombing strategy?
What was one of LeMay's main concerns that led to changes in the bombing strategy?
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What altitude did LeMay decide to have his bombers fly during bombing runs?
What altitude did LeMay decide to have his bombers fly during bombing runs?
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How did LeMay plan to overcome the challenges of visual bombing?
How did LeMay plan to overcome the challenges of visual bombing?
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What was the general reaction of the audience when LeMay announced changes to the bombing strategy?
What was the general reaction of the audience when LeMay announced changes to the bombing strategy?
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What was a significant factor that influenced LeMay's decision to change to night raids?
What was a significant factor that influenced LeMay's decision to change to night raids?
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What was a significant concern for Haywood Hansell regarding General LeMay's approach to low-level flight?
What was a significant concern for Haywood Hansell regarding General LeMay's approach to low-level flight?
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What was the impact of General LeMay's low-level bombing strategy on the cities of Japan?
What was the impact of General LeMay's low-level bombing strategy on the cities of Japan?
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How did General LeMay justify his aggressive bombing strategy?
How did General LeMay justify his aggressive bombing strategy?
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What led to Haywood Hansell's exit from command?
What led to Haywood Hansell's exit from command?
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What percentage of Toyama was destroyed due to the bombing campaign led by LeMay?
What percentage of Toyama was destroyed due to the bombing campaign led by LeMay?
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Study Notes
Military Historian Conrad Crane on Major General Curtis LeMay
- LeMay took command of the Twenty-First Bomber Command in January 1945.
- LeMay initially disagreed with the Navy's facilities in the Marianas.
- He observed a lavish dinner with Admiral Nimitz, highlighting a stark contrast in conditions.
- LeMay implemented a revised bombing strategy, targeting the Nakajima aircraft plant in Tokyo.
- LeMay disagreed with and revised Hansell's strategy, due to military facilities, weather, and other obstacles.
LeMay's Strategy Revisions
- LeMay prioritized addressing weather conditions, particularly jet streams and heavy cloud cover, influencing tactics.
- He moved to lower altitudes and night raids to avoid Japanese air defenses.
- Precision bombing was abandoned in favor of wider attacks (to increase impact) to achieve results.
- He employed incendiary weapons (napalm).
- LeMay's revision focused on exploiting weaknesses including the infrastructure and personnel, and weather conditions.
LeMay's Attack on Tokyo
- LeMay's first major attack on Tokyo occurred in March 1945.
- LeMay's attack involved hundreds of B-29 bombers.
- The attack used napalm bombs causing a widespread firestorm.
- LeMay's prioritized and revised strategy was remarkably successful, despite initial resistance.
- The attack led to significant destruction.
LeMay's Legacy and Tactics
- LeMay's approach was criticized by some, highlighting potential moral dilemmas.
- LeMay's approach was viewed by others as an essential tactic.
- LeMay believed in maximizing efficiency through speed and volume.
- LeMay stressed speed over targeting and focused on the sheer volume of attacks.
- LeMay and others in his generation viewed war as fundamentally a matter of efficiency and speed. Historians and military experts differ on whether LeMay engaged in unethical and overly destructive practices.
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Description
Explore the pivotal changes made by Major General Curtis LeMay during World War II as he took command of the Twenty-First Bomber Command. Understand his strategies regarding bombing tactics, as well as his adjustments based on weather conditions and military facilities. This quiz delves into his impact on aerial warfare and his controversial tactics.