Curtis Lemay

I was given the book “Lemay: The Life and Wars of General Curtis Lemay” as a birthday present in October. Before reading this book, I knew nothing about Curtis Lemay. I knew nothing about the Strategic Air Command. I knew little about the war overhead. I likely would not have picked up the book had it not been given to me because the cover image of the surly man with a cigar clenched in his mouth gives off an unfriendly air. Once I read the book, my opinions changed. I now find Lemay an interesting figure. His inward motivation, which Kozak attributes to being forced to become a family provider at an early age, helped catapult Lemay from his difficult childhood to becoming a four-star general. Another thought-provoking point of the book was the “Lemay Doctrine.” This was Lemay’s idea for how a war should be won. He said it was up to the politicians to decide if they wanted to go to war or not, but once they did, that had to …show more content…
It was very educational, with many sidebars to explain context. While not openly argumentative, Kozak is obviously biased towards Lemay’s side of the story. He puts down negative descriptions, and elevates the positives of Lemay’s life. It also offers some opinions on the Lemay Doctrines. It is obvious that Kozak agrees with its usage in World War II, but is glad it was not implemented during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I share his opinions. The book was not a difficult read because I have read many other books on World War II, but some of the references to the post-war nuclear age required some research. Many things Kozak has explained within the book itself. Looking back on the book, I’m glad I read it. I feel I have learned something about Lemay, World War II, and the Cold War, all in one book. Also, I feel Kozak made a good choice for a cover photograph. On the surface, Lemay seems to be a brute, but inside, the choices he made were ones he thought were the best for those under his