Tribute To A Great Leader

FROM MY CHECKERED PAST #1

A number of years ago, I was assigned to SAC, the Strategic Air Command of the US Air Force, the owning agency of the heavy bomber fleet and the inflicts air refueling tankers, including the older piston-driven KC-97, and later the wonderful KC-135 jet tanker. For those who are not familiar with aircraft, the KC 135 was derived from Boeing -80 and was the prototype of the Boeing 707, introduced in 1955, and still flying today. I think the oldest tankers I worked on were 1956 models, and the newest, 1962.

There is a story which I have heard an awful lot of times, which has been sworn to be true. This story relates to the late General Curtis E. LeMay, the legendary commander of SAC, and later Chief of Staff of the Air Force. SAC was headquartered at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, one of the most secure bases in the country. Flightline access at all Air Force bases is restricted to those with the proper restricted area badge, and entry control points are manned by enlisted security policemen. It is said that on one occasion General LeMay went barreling through the checkpoint on OAFB's flightline in his staff car without stopping for the security man on duty, whereupon the airman promptly drew his sidearm and put one round neatly through the right side of the rear window of the staff car. Slamming on the brakes, Lemay screeched to a stop. Ramming the car into reverse gear, he roared back to the entry point, where the young airman was by now standing stiffly at attention, having belatedly noticed the rank plate bearing four stars on the back of the car.

The general leaped from the car and began to berate the man for missing his target. "S-s-sir," the airman began shakily, "I-I didn't miss. I-I-If you look at the motor pool decal on the back window you will s-s-see the hole in the center of the "O" in "Offutt AFB."

As LeMay went over and placed his finger in the bullet hole, he spoke again, "Son, where you from?" he asked. "And stand at ease."

"T-T-Tennes-s-ssee," the airman stammered, relaxing his stance only slightly, by now certain that he was in for it.

Looking back at the frightened security policeman, the general stated wryly, "Well, I can believe that. But you better get some practice, you missed the "O" by half an inch." Before climbing back into his car, the general took the airman's name and said, rather matter-of-factly, "By the way, get some new stripes. You're out of uniform."

Puzzled, the airman queried as he quickly inspected his spotless, perfect uniform, "S-s-ir?"

"Yes, sergeant. You're no longer an airman first class, you're a staff sergeant, effective immediately."

The new staff sergeant, overwhelmed by the encounter, saluted smartly as General LeMay whipped the car around and left the flightline, presumably headed for the motor pool and a new rear window.

I've heard this story at bases all over the world, and every one who related it swore that it was true. Having served under General LeMay for eight years, it sounds just like something he may have done. He may have been a gruff, demanding old curmudgeon, but he was fair and he ran a tight ship. When he passed away, I think in 1992, I was honored to have attended his funeral services at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I don't believe he was very much "beloved" by the troops under his command , but General Curtis E. LeMay was one of the most respected leaders to ever command the Air Force or the Strategic Air Command. I have to wonder what he would have done after 9/11.......