Skip to content

Learn How to Pronounce Curtis LeMay | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Curtis LeMay

Quick Answer: In US English, the name Curtis LeMay is pronounced /ˈkɜːrtɪs ləˈmeɪ/.
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Curtis LeMay, a towering and controversial figure in 20th-century military history, served as a United States Air Force general whose career profoundly shaped modern aerial warfare. He rose to prominence during World War II by masterminding and executing the relentless and devastating strategic bombing campaign against Japan, notably pioneering low-altitude nighttime incendiary raids that culminated in the firebombing of Tokyo. Appointed Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 1947 and commanding the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1948 to 1957, LeMay transformed SAC into a nuclear-ready, global deterrent force, a cornerstone of Cold War policy and massive retaliation strategy. His advocacy for overwhelming air power, characterized by the phrase "peace through strength," and his tenure as Air Force Chief of Staff from 1961 to 1965 cemented his legacy as a pivotal architect of U.S. defense strategy and military aviation doctrine, whose influence extended into the realms of nuclear deterrence and geopolitical strategy.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Curtis LeMay" has a standardized spelling, but common errors often arise from phonetic misinterpretation or typographical slips. The most frequent mistake is misspelling his surname as "LeMay" with a space, as in "Le May," which is incorrect. Other common variants include "Lemay" (without capitalization of the 'M') or "LeMae." Occasionally, his first name is misspelled as "Curtiss," likely due to confusion with the Curtiss aircraft company. In written references, it is also important to note his full rank: "General Curtis LeMay." Ensuring correct spelling is crucial for historical accuracy and effective research, particularly when searching for primary sources, biographies, or analyses of his role in strategic bombing and Cold War history.

Example Sentences

General Curtis LeMay's implementation of low-altitude incendiary raids fundamentally altered the tactics of strategic bombing during the Pacific War.

Historians continue to debate the ethical implications of LeMay's bombing campaigns, even while acknowledging their military effectiveness.

As the longest-serving commander of the Strategic Air Command, LeMay instilled a culture of constant readiness and precision that defined Cold War deterrence.

In his later years, LeMay's hawkish stance on nuclear strategy often placed him at odds with the political leadership of the 1960s.

The biography LeMay: The Life and Wars of General Curtis LeMay delves into the complex legacy of the man known for both his organizational genius and his uncompromising demeanor.

Related Pronunciations


📂 Browse all words in the WWII Figures and Generals category ➔