LeMay rose through the ranks of the Air Force, which became independent of the Army in 1947. He took command of the Strategic Air Command in 1957, and was promoted to the top job as USAF Chief of Staff in 1961, a position he held until his retirement in 1965. | LeMay rose through the ranks of the Air Force, which became independent of the Army in 1947. He took command of the Strategic Air Command in 1957, and was promoted to the top job as USAF Chief of Staff in 1961, a position he held until his retirement in 1965. |