George E. Stratemeyer

George Edward Stratemeyer (1911–1952) was a United States Air Force lieutenant general who played a significant role in military aviation and atomic operations during and after World War II. As deputy commander of the 58th Bomb Wing in 1944, he flew the first B-29 into China for strategic bombing operations against Japan. He later commanded the 40th Bomb Group and served as operations officer of the 21st Bomber Command in the Marianas, planning low-level fire raids against Japanese targets. In the final phase of WWII, Stratemeyer prepared and supervised the detailed operations order for the delivery of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. After the war, he commanded the 509th Bombardment Wing and participated in Operation Crossroads atomic tests at Bikini atoll. On October 8, 1950, Stratemeyer requested full operational control of all air units to coordinate Air Force missions with ground forces. He served 15 years in Strategic Air Command before being appointed inspector general of the U.S. Air Force.