1945: Brig. Gen. Haywood S. “Possum” Hansell is replaced as commander of the XXI Bomber Command by Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay. Hansell, an excellent administrator, has suffered from inadequate numbers of aircraft, continuing mechanical deficiencies, and extremely strong high-altitude wind conditions that have negatively impacted bombing results. (This image, taken after Hansell’s last combat flight in Europe, 1943. LeMay, right)
