Lyman Lemnitzer

Lyman Louis Lemnitzer (1899–1988) was a prominent American Army general whose career profoundly influenced 20th-century military strategy. Born in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, he graduated from West Point in 1920, serving with distinction in World War II, notably in planning the North African campaign. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1960–1962), Lemnitzer was linked to Operation Northwoods, a controversial 1962 proposal involving staged attacks to justify military action against Cuba, which was rejected by President Kennedy. Later, as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (1963–1969), he strengthened Western defenses, cementing his legacy as a key Cold War military leader.