This marker stands outside OSU's Converse Hall, which houses the campus ROTC program. Nearby is a Brutus Buckeye statue wearing combat fatigues. Photo: Tyler Buchanan/Axios
Our Franklin County Historical Marker Tour heads to OSU's campus to honor a military leader known for his decades of tactical innovations — and one infamous run for vice president.
The marker: General Curtis E. LeMay at 2121 Tuttle Park Place.
Flashback: LeMay was born in Columbus in 1906 and his lifelong interest in flying was reportedly spurred by seeing his first plane at 4 years old.
LeMay studied civil engineering at OSU and went through flight training in the late 1920s.
He is credited with pioneering early air routes to Africa and England, then developing formations and bombing techniques used during World War II.
Many other titles and posts followed, including the chief of staff role for the U.S. Air Force.
LeMay retired in 1965 and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame seven years later.
Yes, but: The general is perhaps best known for being the running mate of segregationist candidate George Wallace in the 1968 presidential election.
LeMay described Wallace as "the only candidate who has been talking like an American."
The ticket finished a distant third place and LeMay did not run for public office again.
