Laurence S. Kuter

Laurence Sherman Kuter
General Laurence Sherman Kuter
BornMay 28, 1905
Rockford, Illinois, US
DiedNovember 30, 1979(1979-11-30) (aged 74)
Naples, Florida, US
Allegiance United States of America
Branch United States Army
 United States Air Force
Years of service1927–1947 (Army)
1947–1962 (Air Force)
Rank General
CommandsMilitary Air Transport Service
Air University
Far East Air Forces
Pacific Air Forces
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal (3)
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal

General Laurence Sherman Kuter (May 28, 1905 November 30, 1979) was a strong advocate of strategic bombing, a member of the so-called "Bomber Mafia" before World War II, and he was a Cold War–era four-star general in the United States Air Force (USAF) who served as commander of North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Kuter (pronounced COO-ter) was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.