Edward Almond

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edward Mallory Almond
December 12, 1892 - June 11, 1979
MajGen Edward Almond, commanding the 92nd Infantry Division.
Place of birth	Luray, Virginia
Allegiance	U.S. Army
Years of service	1916-1953
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	US 92nd Infantry Division X Corps Army War College
Battles/wars	World War I World War II Korean War
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Purple Heart

Edward Mallory Almond (December 12, 1892 – June 11, 1979) was an American military officer best known as the commander of the United States Army X Corps during the Korean War.

Born in Luray, Virginia, Almond graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1915 and became an infantry officer in 1916, serving in France during the final months of World War I.

Almond was highly regarded by George Marshall, also a VMI graduate, who was Army Chief of Staff during World War II. During the war, Almond was promoted to Major General and commanded the US 92nd Infantry Division of African-American soldiers from its formation in October 1942 to August 1945. He led the division in combat in the Italian campaign of 1944-1945. The division performed poorly and Almond's career suffered as a result. He was severely criticized by some officers for racist attitudes against black soldiers.

In 1946, Almond was transferred to Tokyo and became Deputy Chief of Staff of the Far Eastern Command under Douglas MacArthur.

In 1950, MacArthur placed Almond in charge of the X Corps, the main landing force in the invasions of Inchon and Wonsan. During this time, Almond had many conflicts with Major General O.P. Smith, commander of the 1st Marine Division, (who was senior to him by date of rank) which was part of X Corps from October until December. Almond also reportedly insolent and disrespectful to General Walker, the Commanding General of the U.S. Eighth Army, who was also senior to him in rank. Almond has been criticized by historians for the wide dispersal of his units during the X Corps invasion of the north-eastern part of North Korea, in November-December,1950. It is believed this dispersal contributed to the defeat of X Corps by the Chinese, including the destruction of Task Force Faith, and the narrow escape of the Marines at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Despite his controversial reputation, Almond was retained as X Corps commander by Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway when he took command of Eighth Army in December. He was regarded by Ridgway as his only aggressive corps commander and took part in the defeat of the Chinese offensives during February and March 1951, as well as the Eighth Army's counter-offensive, Operation Killer. He was promoted to Lieutenant General during this time.

In July 1951, Almond became head of the Army War College. He retired in 1953 and worked in insurance until his death in 1979.

Almond's decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross with oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart.

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Ned Almond remains one of the most controversial Army generals of the 20th century. However, as of 2006 there is no full length biography of him.