Edward M. Almond and the US Army: From the 92nd Infantry Division to the X Corps (American Warriors Series)

This study presents a comprehensive look at a complex man who exhibited an unfaltering commitment to the military and to his soldiers but whose career was marked by controversy. As a senior Army officer in World Wars I and II, Lt. Gen. Edward M. Almond lived by the adage that "units don't fail, leaders do." He was chosen to command the 92nd Infantry Division—one of only two African American divisions to see combat during WWII—but when the infantry performed poorly in Italy in 1944–1945, he asserted that it was due to their inferiority as a race and not their maltreatment by a separate but unequal society. He would later command the X Corps during the Inchon invasion that changed the course of the Korean War, but his accomplishments would be overshadowed by his abrasive personality and tactical mistakes. This book addresses how Almond's early education at the Virginia Military Institute, with its strong Confederate and military influences, shaped his military prowess. Presented is a thorough assessment of Almond's military record; how he garnered respect for his aggressiveness, courage in combat, strong dedication, and leadership; and how he was affected by the loss of his son and son-in-law in combat during WWII. Following the war, Almond would return to the US to assume command of the US Army War College, but would find himself unprepared for a changing world. This volume asserts that since his death, his bigoted views have come to dominate his place in history and undermine his military achievements. This study presents a comprehensive look at a complex man who exhibited an unfaltering commitment to the military and to his soldiers but whose career was marked by controversy. As a senior Army officer in World Wars I and II, Lt. Gen. Edward M. Almond lived by the adage that "units don't fail, leaders do." He was chosen to command the 92nd Infantry Division — one of only two African American divisions to see combat during WWII — but when the infantry performed poorly in Italy in 1944—1945, he asserted that it was due to their inferiority as a race and not their maltreatment by a separate but unequal society. He would later command the X Corps during the Inchon invasion that changed the course of the Korean War, but his accomplishments would be overshadowed by his abrasive personality and tactical mistakes. This book addresses how Almond's early education at the Virginia Military Institute, with its strong Confederate and military influences, shaped his military prowess. Presented is a thorough assessment of Almond's military record; how he garnered respect for his aggressiveness, courage in combat, strong dedication, and leadership; and how he was affected by the loss of his son and son-in-law in combat during WWII. Following the war, Almond would return to the US to assume command of the US Army War College, but would find himself unprepared for a changing world. This volume asserts that since his death, his bigoted views have come to dominate his place in history and undermine his military achievements. "Edward Mallory "Ned" Almond belonged to the generation of US Army officers who came of age during World War I and then ascended to senior command positions during World War II and the Korean War. He displayed personal courage in combat, exercised strong leadership as a battalion and later a corps commander, demonstrated dedication and efficiency as a staff officer, and showed some capacity as an author and military innovator. Almond initially made his mark on history as the commander of the 92nd Infantry Division, one of only two African American divisions to see combat during World War II. Later he commanded the X Corps for the Inchon invasion that decisively changed the course of the Korean War. However, alongside these considerable achievements lurked the distasteful beliefs of a fervent racist and right- wing political zealot. Almond's vehement attitudes regarding African American soldiers serving in combat units overshadowed his accomplishments. In Edward M. Almond and the US Army, Michael E. Lynch takes a comprehensive look at the accomplishments and downfalls of US Army officer Edward Almond. While acknowledging Almond's faults, this book balances the historical ledger by arguing Almond played significant roles in the Army's history that are worthy of careful consideration. This critical examination of his life and career treats both the good and the bad, taking stock of a complex man who was so deeply flawed in some areas, yet supremely strong in many others."-- Provided by publisher