BrigGen Edwin H. Simmons

Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, Sr. passed away on 5 May 2007 at the age of 85.

Edwin Howard Simmons was born August 25, 1921, in Paulsboro, N.J., and graduated from high school there in 1938. He earned his B.A. degree in journalism in 1942 at Lehigh University where he was named a Phi Beta Kappa in 1941. He also holds a master's degree in journalism he earned in 1955 at Ohio State University. Prior to accepting his commission as a Marine second lieutenant on June 12, 1942, he held an Army Reserve commission.

During World War II, he trained at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, V.A., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., prior to serving overseas with the 5th Field Depot in the South and Central Pacific. He took part in combat during the capture of Guam and later served with the 7th Service Regiment on Okinawa and in China. He was promoted to captain in January 1944 and to major in June 1949.

Following the war, he served for three and one-half years as Managing Editor of the Marine Corps Gazette, then completed the Amphibious Warfare School, Junior Course, Quantico, in 1950.

At the outbreak of the Korean conflict, he was serving with the Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Camp Lejeune. With his unit was part of the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, he was ordered to Korea in August 1950 and participated in the Inchon Landing that September. He continued in combat as a weapons company commander during the North Korean Aggression, the Communist China Aggression and the First UN Counter Offensive; and as a battalion operations officer and executive officer during the Communist China Spring Offensive.

Returning to the United States in July 1951, he served in various assignments with the Training and Replacement Command at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; with the Naval ROTC unit at Ohio State University; and with the G-4 Division at Headquarters Marine Corps. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1954. From August 1959 until October 1960, he served as Naval Attache to the Dominican Republic. Prior to returning to the Dominican Republic in September 1961 as U.S. Military Liaison Officer, U.S. Embassy, Santo Domingo, he was assigned as Senior Editor, Publications Group, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. In January 1962, he joined the Strategic Plans Section, G-3 Division at Headquarters Marine Corps, and in July 1963 was promoted to colonel.

From July 1965 until July 1966, he served in Vietnam, first as G-3 of III Marine Amphibious Force, and later, as Commanding Officer, 9th Marine Regiment.

Returning from Vietnam, he was a student at the National War College for the next year prior to reporting to Headquarters Marine Corps where he served as Deputy Fiscal Director of the Marine Corps from August 1967 until May 1970. He was advanced to the rank of brigadier general on June 1, 1968.

Brigadier General Simmons returned to Vietnam for another one year tour, and served as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division (Rein), and subsequently as Deputy Commander, III Marine Amphibious Brigade. He returned to Headquarters
Marine Corps July 20 1971, where he became Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Strategic Studies. On Dec 1, 1971, he assumed duties as Director of Marine Corps History and Museums. He went on the retired list on July 1, 1972, but continued on active duty without interruption of service as Director of Marine Corps History and Museums. On July 1, 1978, he reverted to inactive status on the retired list. In late October 1978 he returned as a Civil Service employee to his previous position as Director of Marine Corps History and Museums.

General Simmons has written for numerous military and general publications, including the Naval Review, Naval Institute Proceedings, Marine Corps Gazette, Sea Power, and Army. He is the author of the short history, The United States Marines, (published London, 1974, and New York, 1976) and has contributed extensively to various histories and standard works including the Encyclopedia Britannica and the Dictionary of American History. He is a fellow, governor, and treasurer of the Company of Military Historians and a member of the boards of trustees of the American Military Institute, the Marine Corps War Memorial Foundation, and the United States Commission on Military History. He is also a past president of the 1st Marine Division Association, a life member and past president of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, and a former vice-president of the National War College Alumni Association. In 1970, he received a Centennial Distinguished Graduate Medallion from Ohio State University.

A complete list of his medals and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and two gold stars in lieu of a second and third award, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and gold star in lieu of a second award, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze stars, the Navy Unit Commendation with one bronze star, the China Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, the Korean Service Medal with one silver star indicative of five bronze stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star, the National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star and two palms, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Brigadier General Simmons is survived by his wife, the former Frances G. Bliss of Denver, Colorado, two sons, Edwin H. Jr., and Clarke V., and two daughters, Bliss and Courtney.