J. Lawton Collins

J. Lawton Collins
source
Name	J. Lawton Collins
Caption	General J. Lawton Collins
Birth date	1 May 1896
Death date	12 September 1987
Birth place	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Death place	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Placeofburial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1917–1956
Rank	General
Commands	25th Infantry Division, VII Corps, Chief of Staff of the United States Army
Battles	World War I, World War II, Korean War
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal (2), Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal
Relations	James F. Collins (brother)

J. Lawton Collins was a senior officer in the United States Army who rose to prominence during World War II and later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Nicknamed "Lightning Joe" for his dynamic leadership, he commanded the 25th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater and the VII Corps during the Normandy landings and subsequent campaigns in Western Europe. His postwar tenure as Army Chief of Staff coincided with the early Cold War and the Korean War, where he played a key role in shaping modern American military strategy and organization.

Early life and education

Joseph Lawton Collins was born in New Orleans and spent his youth in the territory of Puerto Rico before his family returned to Louisiana. He secured an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating with the class of 1917. His classmates included future generals like Matthew Ridgway and Mark W. Clark, who would also become prominent figures in the United States Army. Following his graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 22nd Infantry Regiment.

World War I and interwar service

Collins served with the 22nd Infantry Regiment in France during World War I, though he saw combat late in the conflict. During the interwar period, he held a variety of staff and teaching positions that shaped his professional development. He served as an instructor at the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning and later attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. His assignments also included duty in the Philippines and a tour as a student at the Army War College, preparing him for higher command.

World War II

At the outbreak of World War II, Collins was serving on the staff of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. In 1942, he was given command of the 25th Infantry Division, leading it in the arduous Guadalcanal Campaign and subsequent operations in the Solomon Islands. His aggressive tactics earned him his nickname and the Distinguished Service Cross. Transferred to the European Theater in 1944, he took command of the VII Corps. He led this corps with distinction through the Battle of Normandy, the breakout at Saint-Lô, the liberation of Cherbourg, the fast-paced Operation Cobra, and the critical battles at Mortain and the Falaise pocket. His corps later participated in the liberation of Paris, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge, culminating in the link-up with Soviet forces at the Elbe River.

Postwar service and Korean War

After the war, Collins served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1949 to 1953, a period encompassing the start of the Korean War. He worked closely with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Omar Bradley and Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall to oversee the Army's expansion and modernization. He was a strong advocate for the NATO alliance and made several crucial visits to Korea to assess the situation, providing key counsel to President Harry S. Truman and influencing decisions regarding the conduct of the war and the relief of General Douglas MacArthur. His tenure also saw the establishment of the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks.

Later life and death

Following his retirement from active duty in 1956, Collins served as the United States representative to the NATO Military Committee and later as a special envoy to South Vietnam. He authored his memoirs, *Lightning Joe: An Autobiography*, providing a detailed account of his military career. Collins died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy is that of a skilled corps commander and a strategic leader who helped guide the United States Army through a pivotal era of global conflict.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of World War I Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)