Alonzo Short facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alonzo Short
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| Born | January 27, 1939 Greenville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1962–1994 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | Defense Information Systems Agency U.S. Army Information Systems Command U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command U.S. Army Information Systems Management Activity |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) Meritorious Service Medal (2) |
Alonzo Earl Short Jr. (born January 27, 1939) is a retired United States Army officer. He reached the high rank of Lieutenant General. He is known for leading the Defense Information Systems Agency, which handles important computer and communication systems for the U.S. military.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alonzo Short was born in North Carolina in 1939. He grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. He went to I. C. Norcom High School.
After high school, he attended Virginia State College. In 1962, he earned a bachelor's degree in education. Later, he continued his studies. He received a master's degree in business management from the New York Institute of Technology.
A Career in the Army
Alonzo Short joined the Army through the Army ROTC program. This program trains college students to become officers. He started his career in the Army Signal Corps. This part of the Army handles communications and information technology.
He served in Europe as an executive officer for a signal battalion. He also served two tours in South Vietnam, first in 1967 and again in 1972.
Rising Through the Ranks
As a brigadier general, Short led the U.S. Army Information Systems Management Activity (ISMA). This unit was based at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
In 1986, he became the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC). A year later, in 1987, he took command of ISEC.
He was promoted to major general in 1988. At this rank, he became the deputy commander of the U.S. Army Information Systems Command.
Leading Important Agencies
In June 1990, Alonzo Short was promoted to lieutenant general. He then became the commanding officer of the Information Systems Command.
From August 1991 to July 1994, he served as the director of the Defense Information Systems Agency. This agency provides information technology and communication support to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Awards and Recognition
General Short has received several important awards for his service. These include:
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal (twice)
- Meritorious Service Medal (twice)
He has also received honorary doctorates. These were from Charles H. Mason University in San Diego and his alma mater, Virginia State University.
