Edward Honor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Honor
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| Born | 17 March 1933 Melville, Louisiana |
| Died | 3 September 2008 (aged 75) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1989 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | Military Traffic Management Command Military Traffic Management Command, Transportation Terminal Group-Europe 37th Transportation Group, 4th Transportation Brigade 24th Transportation Battalion, 124th Transportation Command 36th Transportation Battalion, 124th Transportation Command |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal (2) Meritorious Service Medal (2) |
Edward Honor Sr. (born March 17, 1933 – died September 3, 2008) was a very important leader in the United States Army. He reached the high rank of lieutenant general. From 1987 to 1989, he was the Director of Logistics (J4) for the Joint Staff. This meant he helped manage all the supplies and movements for the entire U.S. military. In 1979, he became a brigadier general. He was the first African-American general officer in the Army's Transportation Corps.
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Early Life and Education
Edward Honor was born in Melville, Louisiana. He went to Southern University and A&M College. There, he joined a fraternity called Alpha Phi Alpha. He also joined the Army ROTC. This program helps college students train to become army officers. In 1954, he earned a bachelor's degree in education.
Military Career Highlights
Edward Honor had a long and successful career in the Army.
Serving in the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, Honor led soldiers in important roles. In July 1969, he took command of the 36th Transportation Battalion. Later, in December 1969, he led the 24th Transportation Battalion. Both of these groups were part of the 124th Transportation Command. They were stationed at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam.
Leading Transportation Units
After Vietnam, Honor continued to lead large units. He commanded the 37th Transportation Group in Germany. From 1983 to 1984, he led the Military Traffic Management Command's Transportation Terminal Group-Europe. This group was based in Rotterdam. Later, from 1986 to 1987, he was in charge of the entire Military Traffic Management Command. This command handles moving military supplies and people around the world.
Promotions and Mentorship
Edward Honor was promoted several times during his career. In 1979, he became a brigadier general. He was promoted to major general in 1984. Then, in 1987, he became a lieutenant general. He also helped other African-American military officers. In 1974, he co-founded a mentoring group called The Rocks.
After His Military Service
After retiring from the Army in 1989, Edward Honor continued to serve. He became the president of the National Defense Transportation Association. He held this important position until 2002. This association works to improve transportation for national defense.
Personal Life and Legacy
Edward Honor was the son of Louis and Doretha Honor. He had a son, Edward Jr., and a daughter, Beverly Ann. He also had three grandchildren. Edward Honor passed away on September 3, 2008. He was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on December 1, 2008.
