Leon E. Salomon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leon E. Salomon
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General Leon E. Salomon
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| Born | 27 April 1936 Chicago, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1958–1996 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Materiel Command United States Army Combined Arms Support Command Chief of Ordnance 21st Support Command 19th Maintenance Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (3) |
| Other work | Board of directors, GRC International Vice president, Rubbermaid Board of directors, ATC Materials, Inc. |
General Leon Edward Salomon (born April 27, 1936) is a retired United States Army general. He was a very important leader in the Army, especially known for his work with the Ordnance Corps. He served as the Chief of Ordnance from 1986 to 1988.
Early Life and Education
Leon Salomon was born in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the Army in 1958. After completing his training at Infantry Officer Candidate School, he became a second lieutenant in 1959.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Florida in 1958. Later, in 1971, he received a Master of Science degree in logistics management from the United States Air Force Institute of Technology. Logistics management is about planning and managing how resources and supplies are moved and stored.
His military education also included advanced courses like the Chemical Officer Advanced Course. He also attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. These schools help military leaders learn how to manage large operations and make important decisions.
Military Career Highlights
After serving three years as an infantry officer, Salomon moved to the Chemical Corps in 1962. He worked as an instructor and managed supplies in France. He then started using technology to improve how the Army handled supplies at Fort Hood, Texas.
After studying logistics management, he continued to develop computer systems. These systems helped the Army manage its supplies and equipment more efficiently.
In 1974, Salomon joined the Ordnance Corps. This part of the Army deals with weapons, ammunition, and vehicle maintenance. He became the Commander of the 19th Maintenance Battalion in Germany. Later, he became the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for the 3rd Armored Division.
After more training, Salomon worked in the Office of the Army Chief of Staff. He helped create new rules that brought back the idea of "branch chiefs" for support branches. This led to the return of the Chief of Ordnance position and the rebirth of the Ordnance Corps.
Salomon then commanded the Division Support Command for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. After that, he became the Deputy Commanding General for the 21st Support Command in Germany.
In 1986, he was promoted to brigadier general. He became the 23rd Chief of Ordnance and Commandant of the United States Army Ordnance Center and School at Aberdeen Proving Ground. During his two years in this role, he worked hard to make training better. He encouraged teachers to act as mentors and focus on hands-on learning. He wanted all soldiers to be highly skilled and receive good career advice.
Salomon held many other important positions. He was Deputy Chief of Staff for the United States Army Materiel Command. He also served as Deputy Commanding General for Logistics for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. His career ended as the Commanding General of the United States Army Materiel Command from 1994 to 1996.
Awards and Decorations
General Salomon received many awards for his service, including:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal (received twice)
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal (received three times)
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon
- Vietnam Hazardous Service Medal
- Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st class
- Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr in gold (Germany)
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
He was also the first person to receive the United States Army Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe. General Salomon retired from the Army in 1996.
Later Life
After retiring from the Army, General Salomon continued to be active. He was elected to the board of directors for GRC International. He also worked as a consultant, helping companies with logistics.
From 1996 to 1999, he worked for Rubbermaid, a well-known company that makes household products. He was a vice president there, in charge of buying supplies and managing logistics. He also serves on the board of directors for other companies, including ATC Materials, Inc.
General Salomon now lives in Gulfport, Florida, with his wife, Shirley. They have two sons, Greg and Jeff, and a daughter, Kristen.
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