Claës Skoglund

Major General Claes (Claës) Gösta Skoglund (28 February 1916 – 26 February 2008) was a Swedish Army officer. Skoglund's military journey began at the Military Academy Karlberg in Stockholm in 1937, leading to various command roles during World War II. His career saw him rise through the ranks, culminating in appointments such as Commanding General of the Western Military District. Skoglund's contributions extended beyond his military service; he played key roles in defense investigations and commissions, advised on operational integration, and engaged in international exchange programs. Notably, he was a member of Rotary International and contributed to military discourse through publications and committee memberships. Skoglund's legacy is characterized by his unwavering dedication to operational cooperation principles and his commitment to the development of the Swedish military, earning him accolades such as the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences' gold medal of merit in 2004.

Early life Skoglund was born on 28 February 1916 in in Älvsborg County, Sweden, the son of Captain Laur Skoglund and his wife Signe (née Odqvist).

Career

Military career Skoglund graduated from the Military Academy Karlberg in Stockholm in 1937 and was assigned as a second lieutenant to the Älvsborg Regiment in his hometown of Borås in 1937. He attended the Royal Swedish Army Staff College from 1944 to 1946, and was promoted to captain in 1945. Skoglund became captain in the General Staff Corps in 1948.

Skoglund served as head of the Defence Staff's Operations Commander III from 1961 to 1963, and as commander of the Bohuslän Regiment in Uddevalla from 1963 to 1966. He then served as chief of staff in the Western Military District from 1966 to 1968. In the government council on 29 March 1968, Skoglund was instead appointed major general and head of the Swedish National Defence College in Stockholm from 1 October 1968. Skoglund was appointed Commanding General of the Western Military District in 1972, serving in this position until 1978. He served in the Ministry of Defence until 1977 and retired in 1978.

Personal life In 1954, Skoglund married Sigrid Östberg (1929–1980), the daughter of John Östberg and Elsa (née Nordén).

Dates of rank 1937 – Second lieutenant ? – Lieutenant 1945 – Captain 1954 – Major 1958 – Lieutenant colonel 1961 – Colonel 1 October 1968 – Major general

Awards and decorations

Swedish

50x50px Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences Medal of Reward in gold (Kungl. Krigsvetenskapsakademiens belöningsmedalj i guld)

Honours Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences (1955)

Selected bibliography