Edwin J. Messinger

Edwin John Messinger (1 March 1907 – 28 January 1965) was a United States Army lieutenant general. During the Korean War, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross twice for his actions as commander of the 9th Infantry Regiment in 1951. Messinger later served as the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Kingston, New York, Messinger graduated from Kingston High School. He entered the United States Military Academy in July 1927, where he played end on the football team. Messinger was selected All-American in 1928 and All-Eastern in 1928 and 1930. After graduating on 11 June 1931, he was commissioned in the infantry. Messinger graduated from the Infantry School Regular Course in June 1936, the Command and General Staff School in March 1943, the Armed Forces Staff College in July 1949 and the National War College in 1952. He also studied Latin American affairs at the University of Michigan Post Hostilities School from November 1945 to May 1946.

Messinger returned to West Point to teach physical education and serve as Assistant Master of the Sword from May 1939 to November 1942. He received a temporary promotion to captain in September 1940, permanent promotion to captain in June 1941, temporary promotion to major in February 1942 and temporary promotion to lieutenant colonel in October 1942.

After his regiment was sent to Korea in 1950, Messinger became its commanding officer. He received a second temporary promotion to colonel in September 1950. After leading combat operations, Messinger was transferred to the 9th Infantry as its commander. In 1951, the regiment participated in Operation Killer and the Battle of the Soyang River. Messinger was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross twice for his actions during each of these engagements. He also earned a second Silver Star, two more awards of the Legion of Merit and a third Bronze Star for his Korean War service.

In April 1953, Messinger received a temporary promotion to brigadier general. He subsequently served as assistant commander of the 24th Infantry Division in South Korea. His permanent rank was increased to colonel in August 1953. From 1954 to 1956, Messinger served as commandant of cadets at the Military Academy. From 1956 to 1957, he served as commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His temporary promotion to major general was approved in May 1956. From 1957 to 1959, Messinger served in the office of the Commander in Chief, Army in the Pacific as deputy chief of staff for foreign military and civil affairs, logistics and administration.

From 1959 to 1961, Messinger served in the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as director of military assistance affairs. From 1961 to 1963, he was chief of the Joint U.S. Military Mission for Military Affairs in Turkey. From 1963 to 1964, Messinger briefly served as assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics at the Department of the Army.

Personal Messinger was the son of Jacob L. Messinger and Caroline K. (Rundel) Messinger.