Idwal H. Edwards

Idwal Hubert Edwards CBE (5 April 1895 – 25 November 1981), born in Freedom, New York, was a distinguished United States Army and later United States Air Force officer who reached the rank of lieutenant general. He was a distinguished commander, rated command pilot, combat observer and aircraft observer.

Early life and education His father was Daniel Edwards, a native of Wales, Pennsylvania, and a Baptist minister who served churches across Pennsylvania. Idwal Edwards entered Bloomsburg State Normal School in December 1911 to prepare for a teaching career, graduating with the class of 24 June 1914. He was honored at commencement for excelling in both scholarship and teaching ability.

Before joining the military, Edwards became principal of schools in Sterling, near Scranton, and entered Brown University in fall 1916.

After joining the Army and gaining his commission as an officer, Edwards attended the Command and General Staff School before attending the Army War College in 1938. 26 July 1948, President Harry S. Truman's executive order eventually ended racial segregation in the armed forces with the last all-Black unit disbanded in 1952. August 1947 to March 1950 – Designated Deputy Chief of Staff, personnel (organization and training), at Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Edwards lived in Arlington, Virginia, since retiring from the air force, died of cardio-respiratory failure at the Woodbine nursing home in Alexandria, Virginia. Survivors included his wife, Katharine (née Bierman), one daughter, Katharine Picek, three sisters, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.