Robert E. Condon

Robert Emmett Condon (17 March 1896 – 26 June 1981) was an American military officer who served during three major conflicts and rose from private to major general over the course of his long career. In later life, he served as director of civil defense for New York City.

Early life and education Born in Vernon, Texas,

Career After American entry into World War I, Condon enlisted as a private in the United States Army in 1917 and was assigned to the 35th Division. He was promoted to sergeant and then, in March 1918, was commissioned as a second lieutenant of infantry. After completing training, Condon served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France.

After the Armistice, Condon was assigned to the American Commission to Negotiate Peace in Paris as an aide and secretary to Ambassador Henry White in December 1918. In early 1919, he was promoted to first lieutenant. In November 1919, Condon was relieved from active duty and commissioned as a captain in the Army Reserves. In July 1939, the incident was settled for an undisclosed amount to allow Derringer to participate in the 1939 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium without being arrested.

In April 1942, Condon was promoted to major and recalled to active duty in the Army Air Forces. He was also made an honorary officer of the French Foreign Legion.

Returning again to civilian life, Condon became president of the National Economic Mobilization Council. As a member of the Air Force Reserve, he received a five-year appointment as a brigadier general in February 1948. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Condon was recalled to active duty on 15 March 1951 and assigned to the Office of Public Information in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In April 1952, he became deputy commander for Reserve Affairs at the headquarters of Continental Air Command at Mitchel Air Force Base, Long Island, New York. He was relieved from active duty in 1954 and received a second award of the Legion of Merit. His promotion to major general in the Air Force Reserve was approved in June 1955.

In 1955, Condon was appointed director of civil defense by New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner, who had also served as an Army Air Forces intelligence officer during World War II. He continued to hold the post of director of civil defense until Mayor John V. Lindsay took office in January 1966.

Personal Condon was the son of James Francis Condon. He had a sister.