Walsh, Robert (Robert LeGrow), 1894-1985

Robert LeGrow Walsh (b. 1894, Walla Walla, Wash.-d. June 23, 1985), U.S. Air Force officer, graduated from West Point in 1916. He served in France with the American Expeditionary Forces, 22nd Aero Squadron in 1917and 1918). After finishing the Air Corps Tactical School and the Command and General Staff School, he became assistant attaché for air in the American Embassy at Paris and Madrid. During the 1930s he held various positions in the U.S. and Panama and received further military education. During World War II he was assistant chief of staff for intelligence at Air Force HQ; commander, South Atlantic Wing, Air Transport Command (ATC) in Brazil; commanding general, U.S. Army Forces in the South Atlantic, continuing as wing commander, South Atlantic Wing, ATC; and commanding general, Eastern Command of the U.S. Strategic Air Forces in the U.S.S.R. Following the War, General Walsh served as commanding general of HQ, 12th Tactical Air Command, and director of intelligence, European Command in Germany. Prior to his retirement in 1953, he served briefly as chairman, Inter-American Defense Board.

After graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1916, Walsh was assigned with the 3rd Cavalry. He was quickly promoted to First Lieutenant, stationed in France and in 1919, now a Major, served with the 22nd Aero Squadron during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argone offensives of World War I. Walsh continued to work his way through the ranks and by 1943 was Major General of the United States Strategic Air Force in Europe and a member of the military mission to Russia which resulted in the Poltava Mission of 1944. After World War II, Walsh was Director of Intelligence for the European Command, a member of the joint Mexico-United States Defense Commission, and a member of the joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission. Following retirement in 1953, General Walsh served on many occasions as a consultant on international affairs.