John J. Tolson

John J. Tolson III (October 22, 1915 – December 2, 1991) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army. During the Vietnam War, he helped implement the airmobile concept use of helicopters in combat with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).[1][2] Tolson credited the U.S Marines for first using helicopters to transport troops into combat in the Korean War, making the ground fight a three-dimensional war, thus freeing troops from the tyranny of terrain.[1]:4[3]

John J. Tolson III
Born(1915-10-22)October 22, 1915
New Bern, North Carolina
DiedDecember 2, 1991(1991-12-02) (aged 76)
Raleigh, North Carolina
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1937-1973
RankLieutenant General
Commands heldXVIII Airborne Corps, 1st Cavalry Division
Battles/warsWorld War II, Korean War, Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross

In World War II, John J. Tolson was a member of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Battalion and participated in every jump with that unit,[2] including the recapture of Corregidor in 1945.[4]

In the Vietnam War, Major General Tolson took command of 1st Cavalry Division in April 1967 and served in that capacity till July 14, 1969. Under his command, his division played crucial roles during the Tet Offensive during the Battle of Hue and at Quang Tri City in January 1968. It also participated in the second biggest battle of the war: Operation Pegasus the relief of the Marine Khe Sanh Combat Base in March 1968 where all three brigades engaged the enemy, as well as Operation Delaware, the massive air assault into the A Shau Valley in April 1968.[3][4]

After his Vietnam tour ended, he was promoted to lieutenant general.[2] He retired in 1973 as deputy commander of the Continental Army.[2]

He died on 2 December 1991 at the age of 76.[2] He was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.[2]

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.

  1. Tolson, John Tolson (1973). Vietnam Studies: Airmobility 1961–1971. United States Government Printing Office. ISBN 9781931641906.
  2. Bruce Lambert (December 6, 1991). "Gen. John J. Tolson, 76, Dies; Pioneered Army's Helicopter Use". The New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
  3. Ankony, Robert C (2009). Lurps: A Ranger's Diary of Tet, Khe Sanh, A Shau, and Quang Tri. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. p. 65. ISBN 9780761843726.
  4. Roberts (1970). The First Air Cavalry Division Vietnam: August 1965 to December 1969. Nippon Printing Co. p. 36.
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