US Army General. He graduated from Western Military Academy in 1915, attended the University of Chicago, and joined the Army in 1917. He completed officer training and served on the Texas-Mexico border during the Pancho Villa Expedition and World War I. He served throughout the U.S. after the war and was recognized as an expert on Infantry instruction. Collins completed the Command and General Staff College in 1934 and Army War College in 1935. At the start of World War II he was assigned as an observer in England. He subsequently commanded the 345th Infantry Regiment, was Deputy Commander of the 99th Infantry Division, and commanded the 42nd Infantry Division. The 42nd received credit for helping halt the last German offensive in late 1944, and for liberating the Dachau concentration camp. After the war Collins led post-war occupation forces in Austria, and commanded the 2nd, 8th and 31st Infantry Divisions. After retiring in 1954 he was an executive with North American Van Lines. He later used a wheelchair as the result of injuries from a car accident, and he lived in Salzburg, his second wife's hometown. Collins' awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Bronze Star (2).
US Army General. He graduated from Western Military Academy in 1915, attended the University of Chicago, and joined the Army in 1917. He completed officer training and served on the Texas-Mexico border during the Pancho Villa Expedition and World War I. He served throughout the U.S. after the war and was recognized as an expert on Infantry instruction. Collins completed the Command and General Staff College in 1934 and Army War College in 1935. At the start of World War II he was assigned as an observer in England. He subsequently commanded the 345th Infantry Regiment, was Deputy Commander of the 99th Infantry Division, and commanded the 42nd Infantry Division. The 42nd received credit for helping halt the last German offensive in late 1944, and for liberating the Dachau concentration camp. After the war Collins led post-war occupation forces in Austria, and commanded the 2nd, 8th and 31st Infantry Divisions. After retiring in 1954 he was an executive with North American Van Lines. He later used a wheelchair as the result of injuries from a car accident, and he lived in Salzburg, his second wife's hometown. Collins' awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Bronze Star (2).
Bio by: Bill McKern
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