Edwin B. Winans (general)

Winans was born in Hamburg, Michigan as the son of Edwin B. Winans, Governor of Michigan. He attended the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1891, after which he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 5th Cavalry on June 12, 1891.[1]

Winans served in the Indian Territory and Texas from 1891 to 1897; was a professor of military science and tactics, Michigan Military Academy, from 1897 to 1898; and served with a regiment in the Philippines from 1899 to 1900. He was with the Punitive Expedition in Mexico in 1916. During World War I, Winans commanded the 64th Brigade Infantry, 32d Division, 1st Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force.

On August 23, 1920, Winans took command of the 10th Cavalry at Fort Huachuca and distinguished himself as a leader able to vastly improve a unit while commanding respect, loyalty, and results. The following year, former Third Army commander Major General Joseph T. Dickman, VIII Corps Area Commanding General, commended him for the condition of the 10th Cavalry, and for the excellent morale and esprit of the regiment.

On the whole, I consider the Tenth Cavalry to be as good, and in some respects better, than the Thirteenth Cavalry, which up to this time, was in the best condition of any regiment I had ever inspected.

Colonel Winans was quick to relate the commendation to his troops, saying that the "officers and men are entitled to equal share in the credit, for without their cooperation, such a showing would have been impossible."

In 1927 Winans was assigned as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. Then he was assigned as commander of the Hawaiian Division. Later, he commanded the 8th Corps Area, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, until he was assigned the task of reactivation of the Third Army. Winans assumed command of the Third Army on September 15, 1932, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He retired October 31, 1933. After retirement, he served on a League of Nations commission.

Major General Winans' awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal "for exceptionally distinguished and meritorious service" during three major offensives; Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre with two palms by the French Government.

Winans made his home in Vienna, Virginia. He died on December 31, 1947, and was buried in the cemetery at the United States Military Academy.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document: "Third Army : Command Biographies – MG Edwin B. Winans CG (1932–1933)".
 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document: "Third Army: Force Provider".

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