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[[File:Brig Gen Oliver Dillard 1975.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Brig. Gen. Oliver Dillard in 1975]]
'''Oliver Williams Dillard Sr''' (born [[September 28]], [[1926]] in [[Margaret]]; died [[June 16]], [[2015]] in Canton, Michigan) was a retired major general of the United States Army.
'''Oliver Williams Dillard Sr''' (born [[September 28]], [[1926]] in [[Margaret]]; died [[June 16]], [[2015]] in Canton, Michigan) was a retired major general of the United States Army.


Oliver was the son of Stonewall Jackson Dillard, a teacher, and his wife, the former Josiephine<!--sic--> Williams. He graduated as the valedictorian of his [[1942]] class at [[Fairfield Industrial High School]] and attended his father's alma mater, [[Tuskegee Institute]], on scholarship. He was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps for two years, won the outstanding ROTC student award in [[1943]] and [[1944]], and served as a student instructor in his final year.
Oliver was the son of Stonewall Jackson Dillard, a teacher, and his wife, the former Josiephine<!--sic--> Williams. He graduated as the valedictorian of his [[1942]] class at [[Fairfield Industrial High School]] and attended his father's alma mater, [[Tuskegee Institute]], on scholarship, with the goal of becoming a business teacher. He joined the newly-created Reserve Officers' Training Corps in his second year, won the outstanding ROTC student award in [[1943]] and [[1944]], and served as a student instructor.  


Though he was still enrolled in college, Dillard was drafted in [[1945]] and sent to basic training at [[Fort McClellan]] in [[Anniston]] that June. He was part of a group of black replacement troops that was stationed in Weißenburg in Bayern, a major magnet for displaced Germans in the aftermath of [[World War II]]. Dillard served as a company clerk in the 349th Field Artillery Group and was promoted to Technical Sergeant during that deployment.
Though he had won deferment in [[1944]] and was still enrolled in college, Dillard was drafted in [[1945]]. He was sent to basic training at [[Fort McClellan]] in [[Anniston]] that June. Japan surrendered, ending [[World War II]], in August, but Dillard was not discharged. Instead he was sent with a group of black replacement troops to Weißenburg in Bayern, a major magnet for displaced Germans in the aftermath of the nation's subdivision. Dillard served as a company clerk in the 349th Field Artillery Group and was promoted to Technical Sergeant during that deployment.


Dillard's application to Officer Candidate School was approved and he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry OCS training in January [[1947]]. Upon graduating with honors in July of that year he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 365th Infantry Regiment at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Dillard's application to Officer Candidate School was approved and he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry OCS training in January [[1947]]. Upon graduating with honors in July of that year he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the all-black 365th Infantry Regiment at Fort Dix, New Jersey.


In June [[1950]] Dillard joined the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Gifu, Japan for service during the [[Korean War]]. His regiment was deployed north of Pusan and charged with delaying the advance of North Korean forces along the Naktong River valley. Dillard's platoon took the lead in capturing a major junction at Yecheon, an accomplishment that was considered the first notable American ground victory of the war. Dillard was wounded that August and received treatment in Japan for his wounds. Upon his recovery, he was recruited to serve as a Captain in military intelligence under Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Blair.
[[File:2nd Lt Oliver Dillard 1947.jpg|left|thumb|2nd Lt. Oliver Dillard in 1947]]
In June [[1950]] Dillard joined the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Gifu, Japan for service during the [[Korean War]]. His regiment was deployed north of Pusan and charged with delaying the advance of North Korean forces along the Naktong River valley. Dillard's platoon took the lead in capturing a major junction at Yecheon, an accomplishment that was considered the first notable American ground victory of the war. The unit then attempted to defend Pusan, but after several days of hard fighting was overwhelmed and fell back to the town of Masan, 30 miles away. Dillard was wounded on August 7 and received treatment in Japan for his wounds. Upon his recovery, he was recruited to serve as a Captain in military intelligence under Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Blair.


In September Dillard was involved in setting up defensive positions for the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment when enemy action disrupted Company L's position. He took a small group to reinforce the location and his heroic effectiveness was noted by assistant division commander Joseph Bradley in his Silver Star citation.
In September Dillard was involved in setting up defensive positions for the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment when enemy action disrupted Company L's position. He took a small group to reinforce the location and his heroic effectiveness was noted by assistant division commander Joseph Bradley in his Silver Star citation.


After active service in five campaigns, Dillard returned the United States to attend the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, graduating sixth in his class. From [[1952]] to [[1954]] he taught military science at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. In [[1954]] he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Gelnhausen, Germany and placed in command of Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. After several months, Colonel Kenneth Collins made him a Regimental Communications Officer. When the division was deactivated, Dillard was assigned as Chief of the Map Reading Committee for the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Munich.
After active service in five campaigns, Dillard returned the United States to attend the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, graduating sixth in his class. From [[1952]] to [[1954]] he taught military science at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. In [[1954]] he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Gelnhausen, Germany and placed in command of Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. After several months, Colonel Kenneth Collins took away his command, and assigned him to serve as a Regimental Communications Officer. When the division was deactivated, Dillard was assigned as Chief of the Map Reading Committee for the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Munich.


Dillard then returned to the U.S. and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in [[1958]]. He went on to earn his bachelor of science at the University of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska in [[1960]] and was then assigned to the G3 Section, Headquarters 1st U.S. Army at Fort Jay, New York. He served as Operations and Plans Officer and as Exercise G3, with the rank of Major, for the "Iroquois Hatchet" and "Mohawk Arrow" exercises simulating enemy land and air invasions, staged at Camp Drum.
Dillard then returned to the U.S. and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in [[1958]]. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in general education at the University of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska in [[1960]] and was then assigned to the G3 Section, Headquarters 1st U.S. Army at Fort Jay, New York. He served as Operations and Plans Officer and as Exercise G3, with the rank of Major, for the "Iroquois Hatchet" and "Mohawk Arrow" exercises simulating enemy land and air invasions, staged at Camp Drum.


Dillard was assigned to serve as deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Military Mission to Monrovia, Liberia in December [[1960]] and later was promoted to Operations Officer, assisting the African nation with its military and intelligence planning and helping to prepare Liberian troops to participate in United Nations intervention in the Congo.
Dillard was assigned to serve as deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Military Mission to Monrovia, Liberia in December [[1960]] and later was promoted to Operations Officer, assisting the African nation with its military and intelligence planning and helping to prepare Liberian troops to participate in United Nations intervention in the Congo.
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While in Washington, Dillard completed a master of science in international affairs at George Washington University in [[1965]] and he became the first African American to graduate from the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair that same year. He was assigned to serve as an Operations and Training Staff Officer at the Institute of Special Studies at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In [[1967]], with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dillard was placed in command of a battalion of the 5th Combat Support Training Brigade at Fort Dix.
While in Washington, Dillard completed a master of science in international affairs at George Washington University in [[1965]] and he became the first African American to graduate from the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair that same year. He was assigned to serve as an Operations and Training Staff Officer at the Institute of Special Studies at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In [[1967]], with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dillard was placed in command of a battalion of the 5th Combat Support Training Brigade at Fort Dix.


Following his training at the Foreign Service Institute's Vietnam Training Center, Colonel Dillard reported to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MAC-V) as a Province Senior Advisor for the Kon Tum Province. He built a close relationship with South Korean Army Province Chief Nguyen Hop Doan and his civilian deputy, USAID employee Ken Lyvers. They collaborated in the organization of villages in the province to maintain food supplies and home defenses through the fighting.
Following his training at the Foreign Service Institute's Vietnam Training Center, Colonel Dillard reported to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MAC-V) in Saigon as a Province Senior Advisor for the Kon Tum Province. He built a close relationship with South Korean Army Province Chief Nguyen Hop Doan and his civilian deputy, USAID employee Ken Lyvers. They collaborated in the organization of villages in the province to maintain food supplies and home defenses through the fighting.


In [[1971]] Dillard returned to Washington as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence. He oversaw the relocation of the Army Intelligence Center to Fort Huachuca, Arizona and expanded the MI branch with tactical battalions in each Divisiion and also supported development of the Guardrail aerial platform. In [[1972]] he was promoted to Brigadier General, the fifth African American to reach that rank in the U.S. Army, and the first to do so as an intelligence officer.
In [[1971]] Dillard returned to Washington as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence. He oversaw the relocation of the Army Intelligence Center to Fort Huachuca, Arizona and expanded the MI branch with tactical battalions in each Division and also supported development of the Guardrail aerial platform. In [[1972]] he was promoted to Brigadier General, the fifth African American to reach that rank in the U.S. Army, and the first to do so as an intelligence officer.


<!--====Vietnam Senior Staff Officer====
General Frederick Weyand requested Dillard's appointment to his Senior Staff as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Civil Operations and Rural Development Support (CORDS) at MAC-V. Dillard worked with Weyand and U.S. Ambassador William Colby to draft plans and conduct operations across Vietnam. He served as the last Director of Intelligence for MAC-V, returning from duty on [[March 29]], [[1973]].
At the behest of General [[Frederick C. Weyand]], General Dillard returned to MAC-V headquarters in [[Saigon]] for duty as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Civil Operations and Rural Development Support (CORDS). In this position, he worked with General Weyand and [[Ambassador]] [[William Colby]] on CORDS plans and operations throughout Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.archive.org/stream/vietnampolicypro00unit/vietnampolicypro00unit_djvu.txt"|title= ''Vietnam: Policy and Prospects, 1970'' |author= HEARINGS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, UNITED STATES SENATE, NINETY-FIRST CONGRESS SECOND SESSION ON CIVIL OPERATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM |date=March 19, 1970|work= Committee on Foreign Relations|publisher= U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE |accessdate=November 28, 2014}}</ref>  Following the signing of the [[Paris Peace Accords]] and as American and third country forces began withdrawing from Vietnam, General Dillard was assigned as MAC-V’s last Director of Intelligence, and departed on March 29, 1973 when MAC-V disbanded.


===Post Vietnam War===
Dillard was then assigned to serve as  Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence (DCSINT) for the new U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) at Fort McPherson, Georgia, working on improvements in the army's development and use of intelligence within units. In [[1974]] Dillard was promoted to Assistant Division Commander for Maneuver, 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, preparing the unit for intelligence operations as part of Exercise Reforger, which simulated a rapid deployment to Germany in the event of a Warsaw Pact violation.


====Senior Intelligence Officer====
From [[1975]] to [[1978]], Major General Dillard served as DSCINT for the U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany. He employed the Army Security Agency (ASA) and Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) in countering Soviet Cold War operations. In [[1978]] he returned to Fort Dix as Commanding General, U.S. Army Readiness Region II, retiring from his commission on [[February 1]], [[1980]].
As part of Operation STEADFAST, General Dillard served as first Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence (DCSINT) for the new [[United States Army Forces Command]] (FORSCOM) at [[Fort McPherson]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. He and his staff addressed four major problems with intelligence organizations: (1) inadequate analytical capability; (2) lack of collection assets at the lower levels; (3) inadequacy of secure communications support; and (4) the "unwanted guests" mentality since the intelligence units were attached, not organic.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.history.army.mil/books/Lineage/mi/ch10.htm|title=''MILITARY INTELLIGENCE''|author= John Patrick Finnegan|year=1998|work=page 173 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=United States Army Center of Military History|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>


In 1974, Major General [[Robert Leahy Fair]] selected General Dillard to be his [[Assistant Division Commander]] for Maneuver, [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]] at [[Fort Hood]], [[Texas]].  Having had recent Intelligence assignments, General Dillard worked diligently for operations-intelligence integration as the 2nd Armored Division prepared for its return of forces to Germany ([[Exercise Reforger]]) mission,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_Armored_Division_(United_States)|title=2nd Armored Division(United States)|author=Wikipedia|date=|work=|publisher=|accessdate=May 31, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source|reason=per WP:CIRCULAR|date=August 2015}} and their annual Reforger exercise supporting the Army’s operational plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=|title=''BECTON: Autobiography of a Soldier and Public Servant''|author= LTG Julius W. Becton, Jr, USA Retired|year=2008|work=page 116|publisher= Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press|accessdate=}}</ref>
In retirement, Dillard continued to contribute to the Army as a public speaker, sharing his experiences as a pioneering black officer for the benefit of service members as well as for Pentagon efforts to recruit and retain African Americans in military service. He also addressed groups of South Korean military officers.


From 1975 to 1978, Major General Dillard served as the DSCINT, United States Army Europe (USAREUR) and Seventh Army in [[Heidelberg]], Germany, where Army Intelligence played a significant role in the defense of Europe. His use of [[United States Army Security Agency]] (ASA), and its successor [[United States Army Intelligence and Security Command]] (INSCOM), assets ensured a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and countering Soviet forces at the height of the [[Cold War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/Lineage/mi/ch10.htm|title=''MILITARY INTELLIGENCE''|author= John Patrick Finnegan|year=1998|work=pages 171-180|publisher= United States Army Center of Military History|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.usarmygermany.com/Sont.htm?http&&&www.usarmygermany.com/Units/Military%20Intelligence/USAREUR_66thMIBde.htm|title= 66th Military Intelligence Brigade|date=|work=|publisher= |accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>
Dillard was a charter member of The Rocks, Inc., a majority-black professional military officers' organization. He also participated in efforts by the 24th Infantry Regiment Association to defend the unit's reputation against unfair characterizations in accounts of the Korean War. He provided narration for the [[2006]] documentary "Last of the Buffalo Soldiers," in which he enumerated the battlefield commendations awarded to the 24th Infantry Regiment.


As his final assignment, Major General Dillard served as the Commanding General, United States Army Readiness Region II at Fort Dix, New Jersey until 1980 when he retired. He used his knowledge of combat arms and the Intelligence battlefield operating system to assess and train Reserve Component units assigned to First United States Army.
Dillard was given the Military Intelligence Corps Association's LTC Thomas W. Knowlton Award for Excellence in Intelligence in [[2011]]. He was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame and the Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in [[2012]]. In [[2013]] he was inducted into the [[Alabama Military Hall of Honor]]. The U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) established the "Major General Oliver W. Dillard Award" in [[2014]].


 
General Dillard was married to the former Helen Stephens of Margaret and had four children: Oliver Jr, Stephen, Dennis and Diane. He died in June [[2015]] and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
==Retirement==
General Dillard’s contributions to the Army did not end on February 1, 1980 when he retired.  As a result of his friendship with Lieutenant General [[Julius W. Becton, Jr.]]—the VII Corps Commander at the time—and General Dillard’s recent retirement, General Becton had General Dillard travel to various installations in Germany and speak as a part of Black History month activities. In March 1980, General Dillard participated in a Study conference, “Black Officer Accession and Retention,” at the US Army War College that clarified information concerning the O-5 promotion articles that appeared in the ''Army Times''; his inputs highlighted required actions for the Army to increase the number of Black officer and their quality.<ref>{{cite web|url=|title=Black Officer Accession and Retention|author=Buono, Daniel P., TC, COL|date=May 15, 1980|work=Study Conference Notes from Mar 5, 1980, Group Study Project|publisher= Carlisle, PA: US Army War College|accessdate=|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
 
[[File:Rocks logo.png|thumb|150px|left|The ROCKS, Inc. provides mentorship, professional development and social interaction to strengthen the officer corps.]]
[[File:MI RDI.svg|thumb|150px|right|Military Intelligence Corps Distinctive Insignia. MI Corps established 1 July 1987.]]
 
General Dillard was a 1974 charter member of [[The Rocks, Inc.]]—the largest professional military officers’ organization with a majority African-American membership—and was committed to assisting with professional development and social events to improve the officer corps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocksinc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=459944&module_id=55529 |title= Charter Members of ROCKS, Inc. - The National Board of the ROCKS, Inc.|date=|work=|publisher= |accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>  He, and the 24th Infantry Regiment Association, led an effort to vindicate the actions of the 24th Infantry Regiment in Korea in 1950 and counter the history written by Roy Appleman in his book ''South to Naktong, North to the [[Yalu River|Yalu]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=|title=''South to the Naktong, North to the Yalu: June-November 1950''|author=Roy E. Appleman|year=1961|work=pages 190-195|publisher=Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Military History|accessdate=}}</ref>
He traveled to Korea two times, and was interviewed numerous times for the [[Center for Military History]]’s book ''Black Soldier/White Army''.  His efforts were also described in a November 1989 ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' article by John Broder “COLUMN ONE: War and Black GIs’ Memories." During one of General Dillard’s visits to Korea, he spoke to a group of Black officers assembled from installations throughout the Korean Peninsula on his Korean War experiences and the importance of their service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/print/1989-11-15/news/mn-1713_1_black-troops|title=COLUMN ONE: War and Black GIs’ Memories: Veterans of the action in Korea set out on a painful journey to erase a record of shame. The quest proves elusive|author=John M. Broder|date=November 15, 1989|work=pages 190-195|publisher=''Los Angeles Times''|accessdate=April 15, 2011}}</ref>
<br/><br/>
The Documentary "Battlefield Diaries - Episode 5: Last of the Buffalo Soldiers," which was released on December 1, 2006, attempted to tell the story of the last segregated regiment—the 24th Infantry Regiment—in U.S. military history.  General Dillard's narrative in the documentary highlighted his experiences with the regiment from 1950-1951, and addresseed the criticism levied on the "Deuce Four" for running or backing off.  A few of the veterans appeared on camera to say that they never saw anyone run, but it spoke volumes when one of them summarized what the unit generated: "Two Congressional Medal of Honor winners, 15 Distinguished Service Crosses, 185 Silver Stars, over 2000 Bronze Stars and 2000 Purple Hearts . . . now, are you a coward?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moviemet.com/review/battlefield-diaries-dvd-review |title= Battlefield Diaries - DVD review|author= James Plath|year=2011|work=|publisher=Movie Metropolis|accessdate=June 16, 2012}}</ref>
 
General Dillard signed the controversial Generals And Admirals Who Have Signed A Statement Calling For Repeal Of [[Don't ask, don't tell|"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"]] on November 18, 2008.
<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.palmcenter.org/research/Generals-and-Admirals
|title= Generals And Admirals Who Have Signed A Statement Calling For Repeal Of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"|year=2009|work=|publisher=Palmer Center |accessdate=April 30, 2011}}</ref>
 
On June 1, 2011, Dillard was awarded the Military Intelligence Corps Association's LTC Thomas W. Knowlton Award for Excellence in Intelligence,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Knowlton |title= Thomas Knowlton|date=|work=|publisher= |accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source|reason=per WP:CIRCULAR|date=August 2015}} commemorating his significant role in Army Military Intelligence history, beginning in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.micastore.com/AwardsAlphabeticallyD.html |title= MICA Awards Alphabetically|date=|work=|publisher= |accessdate=May 12, 2012}}</ref>
 
General Dillard was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame on May 4, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/Bayonet/|title= News and Features|author=The Bayonet |date=May 2, 2012|work=page A4|publisher=The Bayonet Digital Newspaper |accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>  On September 14, 2012, he was inducted into the Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Intelligence_Hall_of_Fame|title= Military Intelligence Hall of Fame|date=|work=|publisher=|accessdate=May 10, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source|reason=per WP:CIRCULAR|date=August 2015}} becoming the 226th recipient of this honor.<ref>{{cite web|url= |title=Induction Ceremony 2012 Military Intelligence Hall of Fame Brochure |author=Office of the Chief, Military Intelligence |date=September 14, 2012|work=Pages 10 and 20|publisher=U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence |accessdate=}}</ref>
 
On October 25, 2013, General Dillard was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor at [[Marion, Alabama]].  The Hall was established in 1975 by then-Governor George Wallace and has inducted more than 50 military heroes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20131027/NEWS02/310270016/Al-Benn-s-Alabama-Oliver-Dillard-Stanley-Rodimon-join-elite-group-Military-Hall-Honor |title= Al Benn's Alabama: Oliver Dillard, Stanley Rodimon join elite group at Military Hall of Honor|author=Al Benn|date=October 27, 2013|work=|publisher=Montgomery Advertiser|accessdate=December 8, 2013}}</ref>
 
The U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) established the “Major General Oliver W. Dillard Award” with the publication of FORSCOM Regulation 672-2 on May 21, 2014. The regulation pays tribute to the contributions of General Dillard as the first FORSCOM G2, and his impact on the Army and its Military Intelligence Corps. It recognizes the most outstanding military intelligence company-size unit assigned to a Brigade Combat Team in FORSCOM each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=|title=FORSCOM Regulation 672-2, Major General Oliver W. Dillard Award|author=U.S. Army Forces Command|date=May 21, 2014|work=Decorations, Awards, and Honors|publisher= Ft Bragg, NC: Headquarters, United States Army Forces Command|accessdate=}}</ref>
 
==Personal life==
General Dillard was married to the former Helen Stephens of Margaret, Alabama.
They had four children.-->




==References==
==References==
* [http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2211&dat=19720318&id=EScmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=J_4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=3278,1672711 Dillard Now General] |date=March 18, 1972|work=The Afro American|publisher=''The Afro American'' |accessdate=April 30, 2011
* Bowers, William T., William M. Hammond, & George L. MacGarrigle (1996) ''Black Soldier, White Army: The 24th Infantry Regiment in Korea.'' Washington DC: Center of Military History
* [http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/Bayonet/ News and Features] author=The Bayonet |date=May 2, 2012|work=page A4|publisher=The Bayonet Digital Newspaper |accessdate=May 10, 2012
* Biggs, Bradley (September 2003) "The 'Deuce-Four' in Korea." ''Military Review''
* [http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA313519718&v=2.1&u=gale&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w&asid=2bd371ad8f38a34add1a4834ed439dfc The Forgotten Sable Officer] |author= Colonel Stephen P. Perkins, U.S. Army, Retired|date=April–June 2012 |work=Pages 8-15|publisher=Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin |accessdate=January 19, 2014
* Perkins, Stephen P. (April 2012) "The Forgotten Sable Officer." ''Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin''
* [http://articles.latimes.com/print/1989-11-15/news/mn-1713_1_black-troops |title= War and Black GIs" Memories: Veterans of the action in Korea set out on a painful journey to erase a record of shame. The quest proves elusive.]" |author= Broder, John M.|date=November 15, 1989|work=Los Angeles Times|publisher=|accessdate=April 13, 2011
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oliver_W._Dillard Oliver W. Dillard]" (September 1, 2015) Wikipedia - accessed February 22, 2016
* ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=s5smqFkTmcIC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=general+oliver+dillard&source=bl&ots=k9VX3EAOq1&sig=h56xT3w0TXiyN2oCl-zw6cCRGIg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GT6fT_iWLcfz6QH319WWAg&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=general%20oliver%20dillard&f=false Black Soldier, White Army: The 24th Infantry Regiment in Korea]'' author= William T. Bowers, William M. Hammond, George L. MacGarrigle
|date=August 21, 1996|work= |publisher=United States Army Center of Military History |accessdate=April 13, 2011
* "[http://www.thepurpleheart.com/recipient/RecipientDetails.aspx?wid=11dc8ce8-e9a6-4e69-93e6-cd11ed6f923f Purple Heart recipient - Oliver Williams Dillard] date=|work=|publisher=National Purple Heart Hall of Honor|accessdate=June 11, 2012
 
 
==External links==
* http://www.skytroopers.org/usmacv.htm Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
* http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1985/BJA.htm Operation Steadfast
* http://www.25thida.com/24thinf.html History of the 24th Infantry Regiment ("Deuce Four")
* [http://www.history.army.mil/reference/Finding%20Aids/24th%20Inf.htm Index of Research Collection for the 24th Infantry Regiment] at the [[United States Army Center of Military History]]


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[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:US Army officers]]
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[[Category:World War II veterans]]
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[[Category:Korean War veterans]]
[[Category:Korean War veterans]]
[[Category:Vietnam veterans]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Purple Heart recipients]]
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[[Category:Arlington National Cemetery burials]]

Latest revision as of 09:54, 23 February 2016

Brig. Gen. Oliver Dillard in 1975

Oliver Williams Dillard Sr (born September 28, 1926 in Margaret; died June 16, 2015 in Canton, Michigan) was a retired major general of the United States Army.

Oliver was the son of Stonewall Jackson Dillard, a teacher, and his wife, the former Josiephine Williams. He graduated as the valedictorian of his 1942 class at Fairfield Industrial High School and attended his father's alma mater, Tuskegee Institute, on scholarship, with the goal of becoming a business teacher. He joined the newly-created Reserve Officers' Training Corps in his second year, won the outstanding ROTC student award in 1943 and 1944, and served as a student instructor.

Though he had won deferment in 1944 and was still enrolled in college, Dillard was drafted in 1945. He was sent to basic training at Fort McClellan in Anniston that June. Japan surrendered, ending World War II, in August, but Dillard was not discharged. Instead he was sent with a group of black replacement troops to Weißenburg in Bayern, a major magnet for displaced Germans in the aftermath of the nation's subdivision. Dillard served as a company clerk in the 349th Field Artillery Group and was promoted to Technical Sergeant during that deployment.

Dillard's application to Officer Candidate School was approved and he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry OCS training in January 1947. Upon graduating with honors in July of that year he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned to the all-black 365th Infantry Regiment at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

2nd Lt. Oliver Dillard in 1947

In June 1950 Dillard joined the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Gifu, Japan for service during the Korean War. His regiment was deployed north of Pusan and charged with delaying the advance of North Korean forces along the Naktong River valley. Dillard's platoon took the lead in capturing a major junction at Yecheon, an accomplishment that was considered the first notable American ground victory of the war. The unit then attempted to defend Pusan, but after several days of hard fighting was overwhelmed and fell back to the town of Masan, 30 miles away. Dillard was wounded on August 7 and received treatment in Japan for his wounds. Upon his recovery, he was recruited to serve as a Captain in military intelligence under Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Blair.

In September Dillard was involved in setting up defensive positions for the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment when enemy action disrupted Company L's position. He took a small group to reinforce the location and his heroic effectiveness was noted by assistant division commander Joseph Bradley in his Silver Star citation.

After active service in five campaigns, Dillard returned the United States to attend the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, graduating sixth in his class. From 1952 to 1954 he taught military science at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. In 1954 he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Gelnhausen, Germany and placed in command of Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. After several months, Colonel Kenneth Collins took away his command, and assigned him to serve as a Regimental Communications Officer. When the division was deactivated, Dillard was assigned as Chief of the Map Reading Committee for the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Munich.

Dillard then returned to the U.S. and graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1958. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in general education at the University of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska in 1960 and was then assigned to the G3 Section, Headquarters 1st U.S. Army at Fort Jay, New York. He served as Operations and Plans Officer and as Exercise G3, with the rank of Major, for the "Iroquois Hatchet" and "Mohawk Arrow" exercises simulating enemy land and air invasions, staged at Camp Drum.

Dillard was assigned to serve as deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Military Mission to Monrovia, Liberia in December 1960 and later was promoted to Operations Officer, assisting the African nation with its military and intelligence planning and helping to prepare Liberian troops to participate in United Nations intervention in the Congo.

In 1963 Dillar was assigned to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (ACSI) in the Pentagon as leader of the Foreign Intelligence Assistance Section, Special Warfare and Foreign Assistance Branch, and also as Chief of the Europe, Africa, and Middle East Section.

While in Washington, Dillard completed a master of science in international affairs at George Washington University in 1965 and he became the first African American to graduate from the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair that same year. He was assigned to serve as an Operations and Training Staff Officer at the Institute of Special Studies at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In 1967, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Dillard was placed in command of a battalion of the 5th Combat Support Training Brigade at Fort Dix.

Following his training at the Foreign Service Institute's Vietnam Training Center, Colonel Dillard reported to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MAC-V) in Saigon as a Province Senior Advisor for the Kon Tum Province. He built a close relationship with South Korean Army Province Chief Nguyen Hop Doan and his civilian deputy, USAID employee Ken Lyvers. They collaborated in the organization of villages in the province to maintain food supplies and home defenses through the fighting.

In 1971 Dillard returned to Washington as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence. He oversaw the relocation of the Army Intelligence Center to Fort Huachuca, Arizona and expanded the MI branch with tactical battalions in each Division and also supported development of the Guardrail aerial platform. In 1972 he was promoted to Brigadier General, the fifth African American to reach that rank in the U.S. Army, and the first to do so as an intelligence officer.

General Frederick Weyand requested Dillard's appointment to his Senior Staff as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Civil Operations and Rural Development Support (CORDS) at MAC-V. Dillard worked with Weyand and U.S. Ambassador William Colby to draft plans and conduct operations across Vietnam. He served as the last Director of Intelligence for MAC-V, returning from duty on March 29, 1973.

Dillard was then assigned to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence (DCSINT) for the new U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) at Fort McPherson, Georgia, working on improvements in the army's development and use of intelligence within units. In 1974 Dillard was promoted to Assistant Division Commander for Maneuver, 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, preparing the unit for intelligence operations as part of Exercise Reforger, which simulated a rapid deployment to Germany in the event of a Warsaw Pact violation.

From 1975 to 1978, Major General Dillard served as DSCINT for the U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany. He employed the Army Security Agency (ASA) and Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) in countering Soviet Cold War operations. In 1978 he returned to Fort Dix as Commanding General, U.S. Army Readiness Region II, retiring from his commission on February 1, 1980.

In retirement, Dillard continued to contribute to the Army as a public speaker, sharing his experiences as a pioneering black officer for the benefit of service members as well as for Pentagon efforts to recruit and retain African Americans in military service. He also addressed groups of South Korean military officers.

Dillard was a charter member of The Rocks, Inc., a majority-black professional military officers' organization. He also participated in efforts by the 24th Infantry Regiment Association to defend the unit's reputation against unfair characterizations in accounts of the Korean War. He provided narration for the 2006 documentary "Last of the Buffalo Soldiers," in which he enumerated the battlefield commendations awarded to the 24th Infantry Regiment.

Dillard was given the Military Intelligence Corps Association's LTC Thomas W. Knowlton Award for Excellence in Intelligence in 2011. He was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame and the Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2013 he was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor. The U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) established the "Major General Oliver W. Dillard Award" in 2014.

General Dillard was married to the former Helen Stephens of Margaret and had four children: Oliver Jr, Stephen, Dennis and Diane. He died in June 2015 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.


References

  • Bowers, William T., William M. Hammond, & George L. MacGarrigle (1996) Black Soldier, White Army: The 24th Infantry Regiment in Korea. Washington DC: Center of Military History
  • Biggs, Bradley (September 2003) "The 'Deuce-Four' in Korea." Military Review
  • Perkins, Stephen P. (April 2012) "The Forgotten Sable Officer." Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin
  • "Oliver W. Dillard" (September 1, 2015) Wikipedia - accessed February 22, 2016
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