Edward Moses Morris was born at Marinette, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1895. He was graduated from the College of the City of New York with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He enlisted as a flying cadet on August 16, 1917, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Aviation Signal Reserve on January 28, 1918.
SERVICE
He attended ground school at the School of Military Aeronautics at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, from August until October 1917. He then went to Toronto, Canada, for advanced aviation training. He went to Taliaferro Field, Texas, in November 1917 for further training and upon being commissioned was assigned to the 139th Aero Squadron at Long Island, New York. He went to France with that squadron in February 1918.
In April 1918 he joined the 12th Aero Squadron and served with that unit in the Toul and Baccarat Sectors. In July 1918 he went to the Corps and Army Observation School, 2nd Aviation Instruction Center, and in September 1918 was assigned to the 104th Aero Squadron with which he served in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne engagements. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in action. In January 1919 he was assigned to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Service at Tours and then went to Headquarters of the Air Service in Paris. He returned to the United States on April 13, 1919. He was assigned to Pope Field, North Carolina, and was honorably discharged there on May 6, 1919.
He entered the Regular Army Air Service at March Field, California, and in March 1921 was transferred to Langley Field, Virginia, to attend the School of Aerial Photography. In May 1922 he went to Middletown, Pennsylvania, Air Intermediate Depot for duty in the Industrial War Plans Division. In June 1923 he was transferred to Maxwell Field, Alabama, for duty with the 22nd Observation Squadron. He entered the Air Corps Technical School at Chanute Field, Illinois, in October 1925 for the Armament Course. In April 1926, he became Armament Officer of the 2nd Bombardment Group at Langley Field, Virginia.
In September 1928 he went to the Philippine Islands for duty with the 28th Bombardment Squadron at Nichols Field. In January 1931 he returned to the United States for duty at Fort Crockett, Texas, with 3rd Attack Group. He became Commanding Officer of the 13th Attack Squadron in April 1935 and moved with that unit to Barksdale Field, Louisiana. In September 1938 he entered the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and was graduated in June 1939.
He then went to Langley Field, Virginia, as Commanding Officer of the 8th Pursuit Group, and in November 1940 was transferred with that unit to Mitchel Field, New York. In 1941 he served successively as Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff of the 7th Fighter Wing at Mitchel Field, New York. In July 1941 he was ordered overseas as Commanding Officer of the First Echelon, Task Force 4 (INDIGO-1), the initial United States defense force deployed to Iceland. He served thereafter as Commanding Officer of Iceland Base Command Air Force and as Air Officer, Iceland Base Command. He returned to the United States in November 1942 and was assigned to Command of the Los Angeles Fighter Wing of IV Fighter Command. In March 1943 he assumed command of the IV Fighter Command, Oakland, California, and the following December was assigned to the North African Theater of Operations ass Commanding General, XII Fighter Command. He was named Commanding General, Mediterranean Air Transport Service, in September 1944. The following November he returned to the United States for hospitalization, and in January 1945 he was assigned to Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., with station at Army Air Forces Regional Hospital, Santa Ana Army Air Base, California. The same month he was made Commanding General of the Fourth Air Force at San Francisco, California. In July 1945 he assumed command of the 318th Fighter Wing at Van Nuys, California.
He was retired in the rank of Brigadier General on December 31, 1945.
He was rated a Command Pilot, Combat Observer, and Aircraft Observer.
PROMOTIONS
Private First Class, Aviation Section, Signal Enlisted Reserve Corps, August 16, 1917, to January 27, 1918; Second Lieutenant, Aviation Section, Signal Officers’ Reserve Corps, January 28, 1918; First Lieutenant, A.U.S.A., February 21, 1919, to May 6, 1919; First Lieutenant, Air Service, July 1, 1920; Captain, January 1, 1931; Major (temporary), April 20, 1935; Major, June 12, 1939; Lieutenant Colonel (temporary), November 16, 1940; Lieutenant Colonel, A,U.S., April 18, 1941; Lieutenant Colonel, October 15, 1941; Colonel (temporary), January 5, 1942; Colonel, A.U.S., February 1, 1942; Brigadier General, A.U.S., September 15, 1942; retired, disability in line of duty, with rank of Brigadier General, December 31, 1945.
DECORATIONS
Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Foreign Service Clasp, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Moroccan Order of Ouissam Alaouite, Italian Order of St. George in Carinthia, Italian Military Order of the Knights of Concordia, Honorary Legionnaire of the French Foreign Legion.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918 with the following citation:
“Unable to complete a photographic mission, owing to motor trouble, Lieutenant Morris, with his observer, made a reconnaissance behind the German lines. They dispersed a battalion of enemy troops, and although twice attacked by enemy patrols, drove them off and in each case brought down one enemy plane. They remained in the air until their motor failed completely.”
In 1943 he received the Legion of Merit with the following citation:
“For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, Iceland Base Command Air Force and as Air Officer, Iceland Base Command. General Morris was confronted with the problem of organizing and effecting an important combat operation at a time when the United States was at peace. Operating under the most difficult organizational and procurement conditions General Morris, by energetic action and inspiring leadership, overcame tremendous obstacles and successfully established his forces in Iceland in a high state of combat efficiency. Through his initiative, perseverance, and outstanding ability he maintained his command in the highest state of morale and combat readiness in spite of hazardous conditions of terrain and weather and seemingly overwhelming difficulties of supply and maintenance. His tactful coordination and unfailing cooperation with the Royal Air Force and the United States Navy have won him the admiration and respect of his associates. General Morris’ keen vision and astute planning have contributed directly to the efficient operation and expansion of the Iceland Base Command Air Force and Ferrying Command facilities in Iceland.”