Edgar E. Glenn was born in Kansas City, Kan., in October 1896. He attended the Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis, Minn., and on May 1, 1917, enlisted in the Aviation Section, Signal Corps. He served as a private, sergeant, and sergeant-major with the 21st Aero Squadron until May 3, 1918, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant, aviation Section, Signal Reserve Corps. He was on active duty until July 1, 1920, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant, Air Service, Regular Army.
He was first assigned to Rich Field, Texas, as a flying instructor until January 1921 when he was sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for duty and advanced training as pursuit pilot at Kelly Field. He was transferred to Ellington Field, Texas, in July 1921, and in September 1922 was detailed for duty with the 15th Observation Squadron at Chanute Field, Ill. The following May he was sent to Camp Custer, Mich., and in July 1923 was placed in command of the Air Service Detachment there.
In September 1923 he was assigned to the 7th Observation Squadron at France Field, Panama Canal Zone. He returned to the United States in July 1926 and the following September became a professor of military science and tactics at Georgia School of Technology, Atlanta. In July 1928 he went to Love Field, Texas, as an instructor for two months and the proceeded to Bat Box Field, Okla., as unit instructor, Organized Reserves. In September 1930 he was assigned as instructor with the 42nd School Squadron, Kelly Field, Texas. In August 1934 he enrolled in the Air Corps Tactical School, Maxwell Field, Ala. Upon completing his course in July 1935 he entered the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and graduated in June 1936. He was then assigned to staff duty with the 2nd Wing, General headquarters, Langley Field, Va.
In January 1941 he transferred to Mitchel Field, N.Y., for staff duty with the 1st Air Force. He proceeded to England on temporary duty as a military observer in October 1941 and upon his return to the United States in January 1942 was re-assigned to Mitchel Field as chief of staff of the 1st Wing. He then served as chief of staff of 14th Air Force in 1943, and then chief of staff and deputy commander of 1st Air Force March 1945 to March 1946.
He is rated a command pilot and combat observer.
He was promoted to first lieutenant, Air Service, on July 1, 1920; captain, April 25, 1932; major (temporary), June 16, 1936; major (permanent), Aug. 15, 1939; lieutenant colonel (temporary), Dec. 30, 1940; lieutenant colonel (permanent), Dec. 18, 1941; colonel (temporary), Feb. 1, 1942; brigadier general (temporary), Dec. 4, 1942.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Purple Heart.
(Biography compiled with information from the Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers by R. Manning Ancell with Christine M. Miller.)