Colonel Edward J. Collins was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 19 November 1942, class number 105. His first duty assignment was as Company Commander, Company C, 35th ITB, Camp Croft, South Carolina. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Co K, 320th Inf, Regiment, 35th Div, European Theater of Operations; Company Commander, 17th ABN Div, Camp Picket, Virginia; Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Co E, 18th Inf, 1st Inf Div, USAREUR; Company Commander, Co L, 18th Inf, 1st Inf Div, USAREUR; RES ADV, RES ADV Group, Charleston, South Carolina; Company Commander, Go G, 21st Inf, Regiment, 24th Inf Div, Korea; Asst G4, 24th Inf Div, Korea; Technique of Rif Fire Instructor, TRF COMM, WPNS DEPT, USAIS, Fort Benning, Georgia; S3, 1st BG, 30th Inf, 3d Inf Div, USAREUR; Asst G3, Headquarters, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Operations Staff Officer, J3, MACV Headquarters, Vietnam; G3 ADV, II ARepublic of Vietnam Corps, Vietnam; Combined Arms Instructor, Med Fld Svc School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Battalion Commander, 2d Bn (M), 2d Inf, 1st Inf Div, Vietnam; Inspector General, Headquarters, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. | His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart, w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Medal, w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star w/ "V"; Silver Star.