[2] Young Almond, nicknamed "Ned" by his family, grew up being told stories by his paternal grandmother about the American Civil War.

Almond's maternal grandfather, Thomas Popham, along with his great-uncle, William Barton Mallory, had both served in the Confederate Army during the war.

[4] Of his early years, Michael E. Lynch states: Almond grew up in the “Jim Crow” South, and did not question the status quo.

Despite the prevailing Jim Crow environment, this limited contact with African-Americans engendered a moderate outlook, shaping Almond’s early years and carrying over into his military career.

Almond was then assigned to staff duty at VI Corps HQ, Providence, Rhode Island,[1] receiving a promotion to the temporary rank of colonel on October 14, 1941.

This regard accounted in part for Almond's promotion to major general, on September 23,[13][7] ahead of most of his peers and subsequent command of the 92nd Infantry Division, made of almost exclusively African-American soldiers, a position he held from its formation in October 1942 until August 1945.

During its time in Italy the division, arriving piecemeal throughout the latter half of 1944, underwent several changes in its organization, and suffered a total of almost 3,000 casualties during the often bitter Italian fighting, all while forming part of the U.S. Fifth Army under Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark and later Lucian Truscott.

And we don't want to sit at the table with them.In 1946 Almond was transferred to Tokyo as chief of personnel at General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters, normally a dead-end job.

Having won MacArthur's confidence as capable and loyal,[20] Almond was the logical choice to become Chief of Staff in January 1949, when the incumbent, Paul J. Mueller, rotated home.

This dispersal contributed to the defeat of X Corps by Chinese troops, including the destruction of Task Force Faith, and the narrow escape of the Marines at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Ridgway admired Almond's aggressive attitude, but felt he needed close supervision to ensure his boldness did not jeopardize his command.

Almond and X Corps later took part in the defeat of the Chinese offensives during February and March 1951, as well as the Eighth Army's counter-offensive, Operation Killer.

Major General Almond distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea during the period from 15 to 25 September 1950.

During the seizure of Inchon, General Almond personally visited front line units, coordinated tactical efforts, and by his own fearless example aided them in seizing assigned objectives.

Following the fall of Inchon, General Almond personally led his troops in their rapid drive through enemy-held territory to seize Seoul, and to speed the disintegration of the enemy forces.

Despite heavy enemy mortar fire directed at him, General Almond remained to supervise the air and artillery support which was protecting the first units of the Seventh Infantry Division crossing the river.

Lieutenant General Almond distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces during the massive offensive by three known Communist Armies against the X Corps, during the period from 16 through 25 May 1951.

General Almond personally directed the historic defense which contained this attack and resulted in crushing losses in enemy manpower and materiel.

During this period General Almond distinguished himself by countless acts of individual heroism as well as providing the inspiration, leadership and tactical skill which contributed materially the success of this operation.

Again on 25 May 1951, he made four flights in an unarmed light plane through the enemy-held mountain pass between Hangye and the Umyang bridgehead on the Seyang River.

These specific acts, as well as countless visits to forward-most command posts, provided the inspiration and forceful leadership essential at this critical time.