 His service in post-war Europe was vital in the rebuilding efforts and designing defensive strategies opposite the communist Russians in East Germany and the Czech Republic, during the early 1950s.He was promoted to the rank of general on June 1, 1956 and served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Army Europe and Commander, Central Army Group (CINCUSAREUR/COMCENTAG) for NATO until his retirement from the Army on March 31, 1959.He retired after serving more than 40 years in the US Army.