he served as Naval Attaché to the Dominican Republic. Carbine rifles from his office, left behind after the United States interrupted formal diplomatic relations, were used in the assassination of Trujillo according to the Church Committee. However, Simmons denied he played any direct role in the assassination. Prior to returning to the Dominican Republic in September 1961 as U.S. Military Liaison Officer, U.S. Embassy, Santo Domingo, he was assigned as senior editor, Publications Group, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. In January 1962, he joined the Strategic Plans Section, G-3 Division at Headquarters Marine Corps, and in July 1963 was promoted to colonel. From July 1965 until July 1966, he served in South Vietnam, first as G-3 of III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF), and later, as commanding officer, 9th Marine Regiment, the "Striking Ninth". Returning from Vietnam, he was a student at the National War College for the next year prior to reporting to Headquarters Marine Corps where he served as Deputy Fiscal Director of the Marine Corps from August 1967 until May 1970. He was advanced to the rank of brigadier general on June 1, 1968. Brigadier General Simmons returned to Vietnam for another one-year tour, and served as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division (Rein), "The Old Breed", and subsequently as deputy commander, III MAF. He returned to Headquarters Marine Corps on July 20, 1971, where he became special assistant to the chief of staff for strategic studies. On December 1, 1971, he assumed duties as director of Marine Corps History and Museums. He went on the retired list on July 1, 1972, but continued on active duty without interruption of service as director of Marine Corps History and Museums. On July 1, 1978, he reverted to inactive status on the retired list. In late October 1978, he returned as a Civil Service employee to his previous position as director of Marine Corps History and Museums. Brigadier General Simmons died on May 5, 2007, at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, the former Frances G. Bliss of Denver, Colorado, two sons, Edwin H. Jr., and Clarke V., and two daughters, Bliss and Courtney. Memberships He was a fellow, governor, and treasurer of the Company of Military Historians and a member of the boards of trustees of the American Military Institute, the Marine Corps War Memorial Foundation, and the United States Commission on Military History.