Kromer shared the opinion that if U. S. Cavalry did not mechanize it would disappear as a branch (which is exactly what happened under his successor, John Knowles Herr). Kromer was dissatisfied with the growing organizational rift between horse (Fort Riley) and mechanized (Fort Knox) elements of U. S. Cavalry, and redesigned the structure to close the gap. He endorsed expansion of mechanized units at Fort Knox although shortage of funds ruled out any massive changes. Kromer was an open-minded man who did not perceive mechanization as a threat to horse cavalry: "rather, he tried to adapt to a change and give each a role." By the end of his tenure Kromer embraced the modern concept of mechanized combat and, according to Robert W. Grow, "could have made cavalry the mechanized arm had he been supported by the army's General Staff and senior officers in his own branch." Later life Kromer retired in March 1938 and was replaced by John Knowles Herr. From 1941 to 1943, Kromer served as commandant of cadets at Norwich University. Death and burial Kromer died in 1966 in Germantown, Maryland. He was buried at West Point Cemetery in West Point, New York. Family In 1907, Kromer married Jane Miller Stotsenburg (1888-1981). Rosetta Kromer, Kromer's oldest daughter, was a concert pianist and was married to Wade D. Killen. His oldest son, John S. Kromer, was a West Point graduate who became an Episcopal clergyman. Another son, captain William A. Kromer, became a soldier and was killed in action in Europe January 1, 1945. Another son, Leon B. Kromer Jr. (1912–1999), joined the Navy during World War II. After the war he headed industrial associations and served as labor relations advisor under presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. Daughter Jane Kromer, married Reverend C. D. Kean. Head coaching record Notes References Coffman, Edward (2004). The regulars: the American Army, 1898-1941. Harvard University Press. . Hoffmann, George (2006). Through mobility we conquer: the mechanization of U.S. Cavalry. University Press of Kentucky. . Johnson, David (2003). Fast Tanks and Heavy Bombers: Innovation in the U.S. Army, 1917-1945. Cornell University Press. . 1876 births 1966 deaths 19th-century players of American football United States Army personnel of World War I United States Army generals United States Army personnel of World War II Army Black Knights football coaches United States Military Academy alumni Army Black Knights football players Norwich University faculty Recipients of