Edward M Friend Jr

Edward Malcolm Friend, Jr. took pride in being a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He was a resident of the "Magic City" since his birth there on May 1, 1912, except for the time he was in the Armed Service of his country, and while attending college and law school. Edward Friend, Jr., and his wife, Hermoine Curjel Friend, are the parents of two children, a daughter, Frances Ellen Friend Elsas, and a son, Edward M. Friend, III. Ed Friend attended grammar and high school in Birmingham and continued his education at the University of Alabama, where he earned a B.S. Degree in 1933. The Law School of the same institution of higher learning awarded him a LL.B. Degree in 1935. Mr. Friend served in World War II, 22 months of which were overseas duty. He saw service in North Africa, Sicily, England, France, Belgium, and Germany. He participated in Normandy Landing, Utah Beach, June 6, 1944. On December 9, 1957, Edward M. Friend, Jr., was promoted to Brigadier General, USAR (retired). His decorations for bravery and leadership included Legion of Merit, Croix de Guerre with Palm, European Campaign Ribbon with seven stars and bronze arrowhead for landing in Normandy invasion. General Friend was a practicing attorney and was a partner in the law firm of Sirote, Permutt, Friend, Friedman, Held and Apolinsky in Birmingham. His civic activities ranged all the way from president of his Rotary Club to work with the Family Counseling Association, the Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the National Council of Christians and Jews, the Childrens' Hospital. He served as chairman of the president's Cabinet at The University of Alabama. He is now deceased.