1. Major General Holger Nelson Toftoy was a United States Army career officer instrumental to the development of the United States' early rocketry after World War II, such as the Redstone missile.
15 Facts About Holger Toftoy
1. 2.
Holger Toftoy persuaded senior officers to bring German scientists to the US after the war, to make use of their expertise, and supervised the relocation of more than 119 scientists.
3.
Holger Toftoy acquired great expertise in mines and explosives; he helped clear harbors in France during the war.
4.
In 1944, Holger Toftoy became chief of the Army Ordnance Technical Intelligence teams assigned to Europe to seek and evaluate captured enemy ordnance weapons and equipment.
5.
Holger Toftoy assigned Major William Bromley in command of the special mission, who reported to Toftoy through Major James P Hamill.
6.
Holger Toftoy knew the US Army was planning to add guided missiles to its weapons program.
7.
Holger Toftoy cabled the Pentagon, then personally went to Washington to recommend to senior officers that German scientists be brought to the US for interrogation and possible employment.
8.
Holger Toftoy was transferred to Washington and assigned responsibility for direction of the Army guided missile program.
9.
In 1952, Holger Toftoy was assigned to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, as director of the Ordnance Missile Laboratories.
10.
In 1958, Holger Toftoy became deputy commanding general of the Army Ordnance Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal.
11.
Holger Toftoy served as commander at RSA until July 1958, when he was named the commanding general of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
12.
In 1960 Holger Toftoy retired from the army for health reasons, and moved to Treasure Island, Florida.
13.
Holger Toftoy continued to be active in his field, retained as a consultant by the Northrop Corporation and by the Brown Engineering Company.
14.
Holger Toftoy became involved in local civic affairs; he was elected in 1962 as President of the Isle of Capri Civic Association.
15.
Holger Toftoy underwent four major operations in the following months.