Colonel Thomas H. Magness, IV
58th Commander, Los Angeles District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Colonel Thomas H. Magness assumed command of the Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July 10, 2007.  Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Colonel Magness was a Senior Service College Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin.

Colonel Magness was born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.  He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers.  He later earned a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.  His professional military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and the Command and General Staff College.

Colonel Magness has served in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX; the 1st Armored Division in Germany; and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX.  He has been a platoon leader, battalion supply officer, company commander, and battalion operations officer.  He deployed with the 1st Armored Division as part of Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm.  Colonel Magness served as the District Commander for the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Colonel Magness has served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at West Point.  He has served two tours as an observer / controller (trainer) at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA where he led the Sidewinder team, preparing engineer and maneuver support units and their leaders for combat operations.

Colonel Magness’ military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and the Army Commendation Medal (four awards).  He has been awarded the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab.  He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.