The Eastern Defense Command was first established as the Northeast Defense Command on 17 March 1941 as one of four U.S. Army continental defense commands to plan and prepare for and execute defense against enemy attack in the months before America's entry into World War II.

Eastern Defense Command Active 1941–1946 Disbanded 15 March 1946 Country United States of America Branch Army Role Home Defense & Training Garrison/HQ Fort Jay, Governors Island, New York