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Griffith, Wilbur M.

Date of birth:
December 9th, 1914 (Kings County (Brooklyn)/New York, United States)
Date of death:
April 29th, 1966 (Georgia, United States)
Buried on:
Marietta National Cemetery
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
October 8th, 1945

Royal decree no.31
Bronzen Leeuw (BL)
Period:
Korean War (1950-1953)
Unit:
Assistant Artillery Commander, I Corps Group, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1952
*[He] effected maximum artillery support to all elements dispersed over a broad front despite the critically limited artillery available. Through rare diplomacy and logic, Colonel Griffith successfully organized and maintained close liaison with corps and army elements and heterogeneous United Nations' forces. Coordinating all fire support, including artillery, air and naval gunfire, Colonel Griffith, through his anticipatory planning and superior professional knowledge, was directly responsible for breaking up large enemy formations and inflicting heavy enemy losses in troops and material. His keen perception, initiative, and moral fortitude made Colonel Griffith an exceptionally outstanding officer while performing a vital and complex task, and reflect great credit on himself and the military service."
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
HQ, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
July 31st, 1964
Legion of Merit - US Military
"[His] decisive leadership, professional competence, and sound judgment were of great significance to the success of major objectives of the Third U.S. Army during a period characterized by international crises and distinct changes in missions. His rare foresight, well-calculated planning, and positive approach to challenging problems were responsible for the expeditious organization of command resources to insure the highest standards of support in coping with the complexities of the Berlin build-up and the Cuban crisis. With keen analytical ability, broad knowledge, and extensive military experience, he ably directed the management of vast programs involving the operations and maintenance of numerous installations throughout the Third Army area which resulted in maximum efficiency and economy of operations. By his professional acumen and dedicated devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of important military objectives and to the defense effort of his country. Colonel Griffith's distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the most cherished traditions of the U.S. Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 25. OLC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
"Lieutenant Colonel Griffith was in command of his battalion while it was subjected to constant heavy barrages of enemy mortar, artillery, and Nebelwerfers. Fearing the effect on the morale of his troops from this constant shelling, Lieutenant Colonel Griffith, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, made frequent visits to all of his battalion and battery installations. . . . [His] great initiative and leadership, in the face of danger, enabled his battalion to give maximum support to an infantry regiment in attack, enabling them to capture their objective. His actions reflect great credit on himself, and were an inspiration to all who witnessed them."
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
Divisional Artillery, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
"Colonel Griffith, Division Artillery Executive Officer, displayed sound judgment and organizational ability . . . and later, as task force artillery officer, his ability to maintain continuous control of the divisional and attached artillery during this fast-moving situation with the limited airborne staff personnel available, contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the mission. His conduct reflects credit upon the highest traditions of the military service."

OLC
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Sources

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