TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Corlett, Charles Harrison "Cowboy Pete"

Date of birth:
July 31st, 1889 (Burchard, Nebraska/United States)
Date of death:
October 13th, 1971 (Espanola, New Mexico/United States)
Buried on:
Santa Fe National Cemetery
Plot: V. Grave: 2233.
Service number:
0-3746
Nationality:
American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Office of the Chief Signal Corps Officer, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1919
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Deputy to the Chief Signal Officer of the Line of Communications, Lieutenant Colonel Corlett displayed marked ability for organization and administration in the establishment of important Signal Corps undertakings, laying the foundation of the Signal corps work in the American Expeditionary Forces. Later, as Director of Supplies in the Office of the Chief Signal Corps Officer, he performed exacting duties with unusual ability, solving with sound judgment perplexing problems, enabling a steady flow of signal supplies to be maintained to the troops in the field."

War Department, General Orders No. 62
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
May 2nd, 1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For gallantry in action as Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division on Kwajalein Island on 4 February 1944. When informed that certain elements of his command had been temporarily halted in their advance, General Corlett proceeded to the vicinity of the front lines in a tank. Although the area was under enemy observation and fire he dismounted and moved among his men to ascertain the situation personally. As a result of his prompt decision to push home the assault of his troops all enemy resistance on the island was quickly overcome. General Corlett's instant control of the situation, his courage, and fearlessness were an inspiration to his men, reflecting the highest credit of the military service."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Central Pacific Area, General Orders No. 124
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, XIX Corps, First Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1947
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

War Department, General Orders No. 68 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 7th Infantry Division "Bayonet", U.S. Army
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division from 5 September 1942 to 21 February 1944, and as Commanding General of the Southern Landing Force in the assault on Kwajalein Atoll from 31 January to 5 February 1944. As Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division, General Corlett effectively supervised and directed the training of that division for combat. Committed to the important task of directing the assault against Kwajalein Atoll, he displayed brilliant leadership, outstanding professional ability and exercised sound tactical judgment in commanding his troops. He personally directed the operation against the enemy position on Kwajalein Atoll and his indomitable courage was a constant inspiration to his men, who assaulted this enemy stronghold. This resulted in the capture of the island and the complete annihilation of all enemy forces thereon."
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, Task Force Kiska, Alaska Defense Command (ADC), U.S. Army
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Task Force KISKA, in Alaska, in 1942 - 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Corlett and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army."
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With palm.
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With palm.
Commandeur in de Leopoldsorde / Commandeur de l'Ordre de Léopold

Sources