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McNair, Lesley James

Date of birth:
May 25th, 1883 (Verndale, Minnesota, US)
Date of death:
July 25th, 1944 (Near Saint-Lô, France)
Buried on:
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Plot: F. Row: 28. Grave: 42.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Lieutenant General Lesley McNair was killed on 25 July 1944, after an U.S. bomber bombed his position by mistake. He was posthumously promoted to 4 star general.

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
G-5 Section, HQ, 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 the Senior Artillery Officer of the Training Section, General Staff, General McNair displayed marked ability in correctly estimating the changing conditions and requirements of military tactics. He was largely responsible for impressing upon the American Army sound principles for the use of artillery and for improving methods for the support of Infantry, so necessary to the proper cooperation of the two arms."

War Department, General Orders No. 59
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, Army Ground Forces (AGF), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1943
Awarded for:
Operation Torch
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, First United States Army Group (FUSAG), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1944

War Department, General Orders No. 64 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

War Department, General Orders No. 64 (Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Posthumously awarded
World War Two Victory Medal

Sources

Photos