George W. Casey Sr.
George William Casey Sr. | |
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| Relations | General George W. Casey Jr. (son) |
George William Casey Sr. (March 9, 1922 – July 7, 1970) was a United States Army major general who was killed in a helicopter crash in July 1970, in South Vietnam. General Casey, who had served in the Korean War, was in command of the US 1st Cavalry Division at the time of his death. His son George W. Casey Jr. served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from April 2007 to April 2011.
Early life and education
Casey was born into an
Military career
Casey completed the
Korean War
Casey served in combat during the Korean War, commanding a 7th Infantry Division company in engagements including the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, for which he received the Silver Star. He returned to the United States in July 1952.
Post war
In 1957 he graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. In 1963 he graduated from the National War College. He commanded 3rd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division in West Germany from 1963 to 1965.
Vietnam War
In the late 1960s he served with the 1st Cavalry Division, first as chief of staff, then as commander of 2nd Brigade, and later as assistant division commander. He served as the Chief of Staff of 2nd Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division, in South Vietnam, from September 1966 to October 1967.
While home on leave from serving in Vietnam, he was promoted to major general during a ceremony on April 30, 1970, at the Pentagon. Casey served with U.S. Army Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, from October 1967 to August 1968, and then as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Developments Command Combat Arms Group at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from September 1968 to July 1969. In May 1970, he assumed command of the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam.
Death
On July 7, 1970, he was killed in a helicopter crash in
Casey was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and decorations
His awards and decorations include:
- Badges
 Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award)
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 Army Aviator Badge
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 Master Parachutist Badge
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- Decorations
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Flying Cross |
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"V" Device
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Purple Heart with bronze oak leaf cluster |
 
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award numeral 8
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Army Commendation Medal
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- Service Medals
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American Campaign Medal |
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal with 'Japan' clasp |
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National Defense Service Medal with service star |
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campaign stars
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Vietnam Service Medal with silver campaign star |
- Foreign Awards
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross with two palms and silver star
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Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
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United Nations Korea Medal
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
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Republic of Korea War Service Medal |
Personal life
Casey and his wife had three daughters and two sons. One of those sons, George W. Casey Jr. (born July 22, 1948) is a retired four-star general who served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from April 10, 2007, to April 10, 2011.
See also
U.S. Army general officers who died in the Vietnam War:
- William R. Bond
- John A. B. Dillard
- Charles J. Girard
- Alfred Judson Force Moody
- Richard J. Tallman
- Keith L. Ware
References
- ^ Cloud, David; Jaffe, Greg (December 20, 2009). "Book excerpt: The Fourth Star: Four Generals and the Epic Struggle for the Future of the United States Army". Washington Post. Washington, DC.
- ^ Bartelt, Eric S. (April 26, 2007). "Gen. Casey to make West Point Center of Excellence for Ethics, Values". U.S. Army News. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
- ISBN 978-1-56311-890-6.
- ^ The American Cavalry in Vietnam, p. 289.
External links
- George William Casey at The Virtual Wall. Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- George William Casey at Arlington National Cemetery