James Van Fleet

James Alward Van Fleet (March 19, 1892 - September 23, 1992) was an U.S. Army general during World War II and the Korean War.

Related Topics:
March 19 - 1892 - September 23 - 1992 - U.S. Army - General - World War II - Korean War

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Van Fleet was born in Coytette, New Jersey and was a 1915 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, he became an infantry officer.

Related Topics:
New Jersey - U.S. Military Academy

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He served as a battalion commander in World War I, as part of the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. Pershing.

Related Topics:
World War I - American Expeditionary Force - John J. Pershing

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During World War II, Van Fleet served first as a regimental commander, but was soon promoted to divisional and corps command. He saw action during the D-Day landings on Utah Beach in June 1944 a commander of the 8th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division, and later with General George S. Patton's U.S. Third Army.

Related Topics:
World War II - D-Day - Utah Beach - U.S. 4th Infantry Division - George S. Patton - U.S. Third Army

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In 1951, he replaced General Matthew B. Ridgeway as commander of the U.S. Eighth Army and United Nations forces in Korea.

Related Topics:
Matthew B. Ridgeway - U.S. Eighth Army - United Nations - Korea

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Van Fleet died in 1992 several months after reaching his 100th birthday.

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