|
|
|
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT
DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE CITATION
TO
GENERAL JAMES ALWARD VAN FLEET
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES OF THE
As a military commander, educator, and statesman, James
Alward Van Fleet has rendered a lifetime of extraordinary service to the
United States, to the international community of freedom loving nations
and to his fellow citizens. In successive positions of increasing
responsibility in the national interest, General Van Fleet has
exemplified outstanding devotion to the principles expressed in the
motto of the United States Military Academy - Duty, Honor, Country.
General Van Fleet's contributions to the security of the United
States and the western world are without parallel among living American
soldiers. His 38 years of military service are replete with
extraordinary accomplishment. In World War I he was twice cited for
gallantry as he led the 17th Machine Gun Battalion in the final Allied
offensive that ended the war. In World War II he led his regiment in the
D-Day assault of Utah Beach. Later in the Allied counter offensive in
the Ardennes, he commanded the 90th Division, spearheading the Third
Army drive to relieve the embattled defenders of Bastogne. VE Day found
General Van Fleet commanding the III Corps in the final drive to destroy
the German Army.
During the turbulent years immediately following World War II,
President Truman called upon General Van Fleet to serve as the Chief
United States Military Advisor to a beleaguered Greek nation, verging on
collapse in its struggle against communist led guerrillas. General Van
Fleet's unflagging energy, his superb military and political insight,
and his ability to advise and influence a proud ally, led to the
ultimate destruction of the communist insurgency and the salvation of
Greece as a free nation.
During the Korean conflict, General Van Fleet again answered his
nation's call. Promoted to general, he was named commander of the Eighth
Army. Under his dynamic and forceful leadership, United Nations forces
halted the advancing enemy and in a brilliant campaign of devastating
offensive operations, forced the North Koreans and Chinese to the peace
table.
In 1953, General Van Fleet retired from active military service.
During his military career he was repeatedly recognized for his
extraordinary accomplishments. His military decorations include: three
Distinguished Service Crosses, four Distinguished Service Medals, three
Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He has been
decorated by eight foreign nations.
The full measure of General Van Fleet's contribution to the nation
is apparent in his continuing service to his fellow citizens. As a
successful cattle rancher in Florida, in his literary contributions to
the history of his era, as a founder and trustee of the George G.
Marshall foundation and as advisor to Presidents, his extraordinary
services continue.
Throughout his lifetime of service to his country and to his fellow man, General Van Fleet has made lasting and invaluable contributions to the welfare and security of the United Stales and the nations of the free world. His life of selfless accomplishment exemplifies uncommon dedication and devotion to his country, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army and clearly reflects the values expressed in the motto of West Point. Accordingly, the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy hereby presents the 1992 Distinguished Graduate Award to General James A. Van Fleet.
Photo Courtesy of Barry Friedman, The Ledger Online !
