Edwin D. Patrick
MG Edwin D. Patrick | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1915-1945 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | 14th Machine Gun Battalion 15th Infantry Divison |
| Commands held | 6th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart |
Major General Edwin D. Patrick was an American general who was the commander of the 6th Infantry Division during World War II.
Biography
Patrick was commissioned in the Indiana National Guard in 1915 following his graduation from college. He fought in World War I and participated in the Saint Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensive.
During World War II, Patrick served on the staff of Admiral William Halsey for a brief period and then became Chief of Staff of General Walter Krueger's 6th Army. He was the commander of the task forces in the Battles of Wakde-Sarmi and Noemfoor Island. Afterwards, he was given command of the 6th Infantry Division.
He was killed in action on 14 March 1945 during the Philippines campaign of 1944-45 while leading his division. He was one of only three division commanders to die in combat action in World War II. Patrick was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and a Navy transport ship, The SS General Edwin D. Patrick (AP-124), was named in his honor.
References
Heef, Wilson A., Palmer III, Bruce. "Twentieth Century Warrior: The Life and Service of Major General Edwin D. Patrick" (1995)