George B. Duncan

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George B. Duncan in 1917.
George B. Duncan in 1917.

George Brand Duncan (October 10, 1861 - 1950) was a military officer in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Major General.

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[edit] Military career

The son of Louisville, Kentucky mayor Henry T. Duncan, George B. Duncan entered the United States Military Academy in 1882, graduating in 1886 and receiving a position as a Second Lieutenant in the 9th Infantry.[1] He was stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, and he served with distinction during the Philippine-American War, helping to organize the Philippine Scouts. After a term on the General Staff, Duncan reported to France in June of 1917, where he served as the commander of the 77th Division[1] and 82nd Division, participating in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. As a result of his service in WWI, he received numerous decorations, including the Croix de Guerre with two palms and a star and status as a Commander in the Legion of Honor from France, status as a Companion of Order of the Bath from the United Kingdom, and the Distinguished Service Medal from the United States. Duncan and fellow Major General Campbell King were the first two Americans ever honored with the Croix de Guerre.[1]

[edit] Personal life

Duncan married Mary Kercheval in 1895. The couple had two sons: Daniel, born in 1901, and Henry, born in 1903. Daniel, however, died as a child in 1906.

Duncan retired from military service in 1925. He is buried in Lexington, Kentucky.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "Pershing Has 1,100,000 Men", the New York Times, published July 14, 1918, front page, accessed February 18, 2008.