Wyman, Willard Gordon, born 21-03-1898 in Augusta, Maine,
son of clergyman John Monroe Wyman
and Minnie B. Wyman, born Haynes
, graduated from the United States Military Academy
in 1919. During World War II he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff of IX Corps
, and later in 1942 as Deputy Chief of Staff of the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. From 1942 to 1943 Deputy Chief of Staff Allied Forces Headquarters before being assigned as Assistant Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division
under command of Major General Clift Andrus “Mr Chips” The division’s famous dog-mascot was a cairn terrier known as Rags.
Rags was adopted by the division in 1918 and remained its mascot until his death in 1936. Rags achieved notoriety and celebrity as a war dog, after saving many lives in the crucial Argonne Campaign by delivering a vital message despite being bombed and gassed. Casualties of the 1st Infantry Division, 4.411 killed in action, 17.201 wounded in action, 1.056 missing or died of wounds. He took command of the 71st Infantry Division, nickname “The Red Circle”
from 1944 to 1945. The 71st Infantry Division in 49 days of combat had the next casualties, killed in action 145, wounded 599, missed in action 31 and 13 captured, a total of 1.879. During the Korean War he commanded the IX Corps, and after that assignment served as Commander in Chief, NATO Land Forces South-East Europe from 1952 to 1954, followed by command of Sixth United States Army, nickname “Alamo Force”
from 1954 to 1955. His final assignment was Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Continental Command. He retired from the Army in 1958. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Medal with three Oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with “V” device. Under his direction the men were reorganized and successfully assaulted the enemy positions. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Brigadier General Wyman exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.









Death and burial ground of Wyman, Willard Gordon.







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