Charles D. Palmer
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2008) |
Charles Day Palmer | |
---|---|
Born | Chicago, Illinois, US | February 20, 1902
Died | June 7, 1999 Washington, D.C., US | (aged 97)
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Army |
Years of service | 1924–1962 |
Rank | General |
Commands held | Sixth United States Army 1st Cavalry Division |
Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (3) Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Bronze Star Medal |
Relations | William Edward Birkhimer (grandfather) Williston B. Palmer (brother) |
Other work | Military consultant |
Charles Day Palmer, Jr. (February 20, 1902 – June 7, 1999) was a United States Army four-star general who served as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command from 1959 to 1962. His brother, Williston B. Palmer, was also a four-star general, and his grandfather, William Edward Birkhimer, was a general and Medal of Honor recipient.
Early life[]
Palmer was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 20, 1902. After graduating from Washington High School in Washington, D.C., he entered the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1924.
Military career[]
As the United States entered World War II, the then Major Palmer was in the British West Indies working to establish military bases and on anti-submarine warfare projects. Palmer went to Europe in 1944 as chief of staff of the 2nd Armored Division, and continued in that role during the Normandy invasion, the breakout from Saint-Lô, and crossing the Siegfried Line.
During the invasion of southern France in October 1944, he was chief of staff of the VI Corps, and during this time he received a battlefield promotion to brigadier general.
Palmer was with the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan on occupation duty when the Korean War erupted. He was the commander of the division artillery and later the division commander, participating in six campaigns.
Palmer's later posts included Commander, Sixth United States Army in California and Deputy Commander of United States forces in Europe. After serving as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command, he retired in 1962.
Awards and decorations[]
Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters | |
Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster | |
Legion of Merit | |
Distinguished Flying Cross | |
Bronze Star Medal | |
Air Medal |
Post military career[]
After retiring from the army, Palmer settled in Washington and worked as a military consultant with the . He was also a director of both St. Albans School and the Retired Officers Association, and a member of the .
Palmer died in Washington D.C. on June 7, 1999 at the age of 97 of cardiac arrest in his home in Knollwood, a military retirement community. He was survived by Eugenia Kingman Palmer, whom he married in 1954, and a son. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, next to his brother and wife Eugenia K.[1]
References[]
- ^ Burial Detail: Palmer, Charles Day – ANC Explorer
- 1902 births
- 1999 deaths
- United States Army generals
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- United States Army personnel of the Korean War
- United States Military Academy alumni
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
- Recipients of the Silver Star
- Recipients of the Legion of Merit
- Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
- Recipients of the Air Medal
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- People from Chicago