George B. Duncan

George Brand Duncan (October 10, 1861 – March 15, 1950) was a military officer in the United States Army, rising to the rank of major general.

This article is about the military officer. For others, see George Duncan.
George B. Duncan
Maj. Gen. Duncan in Prauthoy 1918
Born(1861-10-10)October 10, 1861
Lexington, Kentucky
DiedMarch 15, 1950(1950-03-15) (aged 88)
Lexington, Kentucky
Place of burial
Lexington Cemetery
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1886-1925
Rank Major general
Commands held1st Brigade
77th Division
82nd Division
Seventh Corps Area
Battles/warsSpanish–American War
Philippine–American War
World War I
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Croix de Guerre (France)
Commander of the Legion of Honor (France)
Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom)

Military career

The son of Lexington, Kentucky mayor Henry Timberlake Duncan Jr., 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.[2]

After a term on the General Staff, Duncan reported to France in June 1917, where he served as the commander of the 77th Division.[1] After having been relieved over concerns about his physical condition, Duncan successfully convinced John J. Pershing to return him to command. In October 1918, Duncan relieved William P. Burnham as commander 82nd Division, and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.[3] As a result of his service in World War I, 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.[3] Duncan and fellow Major General Campbell King were the first two Americans ever honored with the Croix de Guerre.[1] Duncan commanded the Seventh Corps Area from 1922 until 1925.[4]

Personal life

Duncan married Mary Kercheval on October 23, 1895.[3] 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.[5] He is buried in Lexington, Kentucky.

See also

References
  1. "Pershing Has 1,100,000 Men", the New York Times, published July 14, 1918, front page, accessed February 18, 2008.
  2. Davis, Jr., Henry Blaine (1998). Generals in Khaki. Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press, Inc. pp. 114–115. ISBN 1571970886.
  3. Davis, Jr., Henry Blaine (1998). Generals in Khaki. Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press, Inc. p. 115. ISBN 1571970886.
  4. Clay, Steven E. (2010). US Army Order of Battle 1919–1941, Vol. 1: The Arms: Major Commands and Infantry Organizations (PDF). Fort Leavenworth, Kansas: Combat Studies Institute Press.
  5. Davis, Jr., Henry Blaine (1998). Generals in Khaki. Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press, Inc. p. 115. ISBN 1571970886.
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