James J. McMonagle

McMonagle was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from University of Notre Dame in 1953.[1] He graduated from The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico and served as Infantry Platoon Leader in Korea near the Demilitarized Zone with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. After service in Korea, he was deployed to Lebanon as communications officer for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in to handle an international crisis between Lebanon and the newly-formed United Arab Republic. The Marines served as a peace-keeping force. McMonagle served as rifle company commander with 2nd Marine Division. He attended Amphibious Warfare School in 1961 and was promoted to major in July 1964. As a lieutenant colonel, McMonagle was assigned command of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and deployed to Republic of Vietnam in 1968.[2] For his combat service in Vietnam, McMonagle was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”. McMonagle later earned a Master's degree after graduation from the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College on July 1, 1974.[3] McMonagle was promoted to colonel in 1975. His staff assignments include Marine officer instructor at the University of Mississippi; executive officer, 8th Marine Regiment; Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. In 1979, McMonagle was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. In 1980, McMonagle was Deputy Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. As a major general, McMonagle was reassigned as Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Amphibious Force on August 13, 1986.[4] McMonagle relinquished command to Major General John P. Monahan on July 19, 1988 and retired from active duty after 33 years of service.