Edwin D. Patrick

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Major General Edwin D. Patrick was an American general who was the commander of the 6th Infantry Division during World War II.

[edit] Biography

Patrick was commissioned in the Indiana National Guard in 1915 following his graduation from college. He fought in World War I and participated in the Saint Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensive.

During World War II, Patrick served on the staff of Admiral William Halsey for a brief period and then became Chief of Staff of General Walter Krueger's 6th Army. He was the commander of the task forces in the Battles of Wakde-Sarmi and Noemfoor Island. Afterwards, he was given command of the 6th Infantry Division.

He was killed in action on March 1945 during the Philippines campaign of 1944-45 while leading his division. He was one of only three division commanders to die in combat action in World War II and the last American general killed in the war. Patrick was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and a Navy transport ship, The SS General Edwin D. Patrick (AP-124), was named in his honor.