John A. B. Dillard

John A. B. Dillard
Born September 1, 1919
Died July 12, 1970 (aged 50)
Pleiku Province, South Vietnam
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1942–1970
Rank Major General
Commands held Engineer Command, Vietnam
Battles/wars World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War †
Awards Legion of Merit (2)
Air Medal (2)
Purple Heart

John A. B. Dillard (September 1, 1919 – May 12, 1970) was a United States Army major general who was killed in action on May 12, 1970, in South Vietnam. General Dillard was one five U.S. Army general officers killed in action in the Vietnam War.[1][2]

Early life and family

General Dillard was married to Betty L. Hawkins and had three children, John A. B. 3rd, Gerry and Revalee.

Education

General Dillard graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, Class of 1942 with a BS degree in civil engineering.

US Army career

General Dillard served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander in Europe during World War II.

During the Korean War from July 1952 until July 1953, he served as a Battalion Operations Officer with the 25th Infantry Division in South Korea.

In November 1969, General Dillard was assigned to South Vietnam as Chief of the Engineer Command.

Death

On 12 May 1970, Major General Dillard and nine other Americans were killed when a UH-1 helicopter they were aboard was hit by enemy fire and crashed in the Central Highlands, 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Pleiku and 220 miles (350 km) northwest of Saigon. Also killed was Colonel Carroll Edward Adams Jr.(posthumously promoted to brigadier general), commander of the 937th Engineer Group.[3] Sergeant Major Robert W. Elkey was the only survivor and was seriously injured.[4]

See also

U.S. Army general officers killed in action in the Vietnam War:

References

  1. ↑ "John Albert Broadus Dillard, Jr., Major General, United States Army". Arlington Cemetery.net. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  2. ↑ "Five US generals killed in action". BBC News. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  3. ↑ "Carroll Edward Adams Jr". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  4. ↑ Mattatall, William (2010). Thirteen Months, Fourteen Days: The Journey. Xlibris Corporation. p. 7. ISBN 9781456829704.