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Beightler, Robert Sprague

Date of birth:
March 21st, 1892 (Marysville/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:
February 12th, 1978 (Worthington/Ohio, United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General (Major-general)
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1943
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Beightler commanded the 37th Infantry Division in combat against Japanese forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 23 July to 8 August 1943. He assumed command when the major elements of his Division were already engaged with the enemy, and with conspicuous energy and foresight effected their reorganization, regroupment, and revitalization. Under his inspiring leadership the attack was resumed and despite a well-organized defense by a determined enemy the Division's assigned objective was captured in a minimum of time. General Beightler's repeated presence with the forward elements of his Division during combat was largely responsible for the high morale of his command and its forward drive over extremely difficult terrain. He contributed in great measure to the success of the entire action. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Beightler reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

War Department, General Orders No. 65
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General (Major-general)
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1944
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 535
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General (Major-general)
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1945
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General of the 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 28 January 1945 to 17 February 1945 at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Major General Beightler's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 141 (1945).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General (Major-general)
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
September 20th, 1946
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during the period from December 1943 to June 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Beightler reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding General, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, during the period from 1 October to 15 December 1943. General Beightler, by his outstanding professional attainments, his sound judgment and inspiring leadership of the 37th Division during its movement from Guadalcanal to Empress Augusta Bay, and during the occupation and organization of its sector on the beachhead lines, contributed materially to the success of the operations conducted by the FIRST Marine Amphibious Corps, which resulted in the establishment of a beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay on the enemy stronghold of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands."

Major General Beightler is authorized to wear the Combat "V".
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General (Major-general)
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Purple Heart

Sources