TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Sutherland, Richard Kerens

Date of birth:
November 27th, 1893 (Hancock/Maryland, United States)
Date of death:
June 25th, 1966 (Washington, D.C., United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 30. Grave: 694-1-2.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1942
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 29 December 1941. Major General Sutherland'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, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 43.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
For his work during the battle for the island Corregidor, Philippines at May 1942.

Citation unavailable.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
January 11th, 1943
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces in New Guinea, during the Papuan Campaign, 23 July 1942, to 8 January 1943. As Chief of Staff, United States Army Forces in the Far East, General Sutherland displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise execution of operations during the Papuan Campaign. His gallant leadership, 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 and the United States Army."

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 5.
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
March 15th, 1942
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Chief of Staff to the Commanding General, Philippine Islands, during the period 11 to 13 March 1942, during an extraordinary action a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. General Sutherland made detailed plans involving exacting preparations for a movement of major strategic importance and of the most hazardous nature, then executed the mission with marked skill and coolness in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. The conduct of General Sutherland throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

w/ 2 stars
Philippines Liberation Medal
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

With two campaign clasps
World War I Victory Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Foreign service" clasp
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With four campaign stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Japan" clasp
Army of Occupation Medal

Sources