Ben Harrell

Ben Harrell (15 March 1911 – 26 July 1981) was a United States Army four star general who served as Commander of Allied Land Forces South East Europe from 1968 to 1971. A class 1933 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Harrell played a pivotal role in planning and executing key amphibious operations in North Africa, Sicily, and Southern France during World War II. He also served as the Commander of the Sixth United States Army and the 101st Airborne Division, and as a member of the Howze Board.

Early career

Ben Harrell was born on March 15, 1911, in Medford, Oregon. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy by Representative Hawley of Oregon and graduated on June 13, 1933. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

World War II

Pre–World War II Service During his early military career, Harrell served in several key assignments. As a junior officer, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prior to the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. He served with the 3rd Infantry Division as the S-3 (operations officer) of the 7th Infantry Regiment—a unit he would later command—and also led the 15th Regiment of the division. Harrell subsequently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3) in VI Corps and later as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3) of the Fifth U.S. Army in the Mediterranean Theatre. Harrell would work with his 1933 USMA classmate Col. William O. Darby whose Rangers would be the first units to invade in both North Africa and Sicily. Italy: After the Sicily landings, Harrell took part in the advance through Italy. He served temporarily as chief of staff of the 3rd Infantry Division before becoming the head of the G-3 staff department for VI Corps.

Medals and Awards During his military career, Ben Harrell received the following awards:

Distinguished Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Silver Star Legion of Merit (2 Oak Leaf Clusters) Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Commendation Medal American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star Brazilian Medal of Honor (Brazil) Order of the British Empire (Great Britain) Czechoslovak War Cross (Czechoslovakia) Croix de Guerre (France) Italian Order of the Crown (Italy) Combat Infantryman Badge Master Parachutist Badge