Donn R. Pepke

Lieutenant General Donn Royce Pepke (7 September 1916 – 15 January 1995) was a United States Army officer who served in World War II and the Vietnam War.

Early life He was born in Minot, North Dakota on 7 September 1916.

Military career He was commissioned as a Second lieutenant in 1939.

He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 63rd Infantry Regiment in the Pacific Theater. In January 1944, at the age of 27, he assumed command of the Regiment becoming one of the youngest U.S. regimental commanders of World War II. From late 1965 he served as Deputy Director of Strategic Plans & Policy and then as Director of Plans at The Pentagon. On 14 November 1969 he was succeeded in command by Major-general Glenn D. Walker. Writing in November 1970 in the Military Review he characterized the Division’s operations as a successful economy of force mission.

Following his return from South Vietnam he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training), Continental Army Command from 1969 to 1971. He then served as Chief of Staff, Continental Army Command from 1971 to 1973. His final command was as Deputy Commanding General, Army Forces Command from 1973 to 1975. He retired from the U.S. Army in June 1975.

Later life He died on 15 January 1995 at Williamsburg Community Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Decorations His decorations include Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Air Medal (11).