Edwin D. Patrick

Edwin Davies Patrick (January 11, 1894 – March 15, 1945) was a major general in the United States Army who commanded the 6th Infantry Division during World War II. He was killed in action during the Battle of Wawa Dam.

Biography He was born January 11, 1894, in Tell City Perry County, Indiana, was the son of John Thomas Patrick and Anna Elnore Menninger, sister of Carl Frederick Menninger, founder of the Menninger Clinic. Patrick was raised in Tell City, Indiana, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Indiana National Guard in 1915, following his graduation from college.

World War II Major General Edwin D. Patrick (center), Major General Oscar Griswold (left) and Major General Charles P. Hall (right, pointing) on March 13, 1945.

During World War II, Patrick served on the staff of Admiral William Halsey for a brief period and then became chief of staff of general Walter Krueger's 6th Army. He was the commander of the task forces in the battles of Wakde and Noemfoor. Afterwards, he was given command of the 6th Infantry Division.

During the Philippines campaign of 1944-45 Patrick was inspecting troops near Mount Mataba, south of Montalban, east of Manila on March 14. A Japanese soldier, who had remained in hiding behind American lines, opened fire from with a machine gun, mortally wounding Patrick, who died the next day.

General Patrick was buried in the Manila American Cemetery on 26 November 1945.

Edwin Patrick was one of only three American division commanders to die in combat action in World War II. The other two were Maurice Rose and James Edward Wharton.