George G. O'Connor

George Gray O'Connor (August 24, 1914 – March 24, 1971) was a United States Army lieutenant general who served as commander of the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War and then as commander of VII Corps in West Germany and the Fourth United States Army.

O'Connor began his army career as an enlisted man, but later received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and graduated with the Class of 1938. He rose through the ranks and distinguished himself several times as Field Artillery battalion commander and later as 6th Infantry Division Artillery Commander during World War II.

Early life and education

O'Connor spent two years at the University of California, before enlisting in the United States Army in 1933. He won a competitive appointment to West Point and entered as a member of the Class of 1938. He graduated with Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery Branch and assigned to the 1st Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. During his time in command of the 9th Infantry Division, O'Connor led his command in the U.S. response to the Tet Offensive.

For his service in Vietnam, O'Connor was decorated with the Army Distinguished Service Medal, another two Silver Stars and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Personal life O'Connor married Hope Brown in 1938 and they had two sons.