Halley G. Maddox

Halley Grey Maddox (January 29, 1899 – May 26, 1977) was a career officer in the United States Army. A 1920 graduate of the United States Military Academy, he was originally assigned to the Infantry branch and later transferred to Cavalry. A noted horseman, he took part in numerous equestrian shows as a member of U.S. Army teams and was also a member of numerous Army polo teams during the height of the sport's popularity in the 1920s.

A veteran of World War II, Maddox served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3) on the staff of General George S. Patton during Patton's command of Seventh and Third U.S. Armies during combat in North Africa and Europe. Maddox attained the rank of major general and was notable after World War II for his command of the 25th Infantry Division and Korean Military Advisory Group during the Korean War. He subsequently commanded the 9th Infantry Division and U.S. VII Corps. He later served as chief of staff and deputy commander of United States Army Europe, and his final assignment before retiring in 1959 was deputy commander of Second United States Army.

After retiring from the military, Maddox served as assistant to the president of San Marcos Baptist Academy. He retired from this position in 1967 and was a resident of San Marcos, Texas. He died in there in 1977 and was buried at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Wimberley, Texas.

Early life

Halley Grey Maddox was born in McHenry, Kentucky on January 29, 1899, a son of Claude H. Maddox and Susan (Stewart) Maddox. He was raised and educated in Central City, Kentucky, and graduated from Hartford College, a two-year institution located in Hartford, Kentucky.

Maddox graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1917, then received appointment to the United States Military Academy from U.S. Representative Robert Y. Thomas Jr. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry branch. He was subsequently assigned to the 12th Cavalry, also at Fort Brown. He reverted to his permanent rank of second lieutenant in 1922. From April 1924 to April 1925, he was a student in the Air Corps Primary Flying School at Brooks Field, Texas. Assigned to the 9th Cavalry Regiment, he served on the Cavalry School faculty again from 1933 to 1938, and was promoted to captain in 1935. In 1941 he graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College. and was assigned to command 2nd Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

In December 1941, Maddox received promotion to temporary lieutenant colonel, His next posting was as assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3) for I Armored Corps, which was commanded by George S. Patton. Maddox served on the corps staff during the unit's initial organization and training. Assigned as G-3 of Seventh Army, again under Patton's command, Maddox took part in planning and executing the Allied invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943.

Post-World War II After the war, Maddox reverted to the permanent rank of colonel. He then served as chief of staff for Army Field Forces at Fort Monroe, Virginia. In September 1952, Maddox received promotion to major general.

Korean War From August 1953 to May 1954, Maddox commanded the 25th Infantry Division in South Korea. In addition, he approved and presented numerous awards and decorations to recognize members of the division for their service and heroism in combat. During the fall of 1953, Maddox also served as interim commander of I Corps, following the departure of Bruce C. Clarke and prior to the arrival of Blackshear M. Bryan.

From June to November 1954, Maddox commanded the Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG).

Post-Korean War In November 1954, Maddox was assigned as commander of the 9th Infantry Division, which was stationed in West Germany. During his command, which took place as the Cold War was ongoing, the division took part in training and exercises intended to deter the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from invading Western Europe. From June to July 1956, he was interim commander of VII Corps. Maddox remained on the academy staff until retiring in 1967. With the release of the film Patton in 1970, members of the news media asked to interview him. After screening the film, Maddox provided reporters with his impressions of the movie, which were generally favorable, and his recollections of his World War II service under Patton's command. He was buried at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Wimberley, Texas.

Awards Maddox's awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, and Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster. His foreigh awards and decorations included: the French Legion of Honor, Croix de Guerre with Palm and Medal of Metz; the Czechoslovak War Cross and Order of the White Lion; She was the mother of a daughter, Jean (b. 1920). They divorced after World War II, and in December 1949 Maddox married Madeleine (Ehrheart) Chace (1907–2006). She was the mother of two daughters, Madeleine and Sara.