Howard G. Garrison

Howard G. Garrison (2 May 1921 – 14 September 2007) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of World War II, he was a longtime member of the New York Army National Guard and attained the rank of major general. Garrison served from 1939 to 1978, and his career culminated with command of the 42nd Infantry Division. His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

A native of Vestal Center, New York, Garrison was raised and educated in Johnson City and graduated from Johnson City High School in 1939. He joined the National Guard in 1939, and was federalized for active duty during World War II, and he completed officer training in 1942. Garrison served in the China Burma India theater during the war and took part in the post-war Occupation of Japan. After the war, he began a civilian career with IBM and attended Syracuse University.

Garrison rejoined the National Guard after the war and advanced through the ranks to colonel as commander of a battalion, and two brigades. He was assigned as assistant division commander of the 42nd Infantry Division in February 1970, and in March 1971 he was promoted to brigadier general. He was assigned to command the Emergency Command Section at the New York National Guard's state headquarters in December 1971, and in July 1973 he was promoted to major general. Garrison was appointed commander of the 42nd Infantry Division in March 1977, and he remained in this post until his July 1978 retirement.

In retirement, Garrison resided in Johnson City until moving to Anniston, Alabama in 1989. In 2005, he relocated to Glencoe, Alabama. Garrison died in Glencoe on 14 September 2007.

Early life Howard G. Garrison was born in Vestal Center, New York on 2 May 1921, the son of and Elias H. Garrison and Genevieve "Jennie" (Gurney) Garrison. He was raised and educated in Vestal Center and Johnson City; he was a 1936 graduate of C. Fred Johnson Junior High School and a 1939 graduate of Johnson City High School.

In March 1939, Garrison joined the New York Army National Guard when he enlisted as a private in Company E, 10th Infantry Regiment, which was based in Binghamton. In 1940, his regiment was called to federal active duty in anticipation of U.S. entry into World War II. They were married until her death in 2002 and were the parents of a son, Steven.

Start of career After receiving his commission, Garrison was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was promoted to captain in 1945 and served with the 475th Infantry Regiment (Long Range Penetration), which fought alongside units of China's National Revolutionary Army. Major General, 20 July 1973 Lieutenant Colonel, 25 June 1956 Major, 2 September 1952 Captain, 23 June 1945 First Lieutenant, 26 October 1944 Second Lieutenant, 25 November 1942 Enlisted service, 9 March 1939 to 24 November 1942