John E. Sloan

Early career Sloan served in Coast Artillery assignments until 1917, including a posting to Panama. During World War I, he transferred from Coast Artillery to Field Artillery. In 1939, he organized and led the Fourth Army Umpire School, which trained the umpires who adjudicated the results of the Louisiana Maneuvers, Carolina Maneuvers, and other military exercises. At age 55, he was past the wartime age for appointment to command of a division, but his skills as an organizer and trainer led to his assignment to lead this all-draftee unit. After completing pre-deployment requirements at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, the 88th Division departed for the European theatre in late 1943.

Upon returning to the United States, Sloan was appointed president of the Army Decorations Board. This panel reviewed requests to award top-tier decorations including the Medal of Honor, and either took action or recommended approval or disapproval to the chief of staff of the U.S. Army, depending on the level of the award. Sloan's wartime decorations included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, and Legion of Merit from the United States. In addition, he received the Legion of Honor (Officer) from France and the division was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm, both for participation with French troops in the Italian campaign's 1944 Battle of Garigliano. In addition, he received the Order of Merit of Savoy (Commander) from Italy and the Order of the Military from Morocco.

Silver Star citation The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General John Emmit Sloan (ASN: 0-3018), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 May 1944, near Itri, Italy. Commanding General of the 88th Infantry Division, elements of which were attacking the enemy in Itri on 19 May 1944, Major General Sloan entered the town at about 1200 hours to determine the progress of his troops. At that moment the enemy launched a heavy counter-attack, supported by tanks and observed artillery and mortar fire, on the town. Observing that the attack of his troops had been stopped, Major General Sloan, without regard for his own safety moved forward and personally issued orders to his troops to continue the assault. His personal presence and gallant action so inspired the assaulting troops that they pushed forward, broke up the enemy counter-attack and drove the enemy from the town. Major General Sloan’s intrepid leadership and heroic conduct were an inspiring example to the members of his command, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Service: United States Army Rank: Major General Division: 88th Infantry Division Action Date: May 19, 1944 Orders: Headquarters, II Corps, General Orders No. 60 (1944)

Retirement In retirement, Sloan resided in Weaverville, North Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina.

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Dates of rank Sloan's dates of rank were:

Major General (retired), 31 October 1946 Major General (Army of the United States), 20 May 1942 Brigadier General (Army of the United States), 7 April 1941 Colonel (Army), 1 December 1939 Lieutenant Colonel (Army), 1 August 1935 Major (Army), 1 July 1920 Colonel (National Army), 24 October 1918 Lieutenant Colonel (National Army), 18 September 1918 Major (National Army), 19 June 1918 Captain (Army), 15 May 1917 First Lieutenant (Army), 1 July 1916 Second Lieutenant (Army), 3 February 1911 Midshipman (United States Navy), 8 July 1905