John F. Gore

John Francis Gore (March 27, 1926 – November 23, 2016) was an American Army major general. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and with the Connecticut National Guard in the Korean War. His career would culminate with being appointed as the Connecticut Adjutant General in 1982 but would be forced to resign in 1985 amid various scandals.

Military career Gore enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in West Haven, Connecticut, in 1943 at the age of 17. He served with the First Marine Division in Okinawa and China during World War II. He was discharged as a corporal in April 1946 and returned to Connecticut. Three years later, John enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard in 1949 and was assigned to the 745th AAA Gun Battalion. The unit was called to active service in 1950 during the Korean War. Upon demobilization, Gore returned again to Connecticut and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served in several battery officer positions before being transferred to the 43rd Infantry Division. 2LT Gore was assigned to the Aviation Company, where he first attended the Infantry Officers’ Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by Army Primary Flight Training Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Upon receiving his Army Aviator Wings, he served in various aviation positions in the Connecticut Army National Guard.

Scandal and resignation During his tenure as adjutant general, Gore became romantically involved with a subordinate officer, which is forbidden by army regulation. After a thorough investigation, General Maxwell R. Thurman, vice-chief of staff of the US Army, severely reprimanded General Gore for an “open and improper relationship with a female subordinate.” The reprimand further stated that General Gore committed an “inexcusable failure to maintain high standards of personal conduct and judgment expected of a general.”

The report was forwarded to Governor O”Neill, who then called Gore to his office to discuss his options. A year prior to the release of the report, Gore had stated to the Governor that if his personal life ever began to interfere with his duties as adjutant general, he would resign. On February 5, 1985, Gore provided the Governor a one-sentence memo:

“Dear Governor O’Neill:

Please accept my resignation as The Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut effective at the close of business on Thursday, 7 February 1985.”

Governor O’Neill appointed John T. Gereski as his successor to fulfill the remainder of General Gore's term.

Effective dates of promotion