John Francis Uncles

John Francis Uncles (18 September 1898 – 20 January 1967) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army. He attained prominence as commander of the United States VII Corps.

Early life Uncles was born on September 18, 1898, in Chillicothe, Missouri. His family moved to Kansas City when he was six, and he was educated at St. Vincent's parochial school and De La Salle Academy, graduating with special honors in 1916 and receiving the Bishop's medal for finishing with first honors in the literary-scientific course. After graduation, he joined the Missouri National Guard, enlisting a few days following the declaration of war for World War I.

Early military career Chosen by Truman when unit commanders were asked after the armistice to help replenish the Army's supply of junior officers by nominating candidates from the enlisted ranks, in 1918 Uncles began attendance at the United States Military Academy. He graduated in 1922 with a commission as a second lieutenant of Artillery.

Uncles served in Artillery assignments of increasing responsibility and rank throughout the United States and overseas.

In 1927, he graduated from the Field Artillery Officer Course. From 1930 to 1934 Uncles was an instructor at the United States Military Academy.

Uncles served with the 11th Field Artillery Regiment in Hawaii from 1934 to 1937.

In 1938, Uncles graduated from the Command & General Staff College, afterwards being assigned as instructor in the Department of Tactics & Communications at the Fort Sill, Oklahoma Field Artillery School, where he served until 1940.

World War II

In 1942, Uncles was assigned as assistant personnel officer, G-1, at Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, where he remained until 1943.

Uncles was assigned to the staff of the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill in 1943, and later that year, he attended the New Division Officers Course, also at Fort Sill.

Post World War II In 1945 Uncles was appointed to command the 32nd Field Artillery Brigade in Germany, serving until 1946.

In 1948, Uncles became Chief of Staff of United States Constabulary in Europe, serving until 1950, when he was named commander of the 4th Infantry Division Artillery, which he led until 1951.

Uncles was commander of Seventh Army Artillery from 1951 to 1952, after which he was assigned to the staff of the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, G-4, as deputy assistant chief of staff for research and development, where he served until 1953.

From 1953 to 1954 Uncles was the Army’s Chief of Research & Development.

Uncles was appointed Chief of Staff for United States Army, Europe in 1954, and served in this assignment until 1956.

In 1956 Uncles was assigned as commander of the VII Corps, serving until his 1958 retirement.

Awards and decorations Uncles’ awards included two Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

Retirement and death

General Uncles retired in 1958, afterwards residing in Washington, D.C. He died at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., on 20 January 1967. Uncles is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with his.

Personal In 1926 Uncles was married to Elizabeth Bowman Banks (1902–1999). Their daughter Margaret U. "Marka" Huffman (1930–2009), was married to Army Major General Burnside E. Huffman (1920–2005).