John H. Church

Major General John Huston Church (June 28, 1892 – November 3, 1953) was a senior officer in the United States Army. He fought in World War I, World War II and in the Korean War. During the latter conflict, he provided assistance to the South Korean Army in the opening days of the war. He later commanded the 24th Infantry Division while it was engaged in the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter.

Early life John Huston Church was born in the town of Glen Iron in Pennsylvania, on June 28, 1892. From 1915 until 1917, he was a student at New York University. After the American entry into World War I, Church volunteered for the United States Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served on the Western Front with the 28th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). The citation for his DSC reads:

The Silver Star citation reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John Huston Church, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Second Lieutenant Church although wounded and knocked unconscious by a shell, went forward and resumed command of his platoon and remained with his men until ordered to the rear. The medal's citation reads: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Huston Church, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea, from 23 July 1950 to 20 January 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Church and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army. and served in that capacity until his retirement from the military in June 1952. He died on 3 November 1953 in Washington, D.C. Survived by his wife, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.