Joseph C. Fegan Jr.

Joseph Charles Fegan Jr. (21 December 1920 – 2 January 1991) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant general. A son of Major General Joseph C. Fegan, he received several citations for bravery during three wars and completed his career as commanding general, Marine Corps Development and Education Command.

Early career and World War II Stateside duty Joseph C. Fegan Jr. was born on 21 December 1920, in Los Angeles, California, as the son of future Marine Major general, Joseph C. Fegan and Adelaide Loring Mitchell. Upon the graduation from high school, he enrolled the Princeton University, where he was active in Varsity football team as Tackle. Fegan also entered the ROTC unit and also enlisted the Marine Corps Reserve on 5 May 1941.

Fegan completed that training in February 1943 and then was ordered to the Field Artillery School also located at Quantico. He completed the training in April of that year and assumed duty as an Artillery Instructor at Camp Pendleton, California. Fegan was integrated into the regular Marine Corps in May 1943 and joined newly activated 4th Battalion, 14th Marine Artillery Regiment one month later.

The 14th Marines were subsequently attached to the 4th Marine Division under Major General Harry Schmidt and Fegan was promoted to first lieutenant in August 1943. He subsequently assumed command of Battery M of his battalion and took part in the intensive training at Camp Dunlap.

1950-1966

Fegan was subsequently evacuated to the United States for treatment and following his recovery, he was promoted to major and appointed executive officer with 1st Recruit Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He was later appointed an instructor with the NROTC unit at Yale University and remained in that capacity for almost two years.

Fegan remained in that capacity until July 1967, when he completed his tour and was ordered back to the United States for new assignment. For his service in that capacity, he was decorated by Army Legion of Merit and also received Vietnam Staff Service Medal, 1st Class by the Government of South Vietnam.

Following the promotion to lieutenant general on 30 August 1975, Fegan assumed duty as commanding general, Marine Corps Development and Education Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico. While in this capacity, he was responsible for the training and education at The Basic School, Officer Candidates School, Amphibious Warfare School and other facilities there. He also simultaneously commanded the Quantico Base until his retirement.

Medals and decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Fegan Jr.: