Lansing McVickar

Lansing McVickar (September 20, 1895 – January 14, 1945) was a career officer with the United States Army. He was highly decorated for his service in World War II, World War I, and the Mexican Border War, including receiving a Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Early life McVickar was born in New London, Connecticut, the son of Janet Lansing and Henry Goelet McVickar. The family also lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Suffolk County, New York. His father died in 1919, followed by his mother in 1929. Next he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 1918. During World War I, he was severely wounded in August 1918. On October 14, 1918, near Véry, France, he volunteered to take a gun to aid the infantry under "hazardous circumstances." He persisted despite the loss of two horses and several wounded men. The 156th was inducted into federal service at that time, with an assignment for Fort Dix in New Jersey.

In 1944, he was in command of the 318th Regiment which spearheaded General George S. Patton's battles in France. In the Battle of Falaise Gap, the 318th played a prominent role. On November 11, 1944, under his leadership, the 318th was one of two regiments that captured Delme Ridge in the Nancy-Metz area. This relieved the 101st Airborne Division which was encircled by the Germans. Distinguished Service Cross, World War I

Personal life After World War I, McVickar became a stockbroker in New York City with his brother's firm Henry L. McVikar of 11 Wall Street. He was a member of the Racquet and Tennis Club of New York. They lived in Southampton, Long Island and Palm Beach, Florida. However, his marriage failed by 1932 when he was living in Southampton, Long Island and Palm Beach, Florida without Frederika.

In December 1930, McVickar was sued for $25,000 by dancer Elizabeth Furst who claimed she had been injured when he moved his car while she was leaning on it on August 15, 1928. She said that McVickar and banker Harding Woodall kept her at the latter's hotel apartment overnight instead of taking her to the hospital. Furst sustained cuts, bruises, and a broken wrist which she said ruined her dancing career. She waited to sue because she thought McVickar would eventually pay for her ruined dress and hospital bill. McVickar denied the charges, indicating that Furst caused her own injuries. At the same time, she sued Frederick D. Underwood, former president of the Erie Railroad and father of her former fiancé, for $100,000 for slander.

McVickar later married Erna-Marie Ahrens. They lived in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. After his death in combat in 1945, McVickar was buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.