Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Benjamin
Kean
1897-07-08

–

1981-03-10

Born:

Buffalo

, 

New York

Home:

Buffalo

, 

New York

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

William Kean graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1919. He retired in 1954 as a U.S. Army Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    1st Army

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1947
    War Department, General Orders No. 60 (1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chief of Staff, FIRST Army, from 1944 to 1947.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1950 – February 19, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 12 (February 26, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea, from 8 July 1950 to 19 February 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kean and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1950
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 90 (1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in 1950. Major General Kean directed his Division in opening its attack from Masan to take Chinju on 25 July 1950. He proceeded well to the front of his command making personal reconnaissance to speed the advance. He was constantly in the forward positions, coming under heavy enemy fire from artillery, mortars, and small arms. His leadership, courage, and disregard for his safety inspired his men and his gallantry, heroism, and valor without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    1st Army

    Action Date:

    1/1/1944
    War Department, General Orders No. 64 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chief of Staff, FIRST Army in 1944.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    2d Corps

    Action Date:

    1943
    Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General William Benjamin Kean (ASN: 0-12470), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, SECOND Corps, in 1943.