Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Hugh
Johnston
Knerr
1887

–

1971-10-26

Born:

Fairfield

, 

Iowa

Home:

Fairfield

, 

Iowa

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Hugh Kerr graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1908. In 1948 he became the new U.S. Air Force’s FIRST Inspector General, and retired (for the second time) in 1949 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    April 1 – December 1, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces, European Theater, General Orders No. 46 (March 29, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Hugh J. Knerr (ASN: 0-3138), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States during the period from 1 April 1944 to 1 December 1944. General Knerr as Assistant to the Commanding General and later Deputy Commander, Air Service Command, contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishments of the mission of the Air Service Command and exercised delegated command jurisdiction over all Air Service Command personnel within the Continental limits of the United States. He assisted in supplying and maintaining all military aircraft of the Army Air Forces in the United States and all theaters of operation. General Knerr’s unswerving loyalty, devotion to duty, organizational ability and effective management contributed materially to the successful prosecution of the war by the Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Hugh Johnson Knerr (ASN: 0-3138), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knerr and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    January 1, 1948 – June 3, 1949
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 38 (June 13, 1949)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Hugh Johnson Knerr (ASN: 0-3138), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from 1 January 1948 to 3 June 1949. Following the establishment of an autonomous Air Force, it was determined that a new concept of inspection was necessary in order to insure the over-all effectiveness of the Air Force as a member of the National Military Establishment. Designated by the Chief of Staff to create the Office of Inspector General and charged with the responsibility for directing its varied activities, General Knerr conceived and developed a specialized inspection service which stands as a monument to his ingenuity, judgment, and superior ability. In advocating revolutionary changes in inspection procedures, Major General Knerr displayed the same foresight and vision which have characterized his approach to the solution of the many and difficult problems involved in a long succession of important assignments. His achievement in organizing and directing the United States Air Force’s Inspector General system reflects the outstanding qualities of leadership, force, and integrity which have distinguished his long and brilliant military career in the service of his country.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 1943 – February 1944
    War Department, General Orders No. 63 (August 5, 1944)

    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 Hugh Johnston Knerr (ASN: 0-3138), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. As Deputy Commander of the VIII Air Force Service from July 1943 to February 1944, Major General Knerr was charged with the responsibility of reorganizing the Command to meet rapidly expanding demands. During this period the tremendous increase in operations of the EIGHTH Air Force in the Air Offensive resulted in greatly enlarged requirements for assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of engines, maintenance of aircraft and accessories, and the supply of parts and equipment. This greatly enlarged logistical activity was handled with growing efficiency, largely as a result of Major General Knerr’s farsightedness and exceptional organizational ability in planning and executing the reorganization of the command. One of the notable contributions of Major General Knerr was the establishment of sub-depots on heavy bomber stations, thereby increasing the efficiency in the maintenance and servicing of heavy bombardment aircraft. Major General Knerr, by keenest insight and tireless effort, created a supply and maintenance organization which is supporting an air operation of unprecedented size, tempo and complexity. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Knerr and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.