Retired Lt. Gen. Burton D. Patrick, a 1957 graduate of UNG.
Article By: Staff
On May 23, the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame unveiled framed photos of its class of 2016, which includes retired Lt. Gen. Burton D. Patrick, a 1957 graduate of the University of North Georgia (UNG).
"The addition of these photos brings the total of brave Americans displayed on the Heroes' Wall of Fame to 66," said retired Col. Paul Longgrear, founder and president of the non-profit organization.
Patrick began his college career in 1953, joining UNG's Corps of Cadets while also playing basketball and baseball all four years that he attended; he served as captain for both teams during his senior year.
He was commissioned into the Army as a second lieutenant on June 2, 1957. His years of service include three years in Germany and various posts throughout the U.S., including the Pentagon, where he served as a liaison officer to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees while assigned to the Office of The Chief Legislative Liaison. He had two combat tours in Vietnam, and traveled worldwide to direct Army upgrading, becoming one of a handful of men who have commanded at every level in the military, from platoon to Combined Field Army. He also served as commanding general of the elite 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from 1985 to 1987. After being promoted to lieutenant general in May 1987, he returned to South Korea and assumed command of the world's only Combined Field Army until his retirement in July 1988.
Patrick's awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, and other awards and badges.
