Edwin Davies Patrick, was born on 11 January 1894 in Tell City, IN, the son of John Thomas Patrick and Anna Elnore Menninger, sister of Carl Frederick Menninger, founder of the Menninger Clinic. Patrick was raised in Tell City and was commissioned in the Indiana National Guard in 1915 following his graduation from college.

Patrick fought in World War I and participated in the Saint-Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives.

During World War II, Patrick served on the staff of Admiral William Halsey for a brief period and then became Chief of Staff of General Walter Krueger's 6th Army. He was the commander of the task forces in the Battles of Wakde and Noemfoor. Afterwards, he was given command of the 6th Infantry Division.

Major General Edwin Davies Patrick was mortally wounded in action on 14 March 1945 during the Philippines campaign of 1944-45 while leading his men. He was one of only three American division commanders to die in combat action in World War II.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Purple Heart

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Major General Edwin D. Patrick (ASN: 0-4903), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 March 1945, in the Philippine Islands. Major General Patrick's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 53 (1945)

Honors

A Navy transport ship, USNS General Edwin D. Patrick (T-AP-124), was named in his honor.

Burial

Major General Edwin Davies Patrick is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Tell City, IN.