GEORGE WILLIAM RHYNE was born 18 January 1913 in Merigold, Mississippi, the oldest of three sons born to William C. and Josephine Rhyne. His father died when he was 12. Although he grew up during the Great Depression, George was fortunate to have a job as a projectionist at a local movie theater, giving him a source of spending money. He was quite active in athletics and was a quarterback on his high school football team. He had a lot of confidence, demonstrated by his nickname, the “Me” Man, because he always wanted to show others how to do things (especially as it related to football).

George enlisted in the Regular Army to attend the West Point Preparatory School from 1932-34 and was appointed to West Point by Senator Hubert D. Stephens of Mississippi. At West Point he played football Plebe Year and ran track the succeeding years. George had a slow Mississippi drawl and liked to expound on most subjects. He also had a playful streak and was known to shoot fireworks from what was then “new” South Barracks into Central Area with a slingshot!

After graduation, George was commissioned in the Infantry, and married the lady he had courted for three years, Vivien Francis Lauer. They went to Fort Jay, New York, where George served as a platoon leader in the 16th Infantry. On 1 September 1939, George was detailed to the Signal Corps and went to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey for schooling.

He then proceeded to the 9th Signal Intelligence Company, Fort Benning, Georgia and on to the 83rd Infantry Division, Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky in preparation for going to Europe. As a Signal officer, George participated in the electronic deception of the Germans prior to the invasion of Europe. Before D-Day, George was “mistakenly” briefed on the full invasion plans. Later, when he returned to his division headquarters, he was not allowed to tell anyone what was going on, not even the division commander.

One example of George’s confidence and quick-thinking occurred when, while conducting reconnaissance in a jeep, he and a companion ran into a German roadblock. He simply demanded their surrender! The Germans had to go back to higher authority for orders, allowing George and his companion to escape.

George was with the 83rd Infantry throughout the remainder of World War II and then commanded the 63rd Signal Operations Battalion based in Vienna. His wife and two children joined him after the war. He then served with the War Department General Staff, Washington, DC, and commanded the Signal Corps Pictorial Center in Long Island City, New York. After the Armed Forces Staff College, George was promoted to colonel and transferred to the Headquarters, Signal Corps Center, Fort Monmouth; then served a short tour as the chief Signal Corps officer for the United States Military Advisory Group to Korea.

He was then transferred to the Signal Corps Training Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia; followed by Fort McPherson, Georgia where he became chief Signal officer for the Third Army. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and sent to Valley Forge Army Hospital. He recuperated for a year before assignment to Fort Monmouth followed by attendance at the Army War College. He then served in the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Washington, DC where he was responsible for senior Signal officer assignments.

George liked Fort Gordon so much he requested the position as commandant, US Army Southeastern Signal Center. He took his final assignment as the commanding officer, US Army Joint Support Command, Fort Richie, Maryland. George could not be promoted to general because his earlier illness did not allow him to take a field assignment. His last two assignments were ones normally filled by general officers; however that requirement was waived to allow him to serve in those positions. George retired with more than 31 years of active service; at that time he was the senior colonel in the US Army.

When George was first assigned to Fort Gordon in 1954 he was not familiar with the post and thought he was in trouble with someone, but he ended up liking the area so much he retired there. George still had the outboard motor boat he had bought in 1958 while serving at Fort Monmouth and docked it at Clark Hill Reservoir. Until his death, he concentrated on fishing at Clark Hill and motor trips around the country. George was able to get Masters Golf Tournament tickets, and many friends came to visit George and Vivien over the years to see them and to attend the Masters. George had a tremendous sense of humor. He could remember an endless number of jokes and stories and always had new ones to tell. He loved cooking and often prepared the family meals. After his retirement he published a cookbook of “good old family recipes.”

George died of cancer in 1981. He was survived by his wife, Vivien; his mother; two brothers, Thomas and Arthur; sons William, Theodore and Joseph; and five grandchildren.

He was a true gentleman, respected greatly by all. We will miss his spirit, drive, dedication and good humor.

Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY