George William Casey, Sr.
Major General, U.S. Army

George William Casey was born on 9 March 1922. He attended Harvard College for a year before transferring to the U.S. Military Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1945. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in 1958 and a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in 1965. He went on to conduct postgraduate study at the Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.

Casey served at the end of World War II. He also served in combat during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, Casey Commanded the 1st Cavalry Division in South Vietnam. On 7 July 1970, he was killed in a helicopter crash in South Vietnam when his UH-1H helicopter hit a mountain near Bao Luc as he was enroute to Cam Ranh Bay to visit his wounded troops.

Major General Casey was the highest ranking officer to die in Vietnam.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal (3 Awards)
Legion of Merit (2 Awards)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device
Purple Heart (2 Awards)
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (2nd Award)
Army Aviator Badge
Master Parachutist Badge

Honors

The name George W Casey is located on Panel 09W Line 126 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Death and Burial

Major General George William Casey, Sr. died on 7 July 1970 in Vietnam. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

General Casey was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.

His son, George William Casey, Jr. [Honoree Record ID 201] served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from April 2007 to April 2011.