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First Name: James

Last Name: Lindsay

Birthplace: Portage, WI, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Portage, WI
Middle Name: Joseph



Date of Birth: 10 October 1932

Date of Death: 05 August 2023

Rank: General

Years Served: 1952-1990
James Joseph Lindsay

   
Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

James Joseph Lindsay
General, U.S. Army

James Joseph Lindsay was born on 10 October 1932 in Portage, WI.

Lindsay's military career began with his enlistment in the Army in 1952. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in May 1953 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.

His military education includes the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the National War College. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Science Degree in Foreign Affairs from George Washington University.

Lindsay commanded units at all levels, from platoon through major Army commands, in both peacetime and war. His first assignments were with the 82nd Airborne Division and 77th Special Forces Group. Within the 82nd Airborne Division he has held eight assignments, from platoon to division level. During the Vietnam War, he was an Advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Brigade; commanded the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division and was the G-3 (Assistant Chief-of-Staff, Operations and Plans), for the 9th Infantry Division.

As a general officer, Lindsay commanded the 82nd Airborne Division; the U.S. Army Infantry School; the XVIII Airborne Corps; and the U.S. Readiness Command. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Special Operations Command.

General Lindsay retired from active service on 1 July 1990.

Medals, Awards, Badges & Tabs

Distinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star with Valor Device and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal with Award Numeral 9
Joint Service Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
Army Service Ribbon
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Gold Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge with 2 Combat Stars
Air Assault Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Ranger Tab

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 31 May to 4 June 1968 during an operation which located and destroyed three main force Viet Cong and North Vietnamese battalions in the Plain of Reeds. After two days of tracking the enemy, Colonel Lindsay accompanied his battalion as it was inserted by air into the flank of the communists. Immediately upon landing, his men were brought under extremely heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from a nearby woodline. Moving from position to position under the hail of bullets, he directed his troops' fire and, once fire superiority had been gained, led an assault into the hostile bunker complex which destroyed sixty of the fortifications and forced the enemy to withdraw. He then entered his helicopter and flew low over the embattled area to direct the encirclement of the foe. Noticing a group of Viet Cong escaping across a small canal which had not yet been sealed off, he stopped them with hand grenades and rifle fire. After returning to the ground, he exposed himself to the vicious enemy fusillade to coordinate return fire which repelled the enemy's attempt to break the encirclement. While leading a sweep through the woodline early in the morning of 4 June, he surprised three Viet Cong whom he engaged and killed before they could inflict any casualties upon his men. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 461 (February 10, 1969)

Silver Star Medal Citation (1st of 4 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam, on 21 June 1964. As a Senior Advisor to a battalion of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, Major Lindsay was accompanying the friendly forces on a military mission when they were suddenly ambushed by an enemy element. During the ensuing battle, he displayed determination, professional skill, and fortitude by exposing himself to the intense gun fire to estimate the situation and to recommend appropriate action to his counterpart. Then, when a grenade was dropped directly behind a friendly company, he rushed into the open under heavy weapons fire to direct an air strike by supporting aircraft which succeeded in halting the enemy action. When the battle subsided at nightfall, he organized and controlled the helicopter evacuation of the wounded and dead. His courageous conduct, perseverance, and personal example inspired the Vietnamese forces and assisted them in annihilating a great number of enemy troops. Major Lindsay's conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 5, 1965)

Silver Star Medal Citation (2nd of 4 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action during the period 31 May 1968 to 4 June 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. While leading his battalion on a reconnaissance in force mission in the east central portion of the Plain of Reeds on 1 June, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay skillfully established contact with a Viet Cong element that had been sighted in a nearby wooded area. Coming into an intense barrage of hostile fire at the landing zone, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay instructed his pilot to land. He moved across open rice paddies to the front of his assaulting company, displaying an excellent example of heroism to his untested junior officers. Later, to prevent the enemy's escape, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay personally led his battalion under fire to a new blocking position. Again, on 3 June, he deployed his battalion into a landing zone to flank a recently sighted enemy force. Moving on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay placed himself in a critical area to personally influence the action and urge his men to follow. His leadership, including his personal assault of a bunker complex and his direction and coordination of artillery support, resulted in the deaths of more than 250 insurgent soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay's extraordinary heroism in close combat against the Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Order No. 5969 (July 24, 1968)

Silver Star Medal Citation (3rd of 4 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 and 8 June 1968, while serving as Commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission north of Cai Lai. Inserting two rifle companies in response to an aerial sighting of Viet Cong activity, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay courageously directed his helicopter to land on the battlefield, under heavy anti-aircraft fire, and joined the company in heaviest contact. When one of the company commanders became wounded and was missing for several hours, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay skillfully reorganized the unit and was instrumental in its continued combat effectiveness. Although exposed to enemy marksmen often only 75 meters away, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay provided continuous fire support throughout the afternoon, evening and night. His outstanding leadership and the devastatingly effective supporting fires he brought to bear contributed immeasurably to the decisive victory of his elements over the determined enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay's extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Order No. 7393 (August 24, 1968)

Silver Star Medal Citation (4th of 4 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 and 18 June 1968, while serving as Commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission northeast of Cai Lai, Vietnam. A rifle company he deployed into the area to seek out an enemy force came under heavy fire from a woodline. After directing artillery and gunship fire against the enemy positions, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay quickly inserted another company to block off an escape route. When this unit also came under heavy fire, he immediately deployed the remaining elements to cope with the large enemy force and gained operational control of another rifle company. Despite an intense volume of hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay ordered his helicopter to land in the battle area so that he could personally direct the tactical employment of his ground forces. After engineering the encirclement of the insurgent forces, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay personally adjusted artillery fire and airstrikes on the enemy, often bringing the hazardous fire within 100 meters of his own position. A sweep of the area the following day revealed 64 bodies, 24 weapons, one prisoner of war and two detainees. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay's extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Order No. 5275 (July 1, 1968)

Honors

• Inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame

• Inducted into the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame

• 1996 recipient of the National Infantry Association's Doughboy Award

• 1998 recipient of the United States Special Operations Command Bull Simon Award

In Retirement

Lindsay serves as President of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation, and is a Senior Observer with the Army's Battle Command Training Program. He sits on the Board of Advisors of the National Infantry Foundation.

Personal

General Lindsay and his wife Gerry live in Vass, NC. Their children include three sons: Steven, Michael, and Kevin; and one daughter, Barbara Jacon. Their grandchildren: Erin Lindsay-Caulkins (deceased), Brittany Lindsay, Wayne Lindsay, Lindsay Patton, Tyler Jacon, Evan Lindsay, and Michael Lindsay.



Honoree ID: 272   Created by: MHOH

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