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{{short description|U.S. Army Major General}}
{{short description|United States Army general (1895–1971)}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| name = John Matthew Devine
| name = John Matthew Devine
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| death_date = {{death date and age|1971|3|8|1895|6|18}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1971|3|8|1895|6|18}}
| image = Gen Devine.jpg
| image = Gen Devine.jpg
| birth_place = [[Providence, Rhode Island]]
| birth_place = [[Providence, Rhode Island]], US
| death_place = [[Leesburg, Virginia]]
| death_place = [[Leesburg, Virginia]], US
| allegiance = {{flag|United States of America}}
| allegiance = United States
| branch = {{Flag| United States Army}}
| branch = {{Flag| United States Army}}
| serviceyears = 1917-1952
| serviceyears = 1917-1952
| rank = [[File:US-O8 insignia.svg|30px]] [[Major General (United States)|Major General]]
| rank = [[File:US-O8 insignia.svg|30px]] [[Major General (United States)|Major general]]
| servicenumber = 0-5232
| servicenumber = 0-5232
| unit = [[File:USA - Army Field Artillery Insignia.png|25px]] [[Field Artillery Branch (United States)|Field Artillery Branch]]
| unit = [[File:USA - Army Field Artillery Insignia.png|25px]] [[Field Artillery Branch (United States)|Field Artillery Branch]]
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*[[Rhineland Campaign]]
*[[Rhineland Campaign]]
*[[Ruhr Pocket]]
*[[Ruhr Pocket]]
*[[Western Allied invasion of Germany|Central European Campaing]]
*[[Western Allied invasion of Germany|Central European Campaign]]
| awards = [[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Silver Star]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]]<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]] (2)
| awards = [[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Silver Star]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]]<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]] (2)
}}
}}
'''John Matthew Devine''' (June 18, 1895 March 8, 1971) was a highly decorated officer in the [[United States Army]] with the rank of [[Major General (United States)|major general]]. A graduate of the [[United States Military Academy]], he is most noted as Commanding general, [[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]] in the [[European Theater of Operations]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook">{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Charles V.|title=Current biography yearbook 1948 - Who's News and Why|publisher=H.W. Wilson|location=New York City|year=1948|pages=8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DpsYAAAAIAAJ&q=Major+general+John+M.+Devine|access-date=December 8, 2017}}</ref>


Following the War, Devine held several divisional commands, including [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]], [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] and [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]] and completed his service in 1952.<ref name="generals.dk">{{cite web | url = http://generals.dk/general/Devine/John_Matthew/USA.html | access-date = 12 April 2017 | work = generals.dk | title = Biography of Major-General John Matthew Devine (1895 - 1971), USA | publisher = generals.dk Websites}}</ref>
'''John Matthew Devine''' (June 18, 1895 - March 8, 1971) was a highly decorated officer in the [[United States Army]] with the rank of [[Major General (United States)|Major General]]. A graduate of the [[United States Military Academy]], he is most noted as Commanding general, [[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]] in the [[European Theater of Operations]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook">{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Charles V.|author2= |title=Current biography yearbook 1948 - Who's News and Why|publisher=H.W. Wilson|location=New York City|year=1948|pages=8|isbn=|url=https://books.google.cz/books?id=DpsYAAAAIAAJ&q=Major+general+John+M.+Devine&dq=Major+general+John+M.+Devine&hl=cs&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwicy7qdvfjkAhXNUhUIHWEsBhwQ6AEITzAF|accessdate=December 8, 2017|authorlink=}}</ref>

Following the War, Devine held several divisional commands including [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]], [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] and [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]] and completed his service in 1952.<ref name="generals.dk">{{cite web | url = http://generals.dk/general/Devine/John_Matthew/USA.html | accessdate = 12 April 2017 | work = generals.dk | title = Biography of Major-General John Matthew Devine (1895 - 1971), USA | publisher = generals.dk Websites}}</ref>


==Early career==
==Early career==
John M. Devine was born on June 18, 1895, in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], as the son of Patrick and Bridget Devine. He graduated from the [[La Salle Academy (Rhode Island)|La Salle Academy]] in Providence in May 1912 and received an appointment to the [[United States Military Academy]] (USMA) at [[West Point, New York]], in June 1913. While at the academy, he was a member of the Class 1917, which produced more than 55 future general officers, including two [[Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Army Chiefs of Staff]]{{snd}}[[J. Lawton Collins|Joseph L. Collins]] and [[Matthew B. Ridgway]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Other classmates include: [[Clare Hibbs Armstrong|Clare H. Armstrong]], [[Aaron Bradshaw Jr.]], [[Mark W. Clark]], [[John T. Cole]], [[Norman D. Cota]], [[William W. Eagles]], [[Theodore L. Futch]], [[Charles H. Gerhardt]], [[Augustus M. Gurney]], [[Ernest N. Harmon]], [[William Kelly Harrison Jr.]], [[Robert W. Hasbrouck]], [[Frederick A. Irving]], [[Laurence B. Keiser]], [[Charles S. Kilburn]], [[Bryant E. Moore]], [[Daniel Noce]], [[Onslow S. Rolfe]], [[Norman Schwarzkopf Sr.|Herbert N. Schwarzkopf]], [[Albert C. Smith (general)|Albert C. Smith]], [[George Douglas Wahl|George D. Wahl]], [[Raymond E. S. Williamson]], and [[George H. Weems]].<ref name="Westpoint">{{cite web|url=https://www.westpointaog.org/memorial-article?id=b7170121-2e6f-4171-8fc5-d2abad90ab34|title=John M. Devine 1917 - West Point Association of Graduates}}</ref>
John M. Devine was born on June 18, 1895 in [[Providence, Rhode Island]] as the son of Patrick and Bridget Devine. He graduated from the [[La Salle Academy, Providence|La Salle Academy]] in Providence in May 1912 and received an appointment to the [[United States Military Academy]] at [[West Point, New York]] in June 1913. While at the Academy, he was a member of the Class 1917, which produced more than 55 future general officers including two [[Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Army Chiefs of Staff]] ([[J. Lawton Collins|Joseph L. Collins]] and [[Matthew B. Ridgway]]).<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>


Devine graduated with [[Bachelor of Science]] degree on April 20, 1917, shortly following the United States entry into World War I, and was commissioned second lieutenant in the [[Field Artillery Branch (United States)|Field Artillery Branch]]. Due to need of officers during the mobilization, he was promoted to first lieutenant on May 15, 1917, and to temporary rank of captain on August 5, that year. Devine was attached to the [[3rd Field Artillery Regiment (United States)|3rd Field Artillery Regiment]] at [[Fort Sam Houston]], [[Texas]] and following the intensive training and preparations for combat deployment at [[Leon Springs, Texas]], he was ordered to the [[United States Army Field Artillery School|Army Field Artillery School]] at [[Fort Sill]], [[Oklahoma]] in February 1918, where he completed one-month course.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />
Among his classmates were: [[Clare Hibbs Armstrong|Clare H. Armstrong]], [[Rex W. Beasley]], [[Robert M. Bathurst]], [[Henry A. Barber Jr.]], [[Aaron Bradshaw Jr.]], [[William O. Butler (general)|William O. Butler]], [[Theodore E. Buechler]], [[Homer C. Brown]], [[John T. Bissell]], [[Mark W. Clark]], [[John T. Cole]], [[Miles A. Cowles]], [[Gerald A. Counts]], [[Norman D. Cota]], [[J. Lawton Collins|Joseph L. Collins]], [[John W. Coffey (general)|John W. Coffey]], [[James A. Code Jr.]], [[William F. Daugherty]], [[William W. Eagles]], [[Charles H. Gerhardt]], [[Augustus M. Gurney]], [[Theodore L. Futch]], [[Robert W. Hasbrouck]], [[William Kelly Harrison Jr.|William K. Harrison Jr.]], [[Arthur M. Harper]], [[Ernest N. Harmon]], [[Horace Harding]], [[Milton B. Halsey]], [[Edwin J. House]], [[Joel G. House]], [[Charles S. Kilburn]], [[Laurence B. Keiser]], [[Harris Jones]], [[Harold R. Jackson]], [[Frederick A. Irving]], [[Harris M. Melasky]], [[William C. McMahon]], [[John T. Murray (general)|John T. Murray]], [[Charles L. Mullins Jr.]], [[Bryant E. Moore]], [[Daniel Noce]], [[Harold A. Nisley]], [[Matthew B. Ridgway]], [[William O. Reeder]], [[Onslow S. Rolfe]], [[Thomas D. Stamps]], [[Willis R. Slaughter]], [[Stephen H. Sherrill]], [[Norman Schwarzkopf Sr.|Herbert N. Schwarzkopf]], [[Albert C. Smith (general)|Albert C. Smith]], [[Joseph P. Sullivan]], [[Edward W. Timberlake]], [[George Douglas Wahl|George D. Wahl]], [[George F. Wooley Jr.]], [[Sterling A. Wood]], [[Raymond E. S. Williamson]], [[Robert A. Willard]] and [[George H. Weems]].<ref name="Westpoint">{{cite web|url=https://www.westpointaog.org/memorial-article?id=b7170121-2e6f-4171-8fc5-d2abad90ab34|title=John M. Devine 1917 - West Point Association of Graduates|publisher=}}</ref>


He was subsequently ordered to [[Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma]], where he was stationed until July 1918, when he embarked for [[Europe]] to reinforce [[American Expeditionary Force]]. Following his arrival to [[France]], Devine was attached as an Instructor to the Army Field Artillery Center at [[Valdahon]]. He was later transferred to the Fourteen Training Area at [[Villouxel]], [[Dijon]] and was promoted to the temporary rank of major.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />
Devine graduated with [[Bachelor of Science]] degree on April 20, 1917, shortly following the United States entry into World War I, and was commissioned second lieutenant in the [[Field Artillery Branch (United States)|Field Artillery Branch]]. Due to need of officers during the mobilization, he was promoted to first lieutenant on May 15, 1917 and to temporary rank of Captain on August 5, that year. Devine was attached to the [[3rd Field Artillery Regiment (United States)|3rd Field Artillery Regiment]] at [[Fort Sam Houston]], [[Texas]] and following the intensive training and preparations for combat deployment at [[Leon Springs, Texas]], he was ordered to the [[United States Army Field Artillery School|Army Field Artillery School]] at [[Fort Sill]], [[Oklahoma]] in February 1918, where he completed one-month course.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>

He was subsequently ordered to [[Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma]], where he was stationed until July 1918, when he embarked for [[Europe]] to reinforce [[American Expeditionary Force]]. Following his arrival to [[France]], Devine was attached as an Instructor to the Army Field Artillery Center at [[Valdahon]]. He was later transferred to the Fourteen Training Area at [[Villouxel]], [[Dijon]] and was promoted to the temporary rank of Major.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>


==Interwar period==
==Interwar period==
Devine returned to the United States in June 1919 and reverted to the peacetime rank of captain on June 30, 1919. He then rejoined his 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at [[Camp Grant (Illinois)|Camp Grant]], [[Illinois]] and served with that outfit until August 1921, when he was ordered to the [[Yale University]]. Devine graduated with [[Master of Science]] degree in communications engineering in June 1922.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Devine returned to the United States in June 1919 and reverted to the peacetime rank of Captain on June 30, 1919. He then rejoined his 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at [[Camp Grant (Illinois)|Camp Grant]], [[Illinois]] and served with that outfit until August 1921, when he was ordered to the [[Yale University]]. Devine graduated with [[Master of Science]] degree in communications engineering in June 1922.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
Upon the graduation from Yale, Devine was ordered to the [[United States Army Field Artillery School|Army Field Artillery School]] at [[Fort Sill]], [[Oklahoma]], where he served as an instructor of tactics until July 1923, when he was transferred to the West Point Military Academy for same assignment. After five years of teaching, Devine returned to the Army Field Artillery School as student and entered the Advanced course.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />

Upon the graduation from Yale, Devine was ordered to the [[United States Army Field Artillery School|Army Field Artillery School]] at [[Fort Sill]], [[Oklahoma]], where he served as an Instructor of tactics until July 1923, when he was transferred to the West Point Military Academy for same assignment. After five years of teaching, Devine returned to the Army Field Artillery School as student and entered the Advanced course.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>


He completed the course in July 1929 and remained there as an Instructor in gunnery until June 1932, when he was promoted to Major and ordered back to West Point for duty as an Assistant Professor of English. Devine was sent to the [[Presidio of San Francisco]] in August 1936 and assumed duty as Executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, [[76th Field Artillery Regiment]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
He completed the course in July 1929 and remained there as an instructor in gunnery until June 1932, when he was promoted to major and ordered back to West Point for duty as an assistant professor of English. Devine was sent to the [[Presidio of San Francisco]] in August 1936 and assumed duty as Executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, [[76th Field Artillery Regiment]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


In June 1937, Devine was ordered to the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|Army Command and General Staff School]] and upon the graduation in following June, he assumed duty as an Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at [[Yale University]]. During the end of his tenure, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel on May 16, 1940.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
In June 1937, Devine was ordered to the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|Army Command and General Staff School]] and upon the graduation in following June, he assumed duty as an assistant professor of Military Science and Tactics at [[Yale University]]. During the end of his tenure, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel on May 16, 1940.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


==World War II==
==World War II==
Devine was transferred to the newly created [[Armor Branch]] in July 1940 and assumed duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3), [[1st Armored Division (United States)|1st Armored Division]] under Major general [[Bruce Magruder]]. He was one of the first officers in the Armor branch and participated in the initial training of the division and development of the branch. Devine was transferred to the headquarters, [[I Armored Corps (United States)|I Armored Corps]] under Major General [[Charles L. Scott (U.S. Army general)|Charles L. Scott]].<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Devine was transferred to the newly created [[Armor Branch]] in July 1940 and assumed duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3), [[1st Armored Division (United States)|1st Armored Division]] under Major general [[Bruce Magruder]]. He was one of the first officers in the Armor branch and participated in the initial training of the division and development of the branch. Devine was transferred to the headquarters, [[I Armored Corps (United States)|I Armored Corps]] under Major general [[Charles L. Scott (general)|Charles L. Scott]].<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
Following the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] and United States entry into World War II, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of colonel on December 11, 1941, and appointed Chief of Staff, [[I Armored Corps (United States)|I Armored Corps]] under Major general [[George S. Patton]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Following the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] and United States entry into World War II, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of Colonel on December 11, 1941 and appointed Chief of Staff, [[I Armored Corps (United States)|I Armored Corps]] under Major general [[George S. Patton]].<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
On May 24, 1942, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of brigadier general and attached to the [[6th Armored Division (United States)|6th Armored Division]] under Major general [[Carlos Brewer]] at [[Fort Knox]], [[Kentucky]] as commanding officer, [[Combat Command|Combat Command A]], a combined brigade size unit of tanks, armored infantry, armored field artillery battalions and engineer units.<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


On May 24, 1942, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of Brigadier general and attached to the [[6th Armored Division (United States)|6th Armored Division]] under Major general [[Carlos Brewer]] at [[Fort Knox]], [[Kentucky]] as Commanding officer, [[Combat Command|Combat Command A]], a combined brigade size unit of tanks, armored infantry, armored field artillery battalions and engineer units.<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
Devine was attached to the [[90th Infantry Division (United States)|90th Infantry Division]] under Major general [[Henry Terrell Jr.]] and embarked to the [[European Theater of Operations]] in April 1944. After two months of training in [[England]], 90th Division landed on [[Utah Beach]] on [[D-Day]], June 6, 1944, and participated in the combats in [[Normandy]], [[France]] and in the closing of the [[Falaise Pocket]]. He was decorated with [[Bronze Star Medal]] for his service in Normandy.<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Devine was attached to the [[90th Infantry Division (United States)|90th Infantry Division]] under Major general [[Henry Terrell Jr.]] and embarked to the [[European Theater of Operations]] in April 1944. After two months of training in [[England]], 90th Division landed on [[Utah Beach]] on [[D-Day]], June 6, 1944, and participated in the combats in [[Normandy]], [[France]] and in the closing of the [[Falaise Pocket]]. He was decorated with [[Bronze Star Medal]] for his service in Normandy.<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
On September 8, 1944, Devine distinguished himself during the combats near the city of [[Verdun]]. When a large force of enemy tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, penetrated the front, the breakthrough extended to the Divisional command post, a fire fight commenced immediately. The enemy fire became exceptionally heavy resulting in a number of casualties. Devine personally directed the defenses, moving about under small arms and tank fire in the moonlight. His efforts helped drove out the Germans and he was decorated with [[Silver Star]] for bravery.<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" /> The citation for the medal reads:


On September 8, 1944, Devine distinguished himself during the combats near the city of [[Verdun]]. When a large force of enemy tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, penetrated the front, the breakthrough extended to the Divisional command post, a fire fight commenced immediately. The enemy fire became exceptionally heavy resulting in a number of casualties. Devine personally directed the defenses, moving about under small arms and tank fire in the moonlight. His efforts helped drove out the Germans and he was decorated with [[Silver Star]] for bravery.<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
{{Blockquote|The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General John Matthew Devine (ASN: 0-5232), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Division Artillery, 90th Infantry Division in Northern France. On 8 September 1944 near ****, France, when a large force of enemy tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, penetrated the front, the breakthrough extended to the Command Posts of ****, a fire fight commenced immediately. The enemy fire became exceptionally heavy resulting in a number of casualties. Brigadier General Devine personally directed the defenses, moving about under small arms and tank fire in the moonlight. His calmness under fire and gallantry in action were a reassuring influence to the personnel, the action of which was material to turning back the enemy force and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.}}


Devine was transferred to the struggling [[7th Armored Division (United States)|7th Armored Division]], where he succeeded Brigadier general [[John B. Thompson (general)|John B. Thompson]] (who was relieved by [[George S. Patton|General Patton]]) as Commanding general, Combat Command B. However his tenure was short, because he was personally selected by General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] as new commanding general, [[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]].<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
Devine was transferred to the struggling [[7th Armored Division (United States)|7th Armored Division]], where he succeeded Brigadier general [[John B. Thompson (general)|John B. Thompson]] (who was relieved by [[George S. Patton|General Patton]]) as Commanding general, Combat Command B. However his tenure was short, because he was personally selected by General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] as new commanding general, [[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]].<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


The 8th Armored Division was still in the United States, preparing for the combat deployment at [[Fort Polk|Camp Polk]], [[Louisiana]], but divisional commander, Major general [[William M. Grimes]], was declared unfit for combat duty and need to be relieved. Devine succeeded him on October 2, 1944 and began with the moving of the division to the [[Camp Kilmer]], New York in preparation for shipment overseas.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="8th AD">{{cite web|url=http://www.8th-armored.org/books/leach/tw02.htm|title=The 8th Armored Division Diary|publisher=}}</ref>
The 8th Armored Division was still in the United States, preparing for the combat deployment at [[Fort Polk|Camp Polk]], [[Louisiana]], but divisional commander, Major general [[William M. Grimes]], was declared unfit for combat duty and need to be relieved. Devine succeeded him on October 2, 1944, and began with the moving of the division to the [[Camp Kilmer]], New York in preparation for shipment overseas.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="8th AD">{{cite web|url=http://www.8th-armored.org/books/leach/tw02.htm|title=The 8th Armored Division Diary}}</ref>


After some additional training and acquisition of new equipment at Tidworth, England, the 8th Armored Division landed in France, January 5, 1945. Devine led his division during the last combats during the [[Battle of the Bulge]] and after brief rest and refit in the [[Netherlands]], he participated in the combats near the town of [[Echt, Netherlands|Echt]]. The 8th Armored Division then participated in the combats in the [[Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine|Rhineland]] and in the [[Ruhr Pocket]], advancing more eastward to the [[Germany]]. The 8th Armored liberated Halberstadt-Zwieberge, a subcamp of the [[Buchenwald]] concentration camp, between April 12 and 17, 1945 during its drive through central Germany.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="8th AD"></ref>
After some additional training and acquisition of new equipment at [[Tidworth Camp|Tidworth]], England, the 8th Armored Division landed in France, January 5, 1945. Devine led his division during the last combats during the [[Battle of the Bulge]] and after brief rest and refit in the Netherlands, he participated in the combats near the town of [[Echt, Netherlands|Echt]]. The 8th Armored Division then participated in the combats in the [[Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine|Rhineland]] and in the [[Ruhr Pocket]], advancing more eastward to the [[Germany]]. The 8th Armored liberated Halberstadt-Zwieberge, a subcamp of the [[Buchenwald]] concentration camp, between April 12 and 17, 1945 during its drive through central Germany.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="8th AD" />


Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of Major general on May 2, 1945 and following the surrender of Nazi Germany few days later, he led his division to [[Plzeň|Pilsen]], [[Czechoslovakia]] for occupation duty and guarding of German Prisoners-of-War. For his service with 8th Armored Division, Devine received [[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]], [[Legion of Merit]] and second [[Bronze Star Medal]].<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine"></ref><ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="8th AD"></ref>
Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of major general on May 2, 1945, and following the surrender of Nazi Germany few days later, he led his division to [[Plzeň|Pilsen]], [[Czechoslovakia]] for occupation duty and guarding of German Prisoners-of-War. For his service with 8th Armored Division, Devine received [[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]], [[Legion of Merit]] and second [[Bronze Star Medal]].<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine" /><ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="8th AD" />


He was also decorated by the Allies and received [[Legion of Honour]] and [[Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 (France)|Croix de Guerre with Palm]] by the [[France]], [[Order of Orange-Nassau]] by the Government of the [[Netherlands]] and [[Order of the White Lion]] and [[Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945|War Cross 1939-1945]] by the Government of Czechoslovakia.<ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
He was also decorated by the Allies and received [[Legion of Honour]] and [[Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 (France)|Croix de Guerre with Palm]] from France, [[Order of Orange-Nassau]] from the Government of the Netherlands and [[Order of the White Lion]] and [[Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945|War Cross 1939-1945]] from the Government of Czechoslovakia.<ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


==Postwar service==
==Postwar service==
Devine was ordered to the [[United States]] in September 1945 and assumed command of [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]] located at [[Camp Hood]], [[Texas]]. He was responsible for the demobilization of many units returning home from the [[European Theater of Operations]].<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />


Due to the postwar reduction of the Army, Devine was reverted to the peacetime rank of brigadier general and appointed commanding general of the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit (UMT) at [[Fort Knox]], [[Kentucky]]. The UMT was the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit for the seventeen-to-nineteenth year old volunteers. He was succeeded by Brigadier general [[Josef R. Sheetz]].<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="News">{{cite web|url=https://img.newspapers.com/img/img?institutionId=0&user=0&id=108417730&width=557&height=1079&crop=170_895_2241_4423&rotation=0&brightness=0&contrast=0&invert=0&ts=1556742187&h=7727419349e4c7b86cc3f0f298c020b0|title=U.M.T. Unit's Commander to leave post at Fort Knox}}</ref><ref name="UMT">{{cite web | url = https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/photograph-records/98-1104 | access-date = 12 April 2017 | work = trumanlibrary.gov | title = General John M. Devine with Recruit During Training at Fort Knox | publisher = Truman Library Websites}}</ref>
Devine was ordered to the [[United States]] in September 1945 and assumed command of [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]] located at [[Camp Hood]], [[Texas]]. He was responsible for the demobilization of many units returning home from the [[European Theater of Operations]].<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>


In January 1948, Devine was transferred to [[Fort Monroe]], [[Virginia]] for duty as Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3), [[Army Ground Forces|Army Field Forces]] under General [[Jacob L. Devers]]. He was responsible for planning of training of new recruits and also had the authority to revise training manuals and schedules. Devine was promoted again to Major general in May 1948 and appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Army Field Forces.<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" />
Due to the postwar reduction of the Army, Devine was reverted to the peacetime rank of Brigadier general and appointed Commanding general of the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit (UMT) at [[Fort Knox]], [[Kentucky]]. The UMT was the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit for the seventeen-to-nineteenth year old volunteers. He was succeeded by Brigadier general [[Josef R. Sheetz]].<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="News">{{cite web|url=https://img.newspapers.com/img/img?institutionId=0&user=0&id=108417730&width=557&height=1079&crop=170_895_2241_4423&rotation=0&brightness=0&contrast=0&invert=0&ts=1556742187&h=7727419349e4c7b86cc3f0f298c020b0|title=U.M.T. Unit's Commander to leave post at Fort Knox|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="UMT">{{cite web | url = https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/photograph-records/98-1104 | accessdate = 12 April 2017 | work = trumanlibrary.gov | title = General John M. Devine with Recruit During Training at Fort Knox | publisher = Truman Library Websites}}</ref>


In January 1948, Devine was transferred to [[Fort Monroe]], [[Virginia]] for duty as Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3), [[Army Ground Forces|Army Field Forces]] under General [[Jacob L. Devers]]. He was responsible for planning of training of new recruits and also had the authority to revise training manuals and schedules. Devine was promoted again to Major general in May 1948 and appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Army Field Forces.<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref>
Devine was ordered to Tokyo, Japan and assumed command of [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] in February 1949. He participated in the occupation duty until August that year, when he was sent back to the United States and assumed command of [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]] at [[Fort Carson, Colorado]].<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="1st Cavalry">{{cite web|url=https://8cavalry.org/history/annex-1945-1950/|title=Occupation Diary, First Cavalry Division (1945-1950)}}</ref>

Devine was ordered to [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] and assumed command of [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]] in February 1949. He participated in the occupation duty until August that year, when he was sent back to the United States and assumed command of [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]] at [[Fort Carson, Colorado]].<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="1st Cavalry">{{cite web|url=https://8cavalry.org/history/annex-1945-1950/|title=Occupation Diary, First Cavalry Division (1945-1950)|publisher=}}</ref>


==Retirement and death==
==Retirement and death==


Devine retired from the Army in 1952 and settled in [[Leesburg, Virginia]]. He served as commandant of cadets at [[Virginia Tech]] until 1961 and also enjoyed Golf in his free time. Major general John M. Devine died on March 8, 1971, aged 75, and was buried with full military honors at [[United States Military Academy Cemetery]] beside his wife Anna Whitelegg Devine (1891-1953). They had together four children: daughters Ruth Mildred and Dorothy Anne; and sons John Austin and Donald Francis.<ref name="generals.dk"></ref><ref name="Current biography yearbook"></ref><ref name="findagrave.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47331109/john-matthew-devine|title=MG John M. Devine (1895 – 1971) – Find A Grave Memorial|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="Commencement Speakers">{{cite web | url = https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2006/11/2006-639.html | accessdate = 12 April 2017 | work = vtnews.vt.edu | title = University Commencement Speakers (1959 to 2006) | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>
Devine retired from the Army in 1952 and settled in [[Leesburg, Virginia]]. He served as commandant of cadets at [[Virginia Tech]] until 1961 and also enjoyed Golf in his free time. Major general John M. Devine died on March 8, 1971, aged 75, and was buried with full military honors at [[United States Military Academy Cemetery]] beside his wife Anna Whitelegg Devine. They had together four children.<ref name="generals.dk" /><ref name="Current biography yearbook" /><ref name="Commencement Speakers">{{cite web | url = https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2006/11/2006-639.html | access-date = 12 April 2017 | work = vtnews.vt.edu | title = University Commencement Speakers (1959 to 2006) | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>


The VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship at [[Virginia Tech]] is named in his honor for undergraduate students who are members in good standing of the VT Corps of Cadets.<ref name="Scholarship">{{cite web | url = https://vt.academicworks.com/opportunities/20007 | accessdate = 12 April 2017 | work = vt.academicworks.com | title = VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>
The VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship at [[Virginia Tech]] is named in his honor for undergraduate students who are members in good standing of the VT Corps of Cadets.<ref name="Scholarship">{{cite web | url = https://vt.academicworks.com/opportunities/20007 | access-date = 12 April 2017 | work = vt.academicworks.com | title = VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>


==Decorations==
==Decorations==
Here is Major general Devine's ribbon bar:<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine">{{cite web | url = https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/103376#61556 | access-date = 12 April 2017 | work = valor.militarytimes.com | title = Valor awards for John M. Devine | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>


{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
Here is Major general Devine´s ribbon bar:<ref name="Valor awards for John M. Devine">{{cite web | url = https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/103376#61556 | accessdate = 12 April 2017 | work = valor.militarytimes.com | title = Valor awards for John M. Devine | publisher = Militarytimes Websites}}</ref>

<center>
{|
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Bronze Star ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=World War I Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=World War I Victory Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=}}
Line 112: Line 107:
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Czechoslovak War Cross 1939-1945 Ribbon.png|width=106|alt=}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Czechoslovak War Cross 1939-1945 Ribbon.png|width=106|alt=}}
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|-
!1st Row
!1st Row
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Silver Star]]
|colspan="4"|[[Silver Star]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Legion of Merit]]
|colspan="4"|[[Legion of Merit]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Bronze Star Medal]] with [[Oak Leaf Cluster]]
|colspan="4"|[[Bronze Star Medal]] with [[Oak Leaf Cluster]]
|-
|-
!2nd Row
!2nd Row
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[World War I Victory Medal (United States)|World War I Victory Medal]]<br/> with one Battle Clasp
|colspan="4"|[[World War I Victory Medal (United States)|World War I Victory Medal]]<br/> with one Battle Clasp
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[American Defense Service Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[American Defense Service Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[American Campaign Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[American Campaign Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal]]<br/> with four [[Service star|3/16 inch service star]]s and [[Arrowhead device]]
|colspan="4"|[[European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal]]<br/> with four [[Service star|3/16 inch service star]]s and [[Arrowhead device]]
|-
|-
!3rd Row
!3rd Row
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Army of Occupation Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[Army of Occupation Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[National Defense Service Medal]]
|colspan="4"|[[National Defense Service Medal]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Legion of Honour|Officer of the Legion of Honor]] ([[France]])
|colspan="4"|[[Legion of Honour|Officer of the Legion of Honor]] ([[France]])
|-
|-
!4th Row
!4th Row
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|French ''Croix de guerre 1939-1945'' with Palm]]
|colspan="4"|[[Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)|French ''Croix de guerre 1939-1945'' with Palm]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Order of Orange-Nassau|Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, Officer]]
|colspan="4"|[[Order of Orange-Nassau|Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, Officer]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Order of the White Lion|Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion]]
|colspan="4"|[[Order of the White Lion|Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, 3rd Class]]
|colspan="4" align="center"|[[Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945]]
|colspan="4"|[[Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945]]
|-
|-
|}
|}
</center>


==See also==
==See also==

*[[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]]
*[[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]]


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{{s-mil}}
{{s-mil}}
{{succession box|
{{succession box|
title=Commanding General, [[9th Infantry Division (United States)|9th Infantry Division]]|
title=[[9th Infantry Division (United States)|Commanding General 9th Infantry Division]]|
before= [[A. Arnim White]]|
before= [[A. Arnim White]]|
years= October 1949{{spaced ndash}}September 1950|
years= October 1949{{spaced ndash}}September 1950|
after= [[William Kelly Harrison Jr.|William K. Harrison Jr.]]}}
after= [[William Kelly Harrison Jr.|William K. Harrison Jr.]]}}
{{succession box|
{{succession box|
title=Commanding General, [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|1st Cavalry Division]]|
title=[[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|Commanding General 1st Cavalry Division]]|
before= [[William C. Chase]]|
before= [[William C. Chase]]|
years= February 1, 1949{{spaced ndash}}August 1, 1949|
years= February 1, 1949{{spaced ndash}}August 1, 1949|
after= [[Thomas W. Herren]]}}
after= [[Thomas W. Herren]]}}
{{succession box|
{{succession box|
title=Commanding General, [[2nd Armored Division (United States)|2nd Armored Division]]|
title=[[2nd Armored Division (United States)|Commanding General 2nd Armored Division]]|
before= [[John H. Collier]]|
before= [[John Howell Collier]]|
years= September 4, 1945{{spaced ndash}}March 24, 1946|
years= September 4, 1945{{spaced ndash}}March 24, 1946|
after= [[John W. Leonard]]}}
after= [[John W. Leonard]]}}
{{succession box|
{{succession box|
title=Commanding General, [[8th Armored Division (United States)|8th Armored Division]]|
title=[[8th Armored Division (United States)|Commanding General 8th Armored Division]]|
before= [[William M. Grimes]]|
before= [[William M. Grimes]]|
years= October 2, 1944{{spaced ndash}}August 7, 1945|
years= October 2, 1944{{spaced ndash}}August 7, 1945|
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[[Category:1895 births]]
[[Category:1895 births]]
[[Category:1971 deaths]]
[[Category:1971 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Providence, Rhode Island]]
[[Category:United States Army Field Artillery Branch personnel]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]
[[Category:La Salle Academy alumni]]
[[Category:La Salle Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Military Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Military Academy alumni]]
[[Category:Yale University alumni]]
[[Category:Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:American military personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:American army personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Officiers of the Légion d'honneur]]
[[Category:Officers of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France)]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Rhode Island]]
[[Category:American recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France)]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of Orange-Nassau]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of Orange-Nassau]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Military Order of the White Lion]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Military Order of the White Lion]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Czechoslovak War Cross]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945]]
[[Category:United States Army generals of World War II]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]
[[Category:Burials at West Point Cemetery]]

Latest revision as of 04:32, 12 December 2024

John Matthew Devine
Born(1895-06-18)June 18, 1895
Providence, Rhode Island, US
DiedMarch 8, 1971(1971-03-08) (aged 75)
Leesburg, Virginia, US
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1917-1952
Rank Major general
Service number0-5232
Unit Field Artillery Branch
Commands9th Infantry Division
1st Cavalry Division
2nd Armored Division
8th Armored Division
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal (2)

John Matthew Devine (June 18, 1895 – March 8, 1971) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army with the rank of major general. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, he is most noted as Commanding general, 8th Armored Division in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.[1]

Following the War, Devine held several divisional commands, including 2nd Armored Division, 1st Cavalry Division and 9th Infantry Division and completed his service in 1952.[2]

Early career

[edit]

John M. Devine was born on June 18, 1895, in Providence, Rhode Island, as the son of Patrick and Bridget Devine. He graduated from the La Salle Academy in Providence in May 1912 and received an appointment to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, in June 1913. While at the academy, he was a member of the Class 1917, which produced more than 55 future general officers, including two Army Chiefs of Staff – Joseph L. Collins and Matthew B. Ridgway.[1]

Other classmates include: Clare H. Armstrong, Aaron Bradshaw Jr., Mark W. Clark, John T. Cole, Norman D. Cota, William W. Eagles, Theodore L. Futch, Charles H. Gerhardt, Augustus M. Gurney, Ernest N. Harmon, William Kelly Harrison Jr., Robert W. Hasbrouck, Frederick A. Irving, Laurence B. Keiser, Charles S. Kilburn, Bryant E. Moore, Daniel Noce, Onslow S. Rolfe, Herbert N. Schwarzkopf, Albert C. Smith, George D. Wahl, Raymond E. S. Williamson, and George H. Weems.[3]

Devine graduated with Bachelor of Science degree on April 20, 1917, shortly following the United States entry into World War I, and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Field Artillery Branch. Due to need of officers during the mobilization, he was promoted to first lieutenant on May 15, 1917, and to temporary rank of captain on August 5, that year. Devine was attached to the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and following the intensive training and preparations for combat deployment at Leon Springs, Texas, he was ordered to the Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in February 1918, where he completed one-month course.[1]

He was subsequently ordered to Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where he was stationed until July 1918, when he embarked for Europe to reinforce American Expeditionary Force. Following his arrival to France, Devine was attached as an Instructor to the Army Field Artillery Center at Valdahon. He was later transferred to the Fourteen Training Area at Villouxel, Dijon and was promoted to the temporary rank of major.[1]

Interwar period

[edit]

Devine returned to the United States in June 1919 and reverted to the peacetime rank of captain on June 30, 1919. He then rejoined his 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Grant, Illinois and served with that outfit until August 1921, when he was ordered to the Yale University. Devine graduated with Master of Science degree in communications engineering in June 1922.[1]

Upon the graduation from Yale, Devine was ordered to the Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as an instructor of tactics until July 1923, when he was transferred to the West Point Military Academy for same assignment. After five years of teaching, Devine returned to the Army Field Artillery School as student and entered the Advanced course.[1]

He completed the course in July 1929 and remained there as an instructor in gunnery until June 1932, when he was promoted to major and ordered back to West Point for duty as an assistant professor of English. Devine was sent to the Presidio of San Francisco in August 1936 and assumed duty as Executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment.[1]

In June 1937, Devine was ordered to the Army Command and General Staff School and upon the graduation in following June, he assumed duty as an assistant professor of Military Science and Tactics at Yale University. During the end of his tenure, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel on May 16, 1940.[1]

World War II

[edit]

Devine was transferred to the newly created Armor Branch in July 1940 and assumed duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3), 1st Armored Division under Major general Bruce Magruder. He was one of the first officers in the Armor branch and participated in the initial training of the division and development of the branch. Devine was transferred to the headquarters, I Armored Corps under Major General Charles L. Scott.[2][1]

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and United States entry into World War II, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of colonel on December 11, 1941, and appointed Chief of Staff, I Armored Corps under Major general George S. Patton.[1]

On May 24, 1942, Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of brigadier general and attached to the 6th Armored Division under Major general Carlos Brewer at Fort Knox, Kentucky as commanding officer, Combat Command A, a combined brigade size unit of tanks, armored infantry, armored field artillery battalions and engineer units.[2][1]

Devine was attached to the 90th Infantry Division under Major general Henry Terrell Jr. and embarked to the European Theater of Operations in April 1944. After two months of training in England, 90th Division landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and participated in the combats in Normandy, France and in the closing of the Falaise Pocket. He was decorated with Bronze Star Medal for his service in Normandy.[2][1]

On September 8, 1944, Devine distinguished himself during the combats near the city of Verdun. When a large force of enemy tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, penetrated the front, the breakthrough extended to the Divisional command post, a fire fight commenced immediately. The enemy fire became exceptionally heavy resulting in a number of casualties. Devine personally directed the defenses, moving about under small arms and tank fire in the moonlight. His efforts helped drove out the Germans and he was decorated with Silver Star for bravery.[4][1] The citation for the medal reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General John Matthew Devine (ASN: 0-5232), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Division Artillery, 90th Infantry Division in Northern France. On 8 September 1944 near ****, France, when a large force of enemy tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, penetrated the front, the breakthrough extended to the Command Posts of ****, a fire fight commenced immediately. The enemy fire became exceptionally heavy resulting in a number of casualties. Brigadier General Devine personally directed the defenses, moving about under small arms and tank fire in the moonlight. His calmness under fire and gallantry in action were a reassuring influence to the personnel, the action of which was material to turning back the enemy force and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Devine was transferred to the struggling 7th Armored Division, where he succeeded Brigadier general John B. Thompson (who was relieved by General Patton) as Commanding general, Combat Command B. However his tenure was short, because he was personally selected by General Dwight D. Eisenhower as new commanding general, 8th Armored Division.[2][1]

The 8th Armored Division was still in the United States, preparing for the combat deployment at Camp Polk, Louisiana, but divisional commander, Major general William M. Grimes, was declared unfit for combat duty and need to be relieved. Devine succeeded him on October 2, 1944, and began with the moving of the division to the Camp Kilmer, New York in preparation for shipment overseas.[1][5]

After some additional training and acquisition of new equipment at Tidworth, England, the 8th Armored Division landed in France, January 5, 1945. Devine led his division during the last combats during the Battle of the Bulge and after brief rest and refit in the Netherlands, he participated in the combats near the town of Echt. The 8th Armored Division then participated in the combats in the Rhineland and in the Ruhr Pocket, advancing more eastward to the Germany. The 8th Armored liberated Halberstadt-Zwieberge, a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp, between April 12 and 17, 1945 during its drive through central Germany.[1][5]

Devine was promoted to the temporary rank of major general on May 2, 1945, and following the surrender of Nazi Germany few days later, he led his division to Pilsen, Czechoslovakia for occupation duty and guarding of German Prisoners-of-War. For his service with 8th Armored Division, Devine received Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and second Bronze Star Medal.[4][2][1][5]

He was also decorated by the Allies and received Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre with Palm from France, Order of Orange-Nassau from the Government of the Netherlands and Order of the White Lion and War Cross 1939-1945 from the Government of Czechoslovakia.[1]

Postwar service

[edit]

Devine was ordered to the United States in September 1945 and assumed command of 2nd Armored Division located at Camp Hood, Texas. He was responsible for the demobilization of many units returning home from the European Theater of Operations.[2][1]

Due to the postwar reduction of the Army, Devine was reverted to the peacetime rank of brigadier general and appointed commanding general of the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit (UMT) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The UMT was the Universal Military Training Experimental Unit for the seventeen-to-nineteenth year old volunteers. He was succeeded by Brigadier general Josef R. Sheetz.[2][1][6][7]

In January 1948, Devine was transferred to Fort Monroe, Virginia for duty as Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3), Army Field Forces under General Jacob L. Devers. He was responsible for planning of training of new recruits and also had the authority to revise training manuals and schedules. Devine was promoted again to Major general in May 1948 and appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Army Field Forces.[2][1]

Devine was ordered to Tokyo, Japan and assumed command of 1st Cavalry Division in February 1949. He participated in the occupation duty until August that year, when he was sent back to the United States and assumed command of 9th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.[2][1][8]

Retirement and death

[edit]

Devine retired from the Army in 1952 and settled in Leesburg, Virginia. He served as commandant of cadets at Virginia Tech until 1961 and also enjoyed Golf in his free time. Major general John M. Devine died on March 8, 1971, aged 75, and was buried with full military honors at United States Military Academy Cemetery beside his wife Anna Whitelegg Devine. They had together four children.[2][1][9]

The VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship at Virginia Tech is named in his honor for undergraduate students who are members in good standing of the VT Corps of Cadets.[10]

Decorations

[edit]

Here is Major general Devine's ribbon bar:[4]

Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze star
Arrowhead
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
1st Row Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
2nd Row World War I Victory Medal
with one Battle Clasp
American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
with four 3/16 inch service stars and Arrowhead device
3rd Row World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal National Defense Service Medal Officer of the Legion of Honor (France)
4th Row French Croix de guerre 1939-1945 with Palm Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau, Officer Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, 3rd Class Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945

See also

[edit]
Military offices
Preceded by Commanding General 9th Infantry Division
October 1949 – September 1950
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commanding General 1st Cavalry Division
February 1, 1949 – August 1, 1949
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commanding General 2nd Armored Division
September 4, 1945 – March 24, 1946
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commanding General 8th Armored Division
October 2, 1944 – August 7, 1945
Succeeded by

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Jones, Charles V. (1948). Current biography yearbook 1948 - Who's News and Why. New York City: H.W. Wilson. p. 8. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Biography of Major-General John Matthew Devine (1895 - 1971), USA". generals.dk. generals.dk Websites. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  3. ^ "John M. Devine 1917 - West Point Association of Graduates".
  4. ^ a b c "Valor awards for John M. Devine". valor.militarytimes.com. Militarytimes Websites. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  5. ^ a b c "The 8th Armored Division Diary".
  6. ^ "U.M.T. Unit's Commander to leave post at Fort Knox".
  7. ^ "General John M. Devine with Recruit During Training at Fort Knox". trumanlibrary.gov. Truman Library Websites. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Occupation Diary, First Cavalry Division (1945-1950)".
  9. ^ "University Commencement Speakers (1959 to 2006)". vtnews.vt.edu. Militarytimes Websites. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  10. ^ "VTCC Major General John M. Devine Scholarship". vt.academicworks.com. Militarytimes Websites. Retrieved 12 April 2017.