John S. Lekson

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John S. Lekson
Born14 April 1917
Fairpoint, Ohio
Died1992 (aged 74–75)
Buried
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1940–1975
Rank Major General
Unit504th Parachute Infantry, 82 Airborne Division
Battles/warsWorld War II Vietnam War
Awards

John S. Lekson (April 14, 1917 – January 19, 1992) was a United States Army major general.

He was born to Slovenian immigrant parents. He graduated from Western Reserve University and enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in 1940 as a private. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and rose to major during World War II. During the war, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, including the 504th Parachute Infantry, and fought in North Africa, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in Austria, Italy and Korea.

In Vietnam, he served as Assistant Commander of the 9th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division in 1967–68, subsequently rising in rank to major general. His final assignment was Director of Operations for the Readiness Command, predecessor of the U.S. Central Command. He retired in 1975.

His medals included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

He died in 1992 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Burial Detail: Lekson, John S. (Section 59, Grave 399)". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website).

External links[edit]

  • "John S. Lekson". at ArlingtonCemetery.net. 10 March 2023. (Unofficial website).