Years of service 1942–1970 Died May 12, 1970 | Name John B. Rank Major General | |
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Born September 1, 1919 ( 1919-09 ) Allegiance United States of America Battles/wars World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War † Awards Legion of Merit (2)
Air Medal (2)
Purple Heart Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States Commands held United States Army Corps of Engineers Battles and wars World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War | ||
Service/branch United States Army | ||
John A. B. Dillard (September 1, 1919 – May 12, 1970) was a United States Army major general who was killed in action on May 12, 1970, in South Vietnam. General Dillard was one five U.S. Army general officers killed in action in the Vietnam War.
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Early life and family
General Dillard was married to Betty L. Hawkins and had three children, John A. B. 3rd, Gerry and Revalee.
Education
General Dillard graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, Class of 1942 with a BS degree in civil engineering.
US Army career
General Dillard served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander in Europe during World War II.
During the Korean War from July 1952 until July 1953, he served as a Battalion Operations Officer with the 25th Infantry Division in South Korea.
In November 1969, General Dillard was assigned to South Vietnam as Chief of the Engineer Command.
Death
On 12 May 1970, Major General Dillard and nine other Americans were killed when a UH-1 helicopter they were aboard was hit by enemy fire and crashed in the Central Highlands, 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Pleiku and 220 miles (350 km) northwest of Saigon. Also killed was Colonel Carroll Edward Adams Jr.(posthumously promoted to brigadier general), commander of the 937th Engineer Group. Sergeant Major Robert W. Elkey was the only survivor and was seriously injured.