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William Edward Bergin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Edward Bergin
Born(1892-05-18)May 18, 1892
Pueblo, Colorado, US
DiedJanuary 23, 1978(1978-01-23) (aged 85)
Washington, D.C., US
Place of Burial
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1917–1954
RankMajor general
CommandsAdjutant general
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit

William Edward Bergin (May 18, 1892 – January 23, 1978) was an officer in the United States Army who served as Adjutant General from 1951 to 1954.

Early life and start of career

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Bergin was born in Pueblo, Colorado on May 18, 1892,[1] a son of John Bergin and Catherine.[2] He joined the Army in 1917, and received his commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from officers training camp at Fort Riley, Kansas.[1] During World War I he served in Europe with the 20th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 10th Division, which was later re-designated the 31st Division.[1]

From 1921 to 1925, Bergin was in charge of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Georgetown University.[1]

World War II

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At the start of World War II, Bergin was adjutant and assistant chief of staff for personnel (G-1) of U.S. Army Forces in Chongqing, China, serving under General Joseph Stilwell.[1] He later served on the Army staff for the China Burma India Theater, and he ended the war as deputy chief of staff of the Tenth U.S. Army, based in Okinawa.[1]

Later career

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In 1946, Bergin was assigned to the War Department General Staff.[1] His later assignments included overseas service in Germany and service as the Army's Deputy Adjutant General from 1949 to 1951, and Adjutant General from 1951 to 1954.[1]

Bergin's awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit, as well as China's Order of the Cloud and Banner First Grade.[1]

Retirement and death

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In retirement, Bergin was a resident of Washington, D.C.[1] In his later years, he suffered from heart disease.[1] He died at his Washington home on January 23, 1978.[1] Bergin was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Elizabeth.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Maj. Gen. William Bergin, 85, Retired Adjutant General". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. January 25, 1978.
  2. ^ Mitchell, Karen. "Bergin, Catherine". The Tri-County Obituary Project: Huerfano County, Pueblo County, and Las Animas County, Colorado. Louise Adams. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
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Military offices
Preceded by Adjutant General of the U. S. Army
July 1, 1951 – May 31, 1954
Succeeded by
John A. Klein