George B. Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George B. Duncan
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Maj. Gen. Duncan in Prauthoy 1918
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| Born | October 10, 1861 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Died | March 15, 1950 (aged 88) Lexington, Kentucky |
| Place of burial |
Lexington Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1886-1925 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Commands held | 1st Brigade 77th Division 82nd Division Seventh Corps Area |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Croix de Guerre (France) Commander of the Legion of Honor (France) Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom) |
George Brand Duncan (October 10, 1861 – March 15, 1950) was a brave military officer from the United States. He rose through the ranks to become a Major General, a very high position in the army. He played important roles in several wars, including the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and World War I.
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Becoming a Military Leader
George B. Duncan was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His father, Henry Timberlake Duncan Jr., was the mayor of Lexington. George started his military training at the United States Military Academy in 1882. He graduated in 1886 and became a Second Lieutenant in the 9th Infantry.
Serving in Early Wars
Duncan served in Cuba during the Spanish–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Spain in 1898. Later, he served with distinction in the Philippine–American War. This conflict took place from 1899 to 1902. During this time, he helped create the Philippine Scouts. These were local soldiers who worked with the U.S. Army.
World War I Heroics
After working with the General Staff, Duncan went to France in June 1917. He commanded the 77th Division during World War I. Even after some concerns about his health, Duncan convinced General John J. Pershing to let him continue leading.
In October 1918, Duncan took command of the 82nd Division. He led them during the important Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This was a major battle that helped end World War I.
Awards and Honors
For his service in World War I, George Duncan received many special awards:
- The Distinguished Service Medal from the United States.
- The Croix de Guerre with two palms and a star from France.
- He was also made a Commander in the Legion of Honor by France.
- The United Kingdom honored him as a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
Duncan and another Major General, Campbell King, were the first two Americans to ever receive the French Croix de Guerre. After the war, Duncan commanded the Seventh Corps Area from 1922 until 1925.
Life After the Military
George Duncan married Mary Kercheval on October 23, 1895. They had two sons, Daniel and Henry. Duncan retired from the military in 1925 after a long and distinguished career. He is buried in Lexington, Kentucky.
