John K. Singlaub facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John K. Singlaub
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Singlaub
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| Birth name | John Kirk Singlaub |
| Born | July 10, 1921 Independence, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 29, 2022 (aged 100) Franklin, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1978 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Soldier's Medal Bronze Star (2) Air Medal (2) Purple Heart (2) |
Major General John Kirk Singlaub (born July 10, 1921 – died January 29, 2022) was a high-ranking officer in the United States Army. He was also one of the first members of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Singlaub was known for his bravery and was highly honored for his service. He also worked with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which was a U.S. intelligence agency during World War II.
In 1977, Singlaub was removed from his job as Chief of Staff of U.S. forces in South Korea. This happened after he spoke out against President Jimmy Carter's plan to remove U.S. troops from Korea. Less than a year later, he had to retire because he again questioned the President's national security plans. After leaving the army, Singlaub started the Western Goals Foundation. This group was involved in helping anti-communist fighters during the Iran–Contra affair. Singlaub also wrote a book about his life.
Biography
John Singlaub was born in Independence, California, on July 10, 1921. He finished high school in 1939 and then went to the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1943, he left college to join the military during World War II. He became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
During the war, Singlaub was sent to Europe for special missions. In August 1944, he parachuted behind German lines in France. He was part of a three-person team called "JAMES." His team worked with French Resistance groups, known as the Maquis, after D-Day. These groups fought against the German occupation.
In 1945, Singlaub was sent to the Pacific. Before Japan officially surrendered, he parachuted onto Hainan Island in China. He led a team of eight people to help evacuate American, Australian, and Dutch prisoners of war (POWs). Singlaub demanded that the Japanese give the POWs proper food and medical care.
After the war, Singlaub led CIA operations in Manchuria during the Chinese Communist revolution. He also led troops in the Korean War. Later, he managed secret operations along the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos and Vietnam. He also worked with the Contras in Nicaragua and helped Afghan resistance fighters during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
In 1977, Singlaub was the chief of staff for U.S. forces in South Korea. He publicly disagreed with President Jimmy Carter's plan to pull U.S. troops out of the Korean peninsula. Because of this, President Carter removed him from his position on March 21, 1977. Less than a year later, Singlaub again spoke out against President Carter's national security policies. This led to him being forced to retire from the army on June 1, 1978. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command later created an award in his name for "courageous actions."
After retiring from the army, Singlaub helped start the Western Goals Foundation. This group aimed to fight against communism and terrorism. In 1981, Singlaub also founded the United States Council for World Freedom. This was the U.S. part of a larger group called the World Anti-Communist League (WACL). His group became involved in the Iran–Contra affair. This was a time when the U.S. government secretly helped anti-communist fighters in Nicaragua. Singlaub helped provide supplies to these fighters, known as the Contras.
General William Westmoreland called Singlaub a "true military professional" and a "man of honest, patriotic conviction." Congressman Henry J. Hyde described him as "a brave man, a thorough patriot, and a keen observer." Singlaub was involved in many important military actions since World War II. He met with many military and government leaders around the world. He worked closely with officials like William J. Casey and Oliver North during the Reagan Administration. Singlaub helped lead efforts to support the Contras against communist movements during the Cold War. He worked with members of the U.S. Congress and other groups to support anti-communist forces.
Singlaub lived in Franklin, Tennessee. He was a member of the advisory council for the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. He was also an honorary vice president of the Special Forces Club in London. He turned 100 years old in July 2021 and passed away on January 29, 2022.
Awards and Honors
During his time in the military, John Singlaub received many awards for his bravery and service. These included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the Legion of Merit. He also received the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart for injuries in combat.
He also earned several badges:
Combat Infantryman Badge
Ranger Tab
Master Parachutist Badge
Here are some of his other important awards:
Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Silver Star
Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters
Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
Army Commendation Medal
Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster
American Campaign Medal
European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with arrowhead and campaign star
Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with two campaign stars
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal with star
Korean Service Medal with four campaign stars
Vietnam Service Medal
He also received awards from other countries:
Croix de Guerre (France)
Mentioned in Dispatches (United Kingdom)
Order of the Cloud and Banner (Republic of China)
Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands)
National Order of Vietnam
Air Service Medal (Vietnam)
Navy Service Medal (Vietnam)
United Nations Korea Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Korean War Service Medal (Republic of Korea)
He was honored by being inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2007, he was named a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment.
Published Works
- Hazardous Duty. Summit Books, 1991. ISBN: 0-671-70516-4 (This is his autobiography, written with Malcolm McConnell).
