John Magruder (United States Army officer, born 1887) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Magruder
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| Director of the Strategic Services Unit | |
| In office October 1, 1945 – April 3, 1946 |
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| President | Harry Truman |
| Preceded by | William Donovan (Office of Strategic Services) |
| Succeeded by | William W. Quinn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 3, 1887 Woodstock, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 1958 (aged 70) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Education | Virginia Military Institute (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1910–1946 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
John L. Magruder (born June 3, 1887 – died April 30, 1958) was an important Brigadier general in the U.S. Army. He helped create the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He also worked as a top leader for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the Strategic Services Unit (SSU).
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John Magruder's Early Life
John Magruder was born in Woodstock, Virginia, on June 3, 1887. He went to the Virginia Military Institute. He finished his studies there in 1909. In 1910, he officially joined the army as a second lieutenant. The next year, he moved to the field artillery branch of the army. This branch uses large guns called artillery.
Serving in World War I
During World War I, John Magruder served in France. He was part of the American Expeditionary Forces. He worked with the 112th Field Artillery Regiment. This unit used big guns to support soldiers on the battlefield.
Work in China
After World War I, Magruder moved to China. He became an assistant military attaché in Beijing. A military attaché is an army officer who works in an embassy. They help share information between countries. He stayed in this role until 1924.
Then, he went to study at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. This college is in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After he graduated, Magruder went back to Beijing. This time, he was the main military attaché.
World War II and Intelligence Work
During World War II, Magruder worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The OSS was America's main intelligence agency during the war. It gathered secret information and carried out special missions. Magruder was a deputy director under General William J. Donovan.
After the war, the OSS was closed down. But some of its important parts continued. They formed a new group called the Strategic Services Unit (SSU). This new unit was led by General Magruder. He played a key role in setting up the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947. The CIA took over the work of the SSU.
Awards and Recognition
John Magruder received several important awards for his service. One of his top honors was the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He also earned medals for his service in both World War I and World War II.
