John Magruder (general, 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 general in the U.S. Army. He helped lead special intelligence groups, especially during and after World War II. He played a big part in creating the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which is a key U.S. intelligence agency today.
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About John L. Magruder
Early Life and Military Start
John Magruder was born on June 3, 1887, in Woodstock, Virginia. He went to the Virginia Military Institute and finished his studies in 1909. A year later, in 1910, he became a second lieutenant in the army's infantry branch. In 1911, he moved to the field artillery, which uses cannons and other large weapons.
Serving in World War I
During World War I, Magruder served in France with the 112th Field Artillery. This unit was part of the American Expeditionary Forces, which were U.S. soldiers sent to fight in Europe.
Working in China
After World War I, Magruder was sent to China. He worked in Beijing as an assistant military attaché. A military attaché is like a military diplomat who shares 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 in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After he graduated, Magruder returned to Beijing. This time, he was the main military attaché for the U.S.
Leading Intelligence Agencies
During World War II, Magruder worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The OSS was a special U.S. intelligence agency that gathered information and carried out secret missions. He was a deputy director, working under General William J. Donovan.
After the war, the OSS was closed down. However, some of its important parts were kept and formed a new group called the Strategic Services Unit (SSU). This new SSU was led by General Magruder. He played a very important role in creating the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947. The CIA took over the work of the SSU and became the main U.S. intelligence agency.
Military Awards and Medals
General Magruder received several important awards for his service in the U.S. Army. These medals recognize his bravery and dedication during both World War I and World War II.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal |
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World War I Victory Medal with four service stars |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal |
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World War II Victory Medal |
