Johnnie E. Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnnie E. Wilson
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General Johnnie E. Wilson
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| Born | 9 February 1944 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1961–1999 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Materiel Command 13th Support Command Chief of Ordnance |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (3) |
| Other work | President and Chief Operating Officer, Dimensions International, Inc. |
General Johnnie Edward Wilson (born 4 February 1944) is a retired United States Army four-star general. He was a very important leader in the Army. He served as the Commanding General of the United States Army Materiel Command from 1996 to 1999. He also served as the 25th Chief of Ordnance for the United States Army Ordnance Corps. This role meant he was in charge of the Army's weapons and equipment.
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Early Life and Army Start
Johnnie E. Wilson was born on 4 February 1944, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in Lorain, Ohio. In August 1961, he joined the United States Army as an enlisted soldier. This means he started without being an officer. He worked his way up to the rank of staff sergeant.
Becoming an Officer
After serving as an enlisted soldier, Wilson attended Officer Candidate School (OCS). He finished OCS in 1967 and became a second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. This corps is responsible for the Army's supplies and maintenance.
Education and Training
General Wilson continued his education while in the Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also received a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. His military training included advanced courses for officers and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Leading the Army: Key Roles
General Wilson held many important leadership roles throughout his career. He commanded different units and worked in various staff positions. His highest assignment was leading the United States Army Materiel Command.
Important Commands and Positions
- He was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at the Pentagon. This role involved managing supplies for the entire Army.
- He served as the Chief of Staff for the United States Army Materiel Command.
- He commanded the Ordnance Center and School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. This school trains thousands of soldiers and officers every year.
- He was the Deputy Commanding General for the 21st Area Theater Command in Europe.
- He commanded the 13th Support Command at Fort Hood, Texas.
- He also commanded the Division Support Command for the 1st Armored Division in Europe.
Commanding Different Units
Wilson led soldiers at every level. He commanded three different companies, including a maintenance company and a supply company during the Vietnam War. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded the 709th Maintenance Battalion. Later, as a colonel, he commanded the 1st Armored Division's support unit and the 13th Support Command.
Awards and Retirement
General Wilson received many awards for his service and bravery. These include:
- The Army Distinguished Service Medal (twice)
- The Legion of Merit (twice)
- The Bronze Star Medal (three times)
- The Meritorious Service Medal (three times)
- The Army Commendation Medal
- The Good Conduct Medal
He also earned the Special Forces Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. General Wilson retired from the United States Army on 26 April 1999, after a long and distinguished career.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the Army, General Wilson continued to be a leader. He became the President and Chief Operating Officer of Dimensions International, Inc. He has also served on the board of the Truman Library Institute. He is a member of the Army Scholarship Foundation's Honorary Advisory Committee, helping students get scholarships.
Family and Community Involvement
General Wilson is married to Helen McGhee. They have three children and seven grandchildren. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities.
He also served ten years on the Morgan State Board of Regents and on the Washington First Bank Board of Directors. Several places in Lorain, Ohio, are named in his honor, including a school, a park, and a tower. He has also received an honorary doctor of laws degree.
In July 2022, General Wilson joined other former U.S. military leaders in speaking out about the events at the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021. He emphasized the importance of peaceful transitions of power.
Political Views
In the 2024 United States presidential election, General Wilson supported Kamala Harris.
