Louis C. Wagner Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis C. Wagner Jr.
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General Louis Carson Wagner Jr.
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| Born | 24 January 1932 Jackson, Missouri |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1989 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Materiel Command 1st Brigade, 3rd Armored Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
General Louis Carson Wagner Jr. was born on January 24, 1932. He is a retired four-star general from the United States Army. A four-star general is one of the highest ranks in the Army. He served as the commanding general of the United States Army Materiel Command from 1987 to 1989. This command makes sure the Army has all the equipment and supplies it needs.
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About General Wagner
General Wagner had a long and important career in the United States Army. He served for 35 years, from 1954 until he retired in 1989. During his time, he held many different leadership roles. He helped make sure soldiers had the best tools and training.
Early Life and Education
Louis C. Wagner Jr. was born in Jackson, Missouri. After high school, he attended the United States Military Academy. This is a special college for future Army officers. He graduated in 1954 with a science degree.
He continued his education, earning a Master of Science degree. This degree was in theoretical and applied mechanics. He also completed training at several important military schools. These included the United States Army Armor School and the Naval War College. He also trained to be an Airborne paratrooper and a Ranger.
Leading the Army
General Wagner held many important jobs throughout his career. His last big role was leading the United States Army Materiel Command. He was in charge of this command from April 1987 to September 1989.
Before that, he was the commanding general of the United States Army Armor Center. He also led the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This school trains soldiers who work with tanks and armored vehicles.
Key Assignments
General Wagner started his career as a platoon leader. He then became a company commander in the 11th Airborne Division. This division was later known as the 24th Infantry Division. He served in both Kentucky and Europe.
He also taught at the United States Military Academy for three years. Later, he was sent to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. He worked as a test officer in Alaska, testing equipment in cold weather. He commanded a light armored battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
After more training, he returned to Vietnam. There, he advised soldiers on infantry and armor tactics. He also worked in important offices in Washington, D.C. These roles involved planning and developing new equipment for the Army. In 1974, he commanded the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Armored Division in Germany.
Awards and Honors
General Wagner received many awards for his bravery and service. These awards show his dedication to his country. Some of his top awards include:
- Distinguished Service Cross: This is a very high award for extreme bravery.
- Army Distinguished Service Medal: He received this award twice for outstanding service.
- Silver Star: This award is for gallantry in action.
- Legion of Merit: He received this award twice for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
- Bronze Star Medal: This award is for heroic or meritorious achievement in combat.
- Purple Heart: This award is given to soldiers wounded in action.
He also received the Meritorious Service Medal. He earned the Air Medal twice and the Army Commendation Medal three times. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. General Wagner retired from the Army in September 1989.
