Robert A. McClure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Alexis McClure
|
|
|---|---|
McClure as a Brigadier General
|
|
| Born | March 4, 1897 Mattoon, Illinois |
| Died | January 1, 1957 (aged 59) Fort Huachuca, Arizona |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917-1956 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  Office of Psychological Warfare |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II Cold War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
Robert Alexis McClure (born March 4, 1897, died January 1, 1957) was an American general. Many people call him the "Father of U.S. Army Special Warfare." He was an expert in psychological warfare, which means using information to influence people's thoughts and actions.
Contents
Robert McClure's Life and Military Career
Early Life and Joining the Army
Robert McClure was born in Mattoon, Illinois. He finished school at the Kentucky Military Institute in 1915. He first worked with the police in the Philippines. Then, in 1917, he joined the regular U.S. Army.
World War II Efforts
In 1941, he worked at the American Embassy in London. A year later, General Dwight D. Eisenhower chose him for an important role. McClure became the chief of intelligence for the European war operations.
Later, General Eisenhower put him in charge of the Allied Forces Information and Censorship Section. This group ran twelve radio stations. They also checked troop mail and messages.
In 1944, McClure became the director of a new group. It was called the Psychological Warfare Division of SHAEF. This group used information to help the war effort. After the war ended in Europe, he managed the Information Control Division. This division controlled radio and newspapers in Germany. This was during the early time of the occupation.
Post-War and Special Warfare
After the Korean War began in 1950, a new office was created. It was called the Office of the Chief of Psychological Warfare. McClure was chosen to lead this office in Washington, D.C.
During his time there, he helped create the Psychological Warfare Center. This center was set up at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It brought together the new Psychological Warfare School. It also included the 10th Special Forces Group. This helped to centralize special warfare training.
In 1952, McClure went to Iran. He led three U.S. Military Missions there. He worked closely with the Shah of Iran. He also played a role in the political changes there in 1953.
Retirement and Passing
McClure retired from the Army in 1956. He had served for 39 years. He passed away soon after, on January 1, 1957. He died from a heart attack at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
Awards and Honors
Major General McClure received many military awards during his long career. These included honors from the United States and other countries. Some of his top awards were:
- Distinguished Service Medal (received twice)
- Legion of Merit (received twice)
- Bronze Star Medal
