Ronald H. Griffith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald H. Griffith
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General Ronald H. Griffith
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| Born | March 16, 1936 Lafayette, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 18, 2018 (aged 82) Arlington, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1960–1997 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 1st Armored Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star (7) Purple Heart |
| Other work | Vice President, Military Professional Resources |
Ronald Houston Griffith (born March 16, 1936 – died July 18, 2018) was a very important general in the United States Army. He was born in Lafayette, Georgia. From 1995 to 1997, he served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. This is a very high leadership position in the Army.
General Griffith's Army Career
Ronald Griffith grew up in North Georgia. He joined the United States Army in 1960. Before that, he earned a science degree from the University of Georgia.
He was a brave soldier who fought in the Vietnam War. From 1964 to 1965, he helped train soldiers in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Later, from 1969 to 1970, he was a leader in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 4th Infantry Division.
General Griffith led many different Army units. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 32nd Armor in Germany. He also led the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. One of his most important commands was the 1st Armored Division. He led this division in Germany and during the Gulf War. This war included famous operations like Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
He also held many important jobs in the Army's main headquarters. He helped plan operations and was in charge of war plans. He also served as the Inspector General of the Army. This role means he checked how well the Army was following its rules. His highest staff job was Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He also worked with the 1st Cavalry Division in Texas. General Griffith retired from the Army on November 1, 1997.
General Griffith received many awards for his service. These included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He also earned the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. The Purple Heart was given to him for being wounded in combat. He also earned special badges like the Combat Infantry Badge. He studied at important military schools, including the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He even learned French and German at the Defense Language Institute.
Life After the Military
After leaving the Army, General Griffith continued to work in important roles. He became an Executive Vice President at Military Professional Resources Inc. (MPRI). Later, he worked for L-3 Communications Government Services Group. He retired from these jobs in 2010.
For eight years, he was on the Board of Visitors for the Virginia Military Institute. He also served on the Board of Regents for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His wife, Hurdis M. Griffith, was a Dean at Rutgers University. They had two daughters and five grandchildren. General Griffith passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018.
Images for kids
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The Combat Infantry Badge
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Seal of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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The Army Staff Identification Badge
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Distinctive Unit Insignia for the 32nd Armor Regiment
