Franklin C. Sibert
Franklin Cummings Sibert (January 3, 1891 – June 24, 1980) was a United States Army general. During World War II, Sibert was originally the commander of the 6th Infantry Division but was promoted to command the X Corps of General Walter Krueger's US Sixth Army. His corps took part in the landing operations of the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines.
Franklin Cummings Sibert | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 3, 1891 Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Died | June 24, 1980 (aged 89) Fort Walton Beach, Florida |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1912–1946 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held |  X Corps 6th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) |
| Relations | MG William L. Sibert (father) MG Edwin L. Sibert (brother) |
Early years
Sibert was born on January 3, 1891, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as a son of future Major General William L. Sibert and his wife Mary Margaret Cummings. He attended the United States Military Academy and graduated on June 12, 1912. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry on the same date. One year later, Sibert married Helen Mildred Rogers on March 4, 1913.
During World War I, Sibert served with American Expeditionary Force in France and subsequently with the allied occupation forces in Germany.
After the War, Sibert attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning in 1924, the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in 1925 and Army War College in 1929.
In 1934, Sibert served as a battalion commanding officer in the 29th Infantry Regiment and subsequently served in the various infantry positions at Fort Benning or as the Member of the Infantry Board.
World War II
In 1939, Sibert spent some time in Michigan as a commanding officer of Fort Wayne or Camp Custer. In September 1941 Sibert was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and was appointed to the staff of Lieutenant general Joseph W. Stilwell, Commander of the U.S. Forces in China-Burma-India Theater. Sibert accompanied Stillwell in the retreat from Burma in 1942.
Sibert was then appointed the commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Division. He replaced Major General Durward S. Wilson in this capacity. He was also promoted to the rank of major general on March 11, 1942. He participated in the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns. After commanding the 6th Infantry Division, he commanded the US X Corps.
Post World War II
After his retirement, he and his wife lived in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, until his death on June 24, 1980.
Decorations
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| 1st row | Army Distinguished Service Medal | |||
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| 2nd row | Silver Star | Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster | Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster | Air Medal |
| 3rd row | Mexican Border Service Medal | World War I Victory Medal with four Battle clasp | Army of Occupation of Germany Medal | American Defense Service Medal |
| 4th row | American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars | World War II Victory Medal | Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars |