James Grimsley Jr.
James Alexander Grimsley Jr. (November 14, 1921 – June 11, 2013), was a United States Army Major General and combat veteran of two wars who also served as President of his alma mater, The Citadel from 1980 to 1989.[1]
James Grimsley Jr. | |
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| Birth name | James Alexander Grimsley Jr. |
| Born | November 14, 1921 Florence, South Carolina |
| Died | June 11, 2013 (aged 91) Charleston, South Carolina |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1975 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart |
| Other work | President of The Citadel |
Life and career
Grimsley was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina. After graduating with The Citadel, class of 1942, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and immediately went to the Pacific Theater to fight in World War II. He held numerous high leadership positions including command of an infantry brigade in Vietnam, a tour as Assistant Commander of the 2d Armored Division and service on the Army General Staff. His career culminated with an assignment as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. After 33 years of service, Grimsley retired from the active duty in 1975.
Grimsley came to The Citadel in 1975 as Vice President for Administration and Finance; he was named President in 1980 upon the resignation of his predecessor, Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.[2] His tenure at the Citadel was marked by a return to traditional values in the corps of cadets, a significant increase in applications, major physical improvements to the campus and rising academic rankings.
When Grimsley retired in 1989, he was named President Emeritus. This distinction had previously only been given to General Charles Summerall and General Mark Clark.[1]
Awards
During Grimsley's active duty career, he received 35 major decorations,[3] including the following:
 Combat Infantryman Badge (2 awards) | |
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Distinguished Service Medal |
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Silver Star with oak leaf cluster |
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Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters |
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Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters |
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Air Medal with award numeral 6 |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal |
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Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters |
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American Campaign Medal |
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with arrowhead device and three service stars |
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World War II Victory Medal (United States) |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with Service Star |
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Vietnam Service Medal |
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Philippine Liberation Medal |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and bronze star |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
References
- The Citadel biography Archived 2010-05-27 at the Wayback Machine
- New York Times, December 7, 1980
- Grimsley bio
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