James J. McMonagle

Last updated
James J. McMonagle
Mgen james-j-mcmonagle.jpg
BornFebruary 18, 1932
San Antonio, Texas [1]
DiedOctober 7, 2024
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch USMC logo.svg   United States Marine Corps
Years of service1953–1988
Rank Major General
Commands 1st Marine Division
Battles / wars Vietnam War
Korean War
Awards Legion of Merit

James Joseph McMonagle (1932-2024) was a retired United States Marine Corps Major General who served as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Contents

Marine career

McMonagle was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant after graduation from University of Notre Dame in 1953. [2] He graduated from The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico and served as Infantry Platoon Leader in Korea near the Demilitarized Zone with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. After service in Korea, he was deployed to Lebanon as communications officer for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in to handle an international crisis between Lebanon and the newly-formed United Arab Republic. The Marines served as a peace-keeping force. McMonagle served as rifle company commander with 2nd Marine Division. He attended Amphibious Warfare School in 1961 and was promoted to Major in July 1964. As a Lieutenant Colonel, McMonagle was assigned command of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and deployed to Republic of Vietnam in 1968. [3] For his combat service in Vietnam, McMonagle was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”. McMonagle later earned a Master's degree after graduation from the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College on July 1, 1974. [4] McMonagle was promoted to Colonel in 1975. His staff assignments include Marine officer instructor at the University of Mississippi; Executive Officer, 8th Marine Regiment; Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. In 1979, McMonagle was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In 1980, McMonagle was Deputy Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. As a Major General, McMonagle was reassigned as Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Amphibious Force on August 13, 1986. [5] McMonagle relinquished command to Major General John P. Monahan on July 19, 1988 and retired from active duty after 35 years of service.

Awards and decorations

U.S. military decorations
"V" device, gold.svg
1 golden star.svg
Legion of Merit ribbon.svg
Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and gold award star
Meritorious Service ribbon.svg Meritorious Service Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon.svg Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
1 golden star.svg
Combat Action Ribbon.svg
Combat Action Ribbon with gold award star
U.S. Unit Awards
Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg Navy Unit Commendation
U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg
National Defense Service Medal with bronze campaign star
Korean Service Medal ribbon.svg Korean Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg
Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Vietnam Gallantry Cross
VNCivilActionsRibbon-2.svg Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon, with 60- clasp.svg Vietnam Campaign Medal
U.S. badges, patches and tabs
USMC Rifle Expert badge.png Rifle Expert Badge
USMC Pistol Expert badge.png Pistol Expert Badge

References

  1. "James McMonagle Obituary - Oceanside, CA" . Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  2. "James McMonagle" . Retrieved 2018-01-07.
  3. "Former Deputy Commanding General visits depot" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2016-06-28.
  4. "The United States NAVAL WAR COLLEGE Newport Rhode Island NINETIETH GRADUATION EXERCISES 1 July 1974" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2019-11-05.
  5. "THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION AND ITS REGIMENTS" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2016-04-12.