James J. McMonagle

James J. McMonagle
Born	February 18, 1932 San Antonio, Texas [1]
Died	October 7, 2024
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1953–1988
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.

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 Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and gold award star Meritorious Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Combat Action Ribbon with gold award star U.S. Unit Awards Navy Unit Commendation U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons National Defense Service Medal with bronze campaign star Korean Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Civil Actions Medal United Nations Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal

U.S. badges, patches and tabs Rifle Expert Badge Pistol Expert Badge

References

1. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oceanside-ca/james-mcmonagle-12025326 . Retrieved 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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.