SCRANTON, PA — General Lemnitzer was born in Honesdale, PA on August 29, 1899 and was the first of three generations graduating from West Point. In an Army career which extended over more than five decades, his many accomplishments rank him with our nation’s greatest military leaders.

Between the two World Wars, his service included two tours in the Phillippines, two assignments to the faculty at West Point, and service as an instructor at the Coast Artillery School. When the Army began the major expansion for World War II in 1941, he was assigned to the War Plans Division of the War Department and to General Eisenhower’s Allied Forces Headquarters. He played an important role in planning the invasion of North Africa. He served on General Mark Clark’s staff in Morocco, where he assisted in the organization of the Fifth U.S. Army. He commanded the 34th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade in the Tunisian and Sicilian Campaigns, before being assigned to the staff of General Sir Harold Alexander, ultimately as Chief of Staff of the Supreme Allied Command, Mediterranean.  During this time, he assisted in the negotiations which led to the Italian capitulation and later managed the discussions which led to the unconditional surrender of the German forces in Italy and Southern Austria.

Following WWII, Lemnitzer served in additional posts, both military and diplomatic, leading the U.S. delegation which resulted in the Brussels Pact, participated in drafting the NATO Treaty, and was the first Director of the Office of Military Assistance. In 1959, he became U.S. Army Chief of Staff, followed shortly by his appointment by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1962 Gen’l. Lemnitzer became Commander-In-Chief, U.S. European Command and later Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.

The Lackawanna Historical Society, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Honesdale National Bank, the Borough of Honesdale, the Valley of Scranton Masons, and Wayne County Historical Society will unveil a new state marker near the Lemnitzer family homestead at 15th and Main Street in Honesdale, PA at 1 p.m. on May 28.

The Lackawanna Historical Society nominated the marker at the request of LHS member Ray Pilch, an avid fan of the general. Three of the general’s grandsons will be in attendance including William and Robert both from Virginia, and Michael from Texas, to see their grandfather honored and  to visit his hometown.

A special Stourbridge Line Lemnitzer LTD excursion will also be offered May 28 to coincide with the dedication. For details about the excursion, contact Jeffrey Hiller, 570-470-2697 or email jhiller@thestourbridgeline.net

Contact the Lackawanna Historical Society for more information or to make a reservation at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com