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.

James J. McMonagle
BornFebruary 18, 1932
San Antonio, Texas[1]
DiedOctober 7, 2024
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1953–1988
RankMajor general
Commands1st Marine Division
Battles / warsVietnam War
Korean War
AwardsLegion of Merit

Marine career

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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

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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

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  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.