Background
Clayton Price Kerr was born in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 1900.
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Clayton Kerr
Edit ProfileEducation
Kerr completed the Army officer courses for Infantry, Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery. In addition, he was a graduate of the.
Career
He was raised and educated in Dallas, Texas, and in March 1919 was scheduled to take the entrance examination for the United States Military Academy. He quickly advanced through the noncommissioned officer ranks, and became Sergeant Major of the 72nd Infantry Brigade. In 1921 he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 56th Cavalry Brigade.
He advanced through the ranks in command and staff positions, primarily with the 36th Infantry Division.
His commands included Company East, 144th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 144th Infantry. In his civilian career Kerr became the owner and operator of a home construction and contracting business.
In February 1944, he was assigned as the United States Representative and Deputy Commander of the Allied Military Mission to the Italian Army. Kerr was one of the original officers who formed the Texas Army National Guard’s 49th Armored Division.
Among his assignments with the division was Commander of Combat Command B, and Commander of the Division Artillery.
He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1947. In 1958 Kerr was appointed Commander of the 49th Armored Division as a Major General. In October, 1959 Kerr was named Chief of the Army Division (now Director of the Army National Guard) at the He served in this position until his 1962 retirement.
Kerr died in Dallas on August 13, 1977.
He is buried at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas.
Achievements
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Kerr’s awards include: the Distinguished Service Meda Two awards of the Legion of Merit. And Bronze Star Meda His foreign decorations included: Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Grand Commander, Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Italy). War Cross for Military Valor (Italy). Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy. War Merit Cross (Italy). And Knight Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Italy). In 1964 Governor John Connally recognized Kerr’s long years of dedicated service with a state promotion to Lieutenant General.
Membership
Instead he joined the National Guard as a member of Headquarters Troop, 6th Texas Cavalry in September, 1919.
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Born
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Died
August 13, 1977 (aged 76) -
Nationality
American
Awards
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Officer of the Order of the British Empire; Bronze Star Medal; legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Legion of Merit Distinguished Service Medal; War Cross; Legion of Merit; Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus; Star Medal; Officer of the Order of the Crown; Chief of Staff; Grand Commander; War Merit Cross The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.Officer of the Order of the British Empire; Bronze Star Medal; legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Legion of Merit Distinguished Service Medal; War Cross; Legion of Merit; Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus; Star Medal; Officer of the Order of the Crown; Chief of Staff; Grand Commander; War Merit Cross The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.