Background
Mahaffey was born on January 4, 1934 in Clovis, New Mexico.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Fred Keith Mahaffey
Edit ProfileEducation
He graduated from the University of Denver in 1955 and was commissioned upon graduation.
Career
Considered a rising star in the Army, his career was cut short by cancer. and earned as master"s degree in International Affairs at George Washington University. He commanded a battalion in the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. In 1975 he assumed command the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.
He was succeeded in command of the 2nd Brigade by a fellow future four-star general, then-Colonel Colin Powell.
He also commanded the 3rd Infantry Division from 1981 to 1983. Mahaffey was promoted to four star rank in 1985 at the age of 51, making him one of the youngest four-star generals ever.
Diagnosed with cancer while on active duty, he died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on October 13, 1986 at the age of 52. Mahaffey was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
A memorial to him can be found engraved in stone in Carlsbad Beach in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where Mahaffey lived and the hometown of his widow Jane Mahaffey.
Achievements
-
On May 16, 1989, the headquarters building of the 3rd Infantry Division was dedicated in his honor. He was posthumously inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. Mahaffey was also inducted posthumously into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame. The old Fort Campbell High School building, which is now Mahaffey Middle School, is named for him. His awards and decorations included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, and the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters. Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters.
-
Born
-
Died
October 13, 1986 (aged 52) -
Nationality
United States
Education
Awards
-
Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal; legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Silver Star; Legion of Merit Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Flying Cross; Legion of Merit; Commanding General; Chief of Staff
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.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.