Background
The son of Lexington, Kentucky mayor Henry T. Duncan, George B. Duncan entered the United States Military Academy in 1882, graduating in 1886 and receiving a position as a Second Lieutenant in the 9th Infantry.
The son of Lexington, Kentucky mayor Henry T. Duncan, George B. Duncan entered the United States Military Academy in 1882, graduating in 1886 and receiving a position as a Second Lieutenant in the 9th Infantry.
He was stationed in Cuba during the Spanish–American War, and he served with distinction during the Philippine–American War, helping to organize the Philippine Scouts. After a term on the General Staff, Duncan reported to France in June 1917, where he served as the commander of the 77th Division. After having been relieved over concerns about his physical condition, Duncan successfully convinced John Jay Pershing to return him to command.
In October 1918 Duncan relieved William P. Burnham as commander 82nd Division, and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
As a result of his service in World War I, he received numerous decorations, including the Croix de Guerre with two palms and a star and status as a Commander in the Legion of Honor from France, status as a Companion of Order of the Bath from the United Kingdom, and the Distinguished Service Medal from the United States. Duncan and fellow Major General Campbell King were the first two Americans ever honored with the Croix de Guerre.
