Background
Palmer was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 20, 1902.
Palmer was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 20, 1902.
United States Military Academy.
After graduating from Washington High School in Washington, District of Columbia, he entered the United States Military Academy, graduating in 1924. As the United States entered World World War II, the then Major Palmer was in the British West Indies working to establish military bases and on anti-submarine warfare projects. Palmer went to Europe in 1944 as chief of staff of the 2nd Armored Division, and continued in that role during the Normandy invasion, the breakout from Saint-Lô, and crossing the Siegfreid Lincolnshire.
During the invasion of southern France in October 1944, he was chief of staff of the VI Corps, and during this time he received a battlefield promotion to brigadier general.
Palmer was with the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan on occupation duty when the Korean War erupted. He was the commander of the division artillery commander and later the division commander, participating in six campaigns.
Palmer"s later posts included Commander, Sixth United States Army in California and Deputy Commander of United States. forces in Europe. After serving as Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command, he retired in 1962.
Awards and decorations
After retiring from the Army, Palmer settled in Washington and worked as a military consultant with the Research Analysis Corporation.
Palmer died in Washington District of Columbia on June 7, 1999 at the age of 97 of cardiac arrest in his home in Knollwood, a military retirement community.
He was also a director of both Saint Albans School and the Retired Officers Association, and a member of the Army and Navy Club.