From a contemporary news report
“Died January 19, 1992 of complications caused by cancer. He began his military career in 1940 by enlisting in the National Guard as a Private. He was commissioned through Officers Candidate School and rose to Major during World War II.
During the war, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, including the 504th Parachute Infantry, and fought in North Africa, Italy, Holland and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge.
In Vietnam he served as Assistant Commander of the 9th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division in 1967-68. He also served in Austria, Italy and Korea. His final assignment was Director of Operations for the Readiness Command, predecessor of the U.S. Central Command.
He retired in 1975. His medals included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.”
He is buried in Section 59 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard