Clarkson, Percy W. (Percy William), 1893-1962

Percy William Clarkson (1893-1962) was born in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1915. He commissioned with the infantry in 1916. During World War I, he served with the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, of the American Expeditionary Forces. After graduating from Command and General Staff School in 1928, he was an assistant professor at West Point. He graduated from the Army War College in 1934. He rose to brigadier general in June 1942 and major general in December of the same year. During World War II, he served as commanding general of the 87th Infantry Division, from 1942 to 1943, and then the 33rd Infantry Division until 1945. His post-war assignments included commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, from 1947 to 1950, and Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, from 1950 to 1953. He retired in December 1953. He received three Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.