Trapnell, T. J. H. (Thomas John Hall), 1902-2002

Thomas John Hall Trapnell (1902-2002) was born in Yonkers, N.Y. He was graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1927. While at West Point, he was named to several All-American football elevens and was a lacrosse star. General Trapnell's first assignment following graduation was that of a platoon leader in the 11th Cavalry. During World War II, General Trapnell served with the American Forces in the Philippines and was commanding the 26th Cavalry when taken prisoner by the Japanese. He survived the infamous death march and the sinking of two prisoner of war ships while captive. After attending the Command and General Staff College he went to Airborne School and then assumed command of the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He served as commander of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Korea from 1951 to 1952, and was also chief of the United States Military Mission to Indo-China. He commanded the Fourth Armored Division from 1954 to 1955. From 1955 to 1956, General Trapnell commanded the 82nd Airborne Division. He commanded the I Corps in Korea from 1958 to 1959, and the XVIII Airborne Corps from 1960 to 1961. His final active duty assignment was as Commanding General of the Third United States Army from October 1961 to November 30, 1962. General Trapnell now lives at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. General Trapnell's decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (Valor), Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, and Master Parachutists' Badge. Among his foreign decorations are, Commander of National Order of Viet Nam, the Order of the Cross of Valor with Palm, Viet Nam and French Croix de Guerre.