Devers, Jacob L. (Jacob Loucks), 1887-1979

Jacob Loucks Devers (1887-1979) was born in York, Pennsylvania. After graduating from West Point in 1909, he commissioned in the artillery. During World War I, he temporarily achieved the rank of colonel, while on staff with the School of Fire. He graduated from Command and General Staff School in 1925 and the Army War College in 1933. He made brigadier general in May 1940. Upon rising to the rank of major general in October 1940, he commanded the 9th Infantry Division until July 1941. He made lieutenant general in September 1942, while commander of the Armored Force. He commanded the European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, from May 1943 to January 1944. He held the position of deputy supreme allied commander of the Mediterranean Theater of Operations from January to October 1944, when he became commanding general of the Sixth Army Group. The Army promoted him to general in March 1945. After World War II ended, he served as chief of Army Ground Forces until his retirement in 1949. His awards included four Distinguished Service Medals and the Bronze Star.