Coulter, John B. (John Breitling), 1891-1983

John Breitling Coulter (1891-1983) was born in San Antonio, Texas. He commissioned in the cavalry in 1912 and served as an aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. William A. Mann in 1916. In World War I, he did a tour of duty in France with the 808th Infantry. He graduated from Command and General Staff School in 1927, the Army War College in 1933, and the Naval War College in 1934. Upon advancing to brigadier general in October 1941, he became commanding general of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, and then of the 2nd Cavalry Division in July 1942. In March 1943 he made major general. During the remaining years of World War II, he served as commanding general of the 85th Infantry Division. In 1948, he became deputy commander, then commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces Korea and the XXIV Corps. In Korea, he also commanded the I Corps and the IX Corps. He achieved the rank of lieutenant general in February 1951 and retired in January 1952. His decorations included three Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and six Air Medals.