George LeRoy Irwin
George LeRoy Irwin was a major general of the United States Army. Fort Irwin National Training Center is named in his honor.
Early life
Irwin was born on April 26, 1868, at Fort Wayne (Detroit) in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were colonel Bernard J. D. Irwin, a surgeon in the Army Medical Corps who received the Medal of Honor in the Apache Wars, and his wife Antoinette Elizabeth Stahl Irwin.Career
Irwin graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1889. He served in the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Cuban Pacification and World War I. Irwin graduated from the United States Army War College in 1910.During World War I, Irwin, then a brigadier general, commanded the 57th Field Artillery Brigade of the 32nd Infantry Division under the command of Major General William G. Haan. Irwin distinguished himself during the Second Battle of the Marne, Oise-Aisne Offensive and Meuse–Argonne offensive and received the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
After the war, Irwin reverted to his permanent rank of colonel in 1919. He was promoted to brigadier general again in 1923 and then to major general in 1928.
Personal life and family
Irwin married Maria Elizabeth Barker on April 30, 1892. Irwin's son, Stafford LeRoy Irwin, retired as a lieutenant general.Death and legacy
Irwin died on February 19, 1931, on Trinidad. The general and his wife were buried at the West Point Cemetery next to his parents.In 1942, the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range was named in his honor.