Clayton P. Kerr

Clayton P. Kerr (August 16, 1900 – August 13, 1977) was a United States Army Major General who served as commander of the 49th Armored Division and Director of the Army National Guard.

Early life
Clayton Price Kerr was born in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 1900. He was raised and educated in Dallas, Texas, and joined the National Guard as a member of Headquarters Troop, 6th Texas Cavalry in September, 1919. He quickly advanced through the noncommissioned officer ranks, and became Sergeant Major of the 72nd Infantry Brigade. In 1921 he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 56th Cavalry Brigade. He advanced through the ranks in command and staff positions, primarily with the 36th Infantry Division. His commands included Company E, 144th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 144th Infantry.

World War II
Kerr served with the 36th Division during the North African and Italian campaigns, initially as Inspector General and later as Chief of Staff. In February 1944, he was assigned as the United States Representative and Deputy Commander of the Allied Military Mission to the Italian Army.

Post World War II
Kerr was one of the original officers who formed the Texas Army National Guard’s 49th Armored Division. Among his assignments with the division was Commander of Combat Command B, and Commander of the Division Artillery. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1947.

In 1958 Kerr was appointed Commander of the 49th Armored Division as a Major General.

National Guard Bureau
In October, 1959 Kerr was named Chief of the Army Division (now Director of the Army National Guard) at the National Guard Bureau. He served in this position until his 1962 retirement.

Military education
Kerr completed the Army officer courses for Infantry, Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery. In addition, he was a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Awards and decorations
Kerr’s awards include: the Distinguished Service Medal; two awards of the Legion of Merit; and Bronze Star Medal.

His foreign decorations included: Officer of the Order of the British Empire; Grand Commander, Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Italy); War Cross for Military Valor (Italy); Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy; War Merit Cross (Italy); and Knight Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Italy).

In 1964 Governor John Connally recognized Kerr’s long years of dedicated service with a state promotion to Lieutenant General.

Death and burial
Kerr died in Dallas on August 13, 1977. He is buried at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas.