John J. Yeosock

John J. Yeosock (March 18, 1937 – February 15, 2012) was a United States Army general who commanded the 3rd U.S. Army during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

Early life
John J. Yeosock was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1937 and grew up in Plains Township. He studied at the Valley Forge Military Academy where he graduated as valedictorian. Unable to get into West Point due to bad eyesight, Yeosock joined the ROTC at Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1959. As an armor officer Yeosock served in the Vietnam War. During the 1980s, Yeosock was the head of an American military team sent to help modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

Command
He commanded the 1st Cavalry Division from June 1986 to May 1988. Promoted to Lieutenant General, in 1989 he was given command of the 3rd U.S. Army. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, the 3rd Army was sent to Saudi Arabia in the buildup of coalition forces protecting the Kingdom during Operation Desert Shield. During the ground phase of the Gulf War, the 3rd Army formed the nucleus of the forces performing the "left hook" against the Iraqi Army. On February 19, 1991, he needed medical evacuation to Germany for emergency surgery, his command temporarily taken over by LTG Calvin Waller until his return to Saudi Arabia approximately ten days later. Yeosock retired from the army in August 1992.

Death
Yeosock died on February 15, 2012 in Fayetteville, Georgia, aged 74, from lung cancer and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Betta (née Hoffner), son John, and daughter Elizabeth J. Funk.

Awards

 * Combat Infantryman Badge
 * Army Staff Identification Badge

France
 * Legion of Honour