Jay W. MacKelvie

Jay W. MacKelvie (September 23, 1890 -– December 5, 1985) was a career United States Army officer who attained the rank of Brigadier General. He was prominent during World War II for being relieved of his command of the 90th Infantry Division shortly after the D-day invasion.

Early life and start of career
Jay Ward MacKelvie was born in Esmond, Kingsbury County, South Dakota on September 23, 1890.

MacKelvie enlisted in the Army in 1913, and was assigned to the 7th Cavalry. By 1915 he had risen to noncommissioned officer. MacKelvie advanced to regimental Sergeant Major before receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1917.

Originally assigned to the Cavalry branch, MacKelvie later transferred to the Field Artillery. He joined the 78th Field Artillery for World War I, and took part in the St. Mihiel Offensive.

He remained in the service after World War I, receiving promotion to First Lieutenant in 1917, temporary Captain from 1917 to 1919, permanent Captain in 1920, Major in 1933, and Lieutenant Colonel in 1940. MacKelvie completed the Field Artillery Battery Officers' Course in 1923, the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1932, and the United States Army War College in 1936.

World War II
After service in the War Department's Plans Division brought him to the attention of George C. Marshall, in 1942 he was promoted to Brigadier General and named as commander of the 85th Division Artillery, serving until 1943, when he was appointed commander of the 7th Division Artillery. From 1943 to 1944 MacKelvie commanded the XII Corps Artillery.

MacKelvie was named commander of the 90th Infantry Division in 1944 and participated in the D-day landings at Normandy. Shortly after the invasion, VII Corps commander Major General Lawton Collins decided that the division was not performing satisfactorily in combat. As a result, he relieved General MacKelvie and two regimental commanders.

MacKelvie had been nominated for promotion to temporary Major General while in command of the 90th Division, but after his relief the nomination was withdrawn.

MacKelvie was relieved without prejudice, and Collins made clear that he thought MacKelvie was capable of continuing to exercise command, especially of Artillery units. After being relieved from command of the 90th Division MacKelvie was assigned to command the 80th Division Artillery, serving until 1945.

From 1945 until his 1946 retirement MacKelvie served as commander of the V Corps Artillery.

Awards and decorations
MacKelvie's awards and decorations included: two awards of the Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; General Service Cross (Great Britain); Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre with Palm (France); and Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, (Soviet Union).

Death and burial
MacKelvie died in Denver, Colorado on December 5, 1985.