Fred Keith Mahaffey
General, U.S. Army

Fred Keith Mahaffey was born on 4 January 1934 in Clovis, NM. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1955 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. He later earned a Master's Degree in International Affairs at George Washington University.

During the Vietnam War, he commanded a battalion in the 9th Infantry Division. In 1975 he assumed command of the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. He was succeeded in command of the 2nd Brigade by another future four-star general, then-Colonel Colin Powell. He also commanded the 3rd Infantry Division from 1981 to 1983.

Mahaffey's other assignments included Division Operations Officer for the 101st Airborne Division; Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School; Deputy Commanding General of the Combined Arms Combat Development Activity; and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for the Army.

Mahaffey was promoted to four-star rank on 17 June 1985 at the age of 51, making him one of the youngest four-star generals ever. He served as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Readiness Command (USCINCRED) from 1985 to 1986. Considered a rising star in the Army, his career was cut short by cancer diagnosed while on active duty.

Medals, Awards. Badges & Tabs

Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Silver Star Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Legion of Merit with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
Ranger Tab

Silver Star Medal Citation (1st of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred K. Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 January 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a cordon mission in Dinh Tuong Province. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant colonel Mahaffey repeatedly had his craft fly low over the embattled area to coordinate the linking up of his men. He then landed and personally directed the employment of his units. Despite the fact that he came under intense enemy fire four times that night, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey continued to courageously move through the area directing the fire of his men. His actions resulted in a striking victory over the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey's extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2544 (March 4, 1969)

Silver Star Medal Citation (2nd of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred K. Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 April 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. After one of his companies became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey flew to the area and braved intense hostile fire to circle over the hostile emplacements, pinpointing targets for artillery supporting fire. Although the enemy directed an extreme volume of anti-aircraft fire at his helicopter, he remained at low level over the area until his forces had completely encircled the hostile element. He then joined the company on the ground and repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to direct the action of men. His valiant leadership resulted in a total rout of the hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5770 (May 20, 1969)

Silver Star Medal Citation (3rd of 3 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred K. Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 12 May to 13 May 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. After his unit came under attack, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey, flying in the Command and Control helicopter, continually exposed himself to enemy fire while flying low over the area to adjust air and artillery fire against the hostile force, and direct ground troops in coordinated assaults against the enemy positions. During ensuing action, after taking control of the operation on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey called in gunship strikes to within 35 meters of his position, and skillfully continued to direct fire support into the area until the enemy force was totally defeated. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5798 (May 21, 1969)

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred K. Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 April 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance mission in Long An Province. After spotting two enemy soldiers maneuvering against friendly ground forces, Colonel Mahaffey directed his pilot in several low level passes over the area. Disregarding his own safety, he exposed himself to enemy fire to effectively engage the enemy soldiers with his M-16, then landed to recover their weapons and documents. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey's outstanding initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5103 (April 29, 1969), Amended by G.O. 5792 (May 21, 1969)

Honors

• On 16 May 1989, the Headquarters Building of the 3rd Infantry Division was dedicated in his honor.

• He was posthumously inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.

• Mahaffey was also inducted posthumously into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame.

Death and Burial

General Fred Keith Mahaffey died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on 13 October 1986 at the age of 52. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Mahaffey is survived by his wife, the former Jane Garrett, and four daughters; Lorrie, Selene, Julie, and Melissa. A memorial to him can be found engraved in stone in Carlsbad Beach in Carlsbad, NM, where Mahaffey lived; it is also the hometown of his widow, Jane Mahaffey.