Frank William Milburn
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army

Frank William Milburn was born on 11 January 1892 in Jasper, IN.

Milburn attended the U.S. Military Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in June 1914. During World War I, Milburn served in the Panama Canal Zone. Later, he served in a variety of Infantry assignments, among them the 5th, 33rd, 15th, and 28th Infantry Regiments.

A 1933 graduate of the Command and General Staff School (the school for higher command in U.S. Army), Milburn was promoted to Brigadier General in early 1942 and selected to command the U.S. 83rd Infantry Division in August 1942. He was promoted again in September 1942 to the rank of Major General. Milburn commanded the 83rd Division until December 1943, when he took over the U.S. XXI Corps.

Milburn commanded the XXI Corps for the remainder of World War II in Europe as part of General Patch's U.S. Seventh Army. Milburn's XXI Corps played a decisive role in collapsing the Colmar Pocket in February 1945. In his The History of the French First Army, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny described Milburn in this manner:

"When I saw Major General Frank W. Milburn arrive at Rothau at 10.00 on the 25th January, lean and muscular and straight of eye, with the energetic features of a fighter, it did not take me long to know that I would find in him the most careful and loyal of subordinates. The steadfastness of his character, his clear view of realities and his leader-like authority, were apparent to me at once, and I felt that I could have complete confidence in him to bring to a successful conclusion the rough task which was going to fall to his U.S. 21st Army Corps."

Postwar, Milburn's tour of command of the XXI Corps ended in July 1945. Subsequently, Milburn served briefly as Acting Commander of Seventh Army and then the XXIII Corps. Milburn commanded the U.S. V Corps from November 1945 until June 1946. From June 1946 until May 1949, Milburn commanded the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. Promoted to Lieutenant General in 1949, Milburn served as the Deputy Commander of U.S. Army Europe until 1950.

During the Korean War, Milburn temporarily commanded the U.S. IX Corps in August 1950. From September 1950 until June 1951, Milburn commanded the U.S. I Corps during the Korean War. For two days in December 1950, Milburn was the Acting Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army.

Milburn's career is remarkable for having commanded five Corps of the U.S. Army. He retired from military service in April 1952.

Medals and Awards

Army Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Silver Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
World War I Victory Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

Silver Star Medal Citation (2nd of 2 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant General Frank William Milburn (ASN: 0-3738), United States Army, for gallantry in action. During the period of 6 September 1950 through 28 September 1950, General Milburn commanded the I Corps in an attack against an assaulting, aggressive enemy. The attack involved shifting from defense to offense with depleted troops that had been beaten back repeatedly by an enemy superior in numbers. General Milburn planned and launched the attack, broke the enemy offensive and main line of resistance and crossed the Naktong river. The attack unfolded over difficult terrain including mountains and the Naktong river against heavy opposition. During this period General Milburn was forward with the frontline units directing and encouraging them to seize assigned objectives without delay. His presence, enthusiasm, leadership and fearlessness inspired his command to victorious assault. With skill and shrewd tactics General Milburn led his command to envious victory. His gallantry, heroism and valor reflected credit on himself, his command and the military service.

General Orders: Headquarters, VIII Army, General Orders No. 90 (1950) & G.O. 567 (1951)

In Retirement

Milburn worked briefly as the Athletic Director at Montana State University.

Death and Burial

Lieutenant General Frank W. Milburn died on 25 October 1962 in Missoula, MT. He is buried at Fort Missoula Cemetery in Missoula, MT.