James J. McMonagle - Misplaced Pages

United States Marine Corps general

James J. McMonagle

Born	February 18, 1932 San Antonio, Texas
Died	October 7, 2024
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1953–1988
Rank	Major general
Commands	1st Marine Division
Battles / wars	Vietnam War Korean War
Awards	Legion of Merit

James Joseph McMonagle (1932-2024) was a retired United States Marine Corps major general who served as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Marine career

McMonagle was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a second lieutenant after graduation from University of Notre Dame in 1953. He graduated from The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico and served as Infantry Platoon Leader in Korea near the Demilitarized Zone with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. After service in Korea, he was deployed to Lebanon as communications officer for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in to handle an international crisis between Lebanon and the newly-formed United Arab Republic. The Marines served as a peace-keeping force. McMonagle served as rifle company commander with 2nd Marine Division. He attended Amphibious Warfare School in 1961 and was promoted to major in July 1964. As a lieutenant colonel, McMonagle was assigned command of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and deployed to Republic of Vietnam in 1968. For his combat service in Vietnam, McMonagle was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”. McMonagle later earned a Master's degree after graduation from the College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College on July 1, 1974. McMonagle was promoted to colonel in 1975. His staff assignments include Marine officer instructor at the University of Mississippi; executive officer, 8th Marine Regiment; Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. In 1979, McMonagle was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. In 1980, McMonagle was Deputy Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. As a major general, McMonagle was reassigned as Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Amphibious Force on August 13, 1986. McMonagle relinquished command to Major General John P. Monahan on July 19, 1988 and retired from active duty after 35 years of service.

Awards and decorations

U.S. military decorations
	Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device and gold award star
	Meritorious Service Medal
	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
	Combat Action Ribbon with gold award star
U.S. Unit Awards
	Navy Unit Commendation
U.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training Ribbons
	National Defense Service Medal with bronze campaign star
	Korean Service Medal
	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
	Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars
	Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
	Vietnam Gallantry Cross
	Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
	United Nations Service Medal
	Vietnam Campaign Medal