Raymond Albert Wheeler | |
---|---|
Born |
Peoria, Illinois |
July 31, 1885
Died | February 9, 1974 Washington, D.C. |
(aged 88)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Commands held | Chief of Engineers (1945-1949) |
Battles/wars |
Veracruz Expedition World War I World War II |
Awards |
Distinguished Service Medal (4) Silver Star Legion of Merit Order of British Empire |
Raymond Albert Wheeler (July 31, 1885 in Peoria, Illinois – February 9, 1974) was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1911.
In Autumn 1943, he was appointed to the South East Asia Command (SEAC) of the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II on the staff of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, where he served as principal administrative officer and from February 1944, as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, replacing General Vinegar Joe Stilwell.
He served as Chief of Engineers for the United States Army Corps of Engineers from October 4, 1945 to February 28, 1949. He directed the clearing of the Suez Canal following the 1956 Suez Crisis.
Wheeler's military awards included a Silver Star, a Distinguished Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Legion of Merit. He was also an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
He died on February 9, 1974 in Washington, D.C. and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.