John Bahnsen
| John C. Bahnsen, Jr. | |
|---|---|
Bahnsen as Brigadier General, early 1980s
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Doc |
| Born |
November 8, 1934 Albany, Georgia |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1956-1986 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Bandit Platoon, 118th Assault Helicopter Company Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment 1st Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment 1st Aviation Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star (5), Distinguished Flying Cross (3), Legion of Merit (4), Bronze Star (4), Air Medal (51), Purple Heart (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star (2) |
| Other work |
Consultant, Writer, Gentleman farmer |
Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr. (born November 8, 1934) is a retired United States Army officer and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.
John Charles Bahnsen, Jr. was born to John C. Bahnsen and Evelyn Williams in Albany, Georgia. on November 8, 1934. His nickname, "Doc", stems from his grandfather, Dr. Peter F. Bahnsen, who immigrated with his parents to the United States from Denmark. In 1890, Dr. Bahnsen became Georgia's first state veterinarian, and he operated a state-of-the-art dairy farm in Americus, Georgia.
The Bahnsen family moved to Rochelle, Georgia, in 1941 where Doc's father worked as the federal soil conservationist for Wilcox County. Bahnsen attended Rochelle's public schools until tenth grade. He then went to live with his grandfather and aunt in Americus, Georgia, because the high school curriculum im Americus offered more math and science courses than Rochelle's. After 18 months in Americus, Bahnsen gained admission to Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. He was then appointed to the United States Military Academy by United States Senator Walter F. George, a close political acquaintance of his grandfather Bahnsen.
Doc Bahnsen began his studies at West Point in 1952. He won his numerals as a pole vaulter on the plebe track and field team. Bahnsen also participated on intramural teams, including wrestling, lacrosse, swimming, football, and soccer.
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