John J. Yeosock
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant General John J. Yeosock (Ret.) (b. March 18, 1937) is a United States Army general who commanded the 3rd U.S. Army
during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
John J. Yeosock studied at the Valley Forge Military Academy where he graduated as valedictorian
. Unable to get to West Point due to bad eyesight, Yeosock joined the ROTC
at Pennsylvania State University
. As an armor officer Yeosock served in the Vietnam War
.
During the 1980's Yeosock was the head of an American military team sent to help modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard
, a function which would be invaluable nearly ten years later.
Yeosock commanded the 1st Cavalry Division from June 1986 to May 1988. Promoted to lieutenant-general, in 1989 he was given command of the 3rd U.S. Army. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, 3rd Army was send to Saudi Arabia in the buildup of coalition forces protecting the Kingdom during Operation Desert Shield. During the ground phase of the Gulf War
3rd Army formed the nucleus of the forces forming the left hook against the Iraqi Army. On February 19, 1991 Yeosock need medical evacuation to Germany, his command taken over by Calvin Waller
.
United States Army Central
United States Army Central is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and is also dual-hatted as the "United States Third Army". It is the Army Component of U.S...
during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
John J. Yeosock studied at the Valley Forge Military Academy where he graduated as valedictorian
Valedictorian
Valedictorian is an academic title conferred upon the student who delivers the closing or farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. Usually, the valedictorian is the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution...
. Unable to get to West Point due to bad eyesight, Yeosock joined the ROTC
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college-based, officer commissioning program, predominantly in the United States. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.The U.S...
at Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
. As an armor officer Yeosock served in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
During the 1980's Yeosock was the head of an American military team sent to help modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard
Saudi Arabian National Guard
The Saudi Arabian National Guard is a separate military force of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is not part of the Saudi Arabian Defence Forces, due to its specific role as a counterbalance to the regular military. It serves both as defence force against external threats and as a security force...
, a function which would be invaluable nearly ten years later.
Yeosock commanded the 1st Cavalry Division from June 1986 to May 1988. Promoted to lieutenant-general, in 1989 he was given command of the 3rd U.S. Army. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, 3rd Army was send to Saudi Arabia in the buildup of coalition forces protecting the Kingdom during Operation Desert Shield. During the ground phase of the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
3rd Army formed the nucleus of the forces forming the left hook against the Iraqi Army. On February 19, 1991 Yeosock need medical evacuation to Germany, his command taken over by Calvin Waller
Calvin Waller
Lieutenant General Calvin Agustine Hoffman Waller was a high-ranking officer in the United States military.-Career:...
.