William Edward Bergin | |
Birth Date: | 18 May 1892 |
Birth Place: | Pueblo, Colorado, US |
Death Place: | Washington, D.C., US |
Placeofburial: | Arlington National Cemetery |
Placeofburial Label: | Place of Burial |
Branch: | United States Army |
Serviceyears: | 1917–1954 |
Rank: | Major general |
Commands: | Adjutant general |
Awards: | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit |
Battles: | World War I World War II Korean War |
William Edward Bergin (May 18, 1892 – January 23, 1978) was an officer in the United States Army who served as Adjutant General from 1951 to 1954.
Bergin was born in Pueblo, Colorado on May 18, 1892,[1] a son of John Bergin and Catherine.[2] He joined the Army in 1917, and received his commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from officers training camp at Fort Riley, Kansas.[1] During World War I he served in Europe with the 20th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the 10th Division, which was later re-designated the 31st Division.[1]
From 1921 to 1925, Bergin was in charge of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Georgetown University.[1]
At the start of World War II, Bergin was adjutant and assistant chief of staff for personnel (G-1) of U.S. Army Forces in Chongqing, China, serving under General Joseph Stilwell.[1] He later served on the Army staff for the China Burma India Theater, and he ended the war as deputy chief of staff of the Tenth U.S. Army, based in Okinawa.[1]
In 1946, Bergin was assigned to the War Department General Staff.[1] His later assignments included overseas service in Germany and service as the Army's Deputy Adjutant General from 1949 to 1951, and Adjutant General from 1951 to 1954.[1]
Bergin's awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit, as well as China's Order of the Cloud and Banner First Grade.[1]
In retirement, Bergin was a resident of Washington, D.C.[1] In his later years, he suffered from heart disease.[1] He died at his Washington home on January 23, 1978.[1] Bergin was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife Elizabeth.[1]