Fay Brink Prickett, Major General, United States Army

Fay Brink Prickett
Major General, United States Army

Fay Brink Prickett (29 April 1893-18 December 1982) was the fourth West Pointer (in the family), winning his commission in the Cavalry in 1916. Prickett served in both World War I and World War II, reaching the rank of Major General and presiding over Dachau, the historic tribunal that tried Nazi war criminals.

There's yet another member of this remarkable family who deserves a salute: Kate's great- grandmother, Margaret McGregor Prickett, who celebrated her 100th birthday on March 16, 2002 - which also happens to be the anniversary of West Point's founding. She was the daughter of Robert McGregor, class of 1889, and wife to Fay Prickett, class of 1916.

King's daughter Caroline Woodruff King married Robert McGregor, a Cavalry officer who proposed to his future wife on horseback in front of her house. The 1889 graduate is Peggy's maternal grandfather.

McGregor was the city engineer as a Captain at Manila Bay in the Philippines when he died of a burst appendix in 1902.

McGregor's daughter, Margaret Murray McGregor, married Fay Brink Prickett, who was commissioned in the cavalry in 1916.

Prickett fought in World War I, but only after chasing Poncho Villa in Mexico with the 10th Cavalry. After Mexico he transferred to field artillery and went to France.

During World War II he commanded the 75th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he served as the president of the War Crimes Tribunal at Dachau.

He retired as a major general after 37 years of service. He died in 1982 and was buried with full military honors in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery.

On January 3, 2003, MARGARET M. PRICKETT of Knollwood, Washington, D.C. Predeceased by her husband, Major General Fay Brink Prickett. She is survived by three daughters, Peggy Miller, Polly Roberts and Ginger Cage.

Also survived by 17 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at Christ Church, 118 North Washington St., Alexandria, Virginia. Graveside services will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Margaret M. Prikett Scholarship Fund, Daughters of The U.S. Army, 2011 Meadow Springs Dr., Vienna, Virginia 22182.

Photo Courtesy of Russell C. Jacobs, January 2006

PRICKETT, FAY BRINK
MG US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 04/01/1933 - 04/01/1953
DATE OF BIRTH: 04/29/1893
DATE OF DEATH: 12/18/1982
DATE OF INTERMENT: 12/28/1982
BURIED AT: SECTION 1 SITE 399 WS
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

PRICKETT, MARGARET M
DATE OF BIRTH: 03/16/1898
DATE OF DEATH: 01/03/2003
DATE OF INTERMENT: 01/21/2003
BURIED AT: SECTION 1 SITE 399 WS
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
WIFE OF PRICKETT, FAY BRINK MG US ARMY
Posted: 18 January 2003 Updated: 1 October 2004 Updated: 28 January 2006