He was commissioned a Captain in the Regular Army in 1920. He lost the vision in his left eye in a Polo accident. He served in the Army for more than 62 years and was the only four-star general in Army history to reach that rank without ever having served in a combat role.

He served as Director of the Selective Service System during the Vietnam War and, as such, became the focal point for many who opposed that war. He was subsequently removed from that position by President Richard Nixon who then named him to be a presidential advisor and promoted him to full General.

He refused to retire on his own and the Army involuntarily retired him in April 1973. he died on May 5, 1977 and was buried in Section 7 of Arlington National Cemetery.

His wife, Elln Dygert Hershey (September 7, 1892-April 1, 1977) is buried with him. Her stone reads:

"Beloved wife for 60 years. 
Adviser and counselor for 70 years."




Gravesite photos courtesy of Ron Williams


---


Updated: 21 January 2001 Updated: 7 March 2003 Updated: 27 November 2005 Updated: 1 January 2006

Photo courtesy 
of the United 
States Army