Jacob L. Devers (1887-1979)
York, York County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born and raised here, he rose to the rank of Four Star General, 1945. The Army's youngest Brig. Gen. In 1940; he became commander of European operations in World War II and had a key role in the liberation of France, 1944. Buried, Arlington National Cemetery.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Jacob L. Devers grew up in York and rose to become one of the most consequential American commanders of World War II. Made the Army's youngest brigadier general in 1940 and a four-star general by 1945, he led Allied forces in Europe and played a central role in the 1944 liberation of France. His career carried him from a Pennsylvania boyhood to the highest ranks of a global war and, finally, to burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Why it matters
Devers helped direct the campaign that freed Western Europe from Nazi occupation, making him one of the architects of the Allied victory that defined the American twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Jacob L. Devers
Themes & tags
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