John Taylor Lewis John Taylor Lewis ( October 28 , 1894 - December 5 , 1983 ) was a lieutenant general in the United States Army . Biography . Lewis was born in Rockford , Illinois on October 28 , 1894 . In 1917 he received a bachelor ’ s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Illinois , was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery , and was assigned to the 37th Infantry Regiment in Laredo , Texas . During World War I he served in France . After the war he remained in France as a military attaché at the U . S . Embassy in Paris . In the 1920s he was assigned as an instructor at the Fort Monroe , Virginia Coast Artillery School . In the early 1930s Lewis served as a member of the Coast Artillery Board at Fort Monroe . In 1933 he began attendance at the Army Command and General Staff College , from which he graduated in 1935 . In 1938 Lewis graduated from the Army War College . From 1940 to 1941 he served in the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery , first as Chief of the Material & Finance Section and then as Chief of the Fiscal Section . In 1941 he was appointed Secretary of the War Department General Staff as a brigadier general . From 1942 to 1944 Lewis commanded the 38th Coast Artillery Brigade ( Anti - Aircraft ) and was the commander of the Washington Military District , receiving promotion to major general . In 1942 he was a member of the military panel that tried and convicted German saboteurs who were captured after entering the United States with a plan to attack military targets . He was head of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces ( SHAEF ) mission to the French government from 1944 to 1945 . Lewis was commander of Fort Riley , Kansas from 1948 to 1950 . In 1952 he was appointed to head the Army ’ s Anti - aircraft Command and promoted to lieutenant general , remaining in this position until his 1954 retirement . General Lewis died in San Diego , California , on December 5 , 1983 . Awards and honors . His decorations included three awards of the Distinguished Service Medal . Citation for First Distinguished Service Medal : For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States , in a duty of great responsibility , as commanding General , Military District of Washington , from May 1942 to September 1944 . Despite unusual difficulties arising through the impact in one area of the various chains of command , General Lewis developed a harmonious and efficient command and provided for the sound and adequate defense of the Nation ’ s Capital , effectively integrating the many diverse military and naval elements stationed in the vicinity of Washington . Facing an administrative situation of multiple complexities , he provided for the effective operations of the headquarters of the Army during a critical period when the armed forces of the Nation were being deployed in combat throughout the world . In accomplishing his tactical and administrative responsibilities in a highly efficient manner , he maintained close relationships with the civil government , planned and supervised the construction of needed recreational facilities and housing , and provided for the many diverse administrative and supply services for the Military District of Washington , and all War Department activities within the command . Through his devotion to duty , his superior leadership and his rare administrative ability , he has contributed materially to the war effort . Name : Lewis , John T . Service : Army Rank : Major General Order : War Department , General Orders No . 88 ( 1944 )