General of the Army Omar N. Bradley and his wife Kitty moved from California to quarters at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in 1977 and lived there until the General's death. This distinguished American chose to make El Paso his home because he wanted to live near soldiers and within the sound of Army bugle calls, as well as because of El Paso's climate. Their home here had previously housed the Hospital's commander.
Omar N. Bradley was the last of the handful of World War II generals who achieved the five-star rank, General of the Army. Because five-star general officers remain on active duty throughout their lives, General Bradley and his staff also maintained an office at William Beaumont. Besides his reputation as a brilliant Army officer, General Bradley was known as "the GI's General," because of his compassion for his soldiers.
General Bradley died on April 8, 1981, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Kitty Bradley returned to California following his death.
This historic flagpole, which stood in front of General Bradley's office, had been erected at William Beaumont General Hospital Headquarters, constructed in 1921. In 1972 the original hospital was replaced by the new William Beaumont Army Medical Center. The flagpole was moved to its present location in July 2001.
This
plaque presented by
Major General (U.S. Army, Retired) and Mrs.
John B. Oblinger
Commanding General, Fort Bliss, 1979-1982
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