John C. Bahnsen Jr., a retired Army brigadier general who was awarded 19 decorations for valor during the Vietnam War, mostly for his swashbuckling, hands-on command of an air cavalry troop that saw heavy combat, died on Feb. 21 at his home in Rochelle, Ga.
His wife, Peggy Bahnsen, a retired lieutenant colonel, confirmed the death.
She said he had congestive heart failure.
General Bahnsen was among the most decorated combat veterans in U.S. history.
He earned most of those awards during the second of two Vietnam tours, when he led a troop in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment that was commanded by Maj. Gen. George S. Patton, the son of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. of World War II fame.
Persons:
John C, Bahnsen Jr, Peggy Bahnsen, Bahnsen, George S, Patton, Patton Jr
Organizations:
Army, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Locations:
Vietnam, Rochelle , Ga