John W. Hendrix


John Walter Hendrix is a retired United States Army four-star general, and served as Commander, United States Army Forces Command from 1999 to 2001.

Military career

Hendrix was born on September 22, 1942, in Bulloch County, Georgia, and received his commission after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1965 with a degree in electrical engineering.Hendrix is of English, Scottish, Italian and Arbereshe Descent. He earned a master's degree in history in 1978 from Middle Tennessee State University, and is a graduate of both the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
His other commands include V Corps in this position he served as commanding general of Task Force Hawk; 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; and the United States Army Infantry Center, Fort Benning, Georgia.
He also served as deputy chief of staff for operations, United States Army Europe and 7th Army; assistant division commander, 1st Armored Division during the Persian Gulf War; executive officer to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe, Belgium; and assistant commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning.
He completed several NATO assignments during the Cold War, including commander of 2nd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, and served two tours of duty as a rifle company commander in the Republic of Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 2001.

Awards and Decorations

His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster; and the Bronze Star with "V" device and three oak leaf clusters. He also holds the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger tab, and Army Aviator Badge.
In retirement, Hendrix sits on the board of advisors of the National Infantry Foundation and worked for United Defense Industries. He was National Chairman of the Military Officers Association of America.