Fay B. Prickett

Prickett was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on April 29, 1893, the son of Darius Prickett, a carpenter, and Rosa Lee ( Dickerson) Prickett. He was raised and educated in Hutchinson, and attended Hutchinson High School. In high school, Prickett was known for his athletic prowess, and was a member of the basketball, football, and track and field teams. In 1911, he was elected president of the junior class. At age 14, Prickett joined the Kansas Army National Guard as the bugler for Company E, 2nd Kansas Infantry Regiment. He served for four years and during training exercises was frequently called upon to serve as the regimental commander's mounted trumpeter. Prickett received his commission as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment. ==Start of career==

After joining the 10th Cavalry at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Prickett took part in the Pancho Villa Expedition on the U.S.-Mexico border. In July 1916, he received promotion to first lieutenant. At the start of World War I, he transferred to the Field Artillery Branch. He was promoted to captain in May 1917 and completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in December 1917. In February 1918, Prickett was transferred to the 16th Field Artillery Regiment, which arrived in France in May 1918. Prickett was promoted to temporary major in July, and was assigned to command a battalion. He led his unit during the Battle of Château-Thierry, Battle of Saint-Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensive, and remained in command until the end of the war. After the Armistice of November 11, 1918 ended the war, Prickett remained in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. ==Continued career==

After the war, Prickett reverted to his permanent rank of captain and continued to serve in staff and command positions of increasing responsibility. The Army prioritized polo playing in the 1920s and 1920s, believing that the game enabled officers to learn to make quick decisions under stress. In 1929, he completed the course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. In 1932, Prickett graduated from the United States Army War College. In 1937, he was appointed to command West Point's Field Artillery Detachment. ==World War II==

At the start of World War II, Prickett was promoted to brigadier general as commander of the 4th Infantry Division Artillery. ==Post-World War II==

After the war, Prickett remained in Europe, where he led in succession the 10th Armored Division, 4th Armored Division, and 1st Constabulary Brigade. His terminal assignment was deputy inspector general of the U.S. Army, which he held until retiring in April 1953. ==Retirement and death==

In retirement, Prickett resided in Alexandria, Virginia. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. ==Family==

In March 1917, Prickett married Margaret Murray McGregor (1898-2003) of Denver, Colorado. They were the parents of three daughters: Margaret (Peggy); Mary (Polly); and Virginia (Ginger). Peggy was the wife of Major General Frank Dickson Miller. Polly was the wife of Brigadier General Francis Joseph Roberts. Ginger was the wife of Colonel Lee E. Cage Sr. ==Awards==

Prickett's military awards included the Legion of Merit with Oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. In addition, his World War II service was recognized with award of the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre with palm. ==Dates of promotion==

Prickett's effective dates of promotion were: • Second lieutenant, June 14, 1912 • First lieutenant, July 1, 1916 • Captain, May 19, 1917 • Major (temporary), July 3, 1918 • Captain, February 3, 1920 • Major (temporary), May 9, 1921 • Captain, November 4, 1922 • Major, December 28, 1926 • Lieutenant colonel, September 1, 1937 • Colonel (temporary), June 26, 1941 • Brigadier general (temporary), March 12, 1942 • Major general (temporary), January 14, 1944 • Brigadier general (temporary), July 1, 1946 • Major general (retired), April 30, 1953 ==References==