<div>
<p>
Was he a French Irishman or an Irish Frenchman? Whatever, he was a charmer. He combined the puckish deviltry of the Irish with the suavity and smoothness of the French. He was a man's man, but something of a darling of the ladies also. He was an all-around good guy who earned the love of men and women alike. So many friends he had.</p>
<p>
<em>George Louis Descheneaux, Jr.</em> was born in Newton, Massachusetts on 30 November 1908. His father was a French Canadian and his mother, Dorothy Bernadine Malone, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland.</p>
<p>
After attending high school in Watertown, Massachusetts and a stint at Boston University, Desch prepped for West Point at Millard's School in Washington, DC.</p>
<p>
Once admitted to the Academy, Desch established his pattern quickly. As a cadet he was distinctly Descheneaux. Outwardly he was loose, relaxed and devil-may-care. But in truth, he was concerned, aware, interested. He feigned indifference to tenths and demerits, but, when push came to shove, he cared to the point of worry—worry he brought on himself. He had the stuff. There was no shortage of brains. When Christmas leave or other special occasions loomed, he would pour on the heat and pull himself up—both academically and in discipline.</p>
<p>
Physically, too, he had it. Athletically, he excelled all-around. A splendid physique helped him master sports and all physical requirements with ease.</p>
<p>
Desch's character was marked by generosity and integrity. If he had a dime or $100 he willingly shared. If he owed a dime or $100 you knew it was good.</p>
<p>
As a cadet, Desch liked the girls and the girls liked him, many of them. But only years after graduation did true love come. Few men were as fortunate as he in having two successful and happy marriages. The first to the stunningly beautiful Mary Elizabeth Bowles from Portland, Maine. He and Betty were married in 1935 and had over thirty years of happy companionship until her death at too early an age in 1967. Happily to this union was born Joan Elizabeth in 1936. His daughter Joey was a beloved sustaining force in Desch's life.</p>
<p>
After five years as a widower, there came a revelation. At his fortieth class reunion in 1972, Desch became aware of the vivacious, extremely attractive Margaret Turnbull Adams, widow of classmate Gilbert N. Adams. In the succeeding months Desch pursued Peggy seriously and in December 1972, they were married in Washington Cathedral. A happy event indeed because it led to twelve more years of comforting companionship.</p>
<p>
This final stage of his life ended on 14 July 1984 in Charlottesville, Virginia where Desch and Peggy had come to live. Desch died peacefully in his sleep after a visit only the day before with daughter Joey and sister Dorothy. Fatefully his second lovely wife followed him in death by only six days. The two of them were buried at West Point alongside their respective first spouses.</p>
<p>
Following graduation from West Point in 1932, Desch set out on a military career that in its early phases can be described as routine. His first four years of commissioned service were with the 5th Infantry Regiment at three stations in Maine, Forts McKinley, Preble and William. During this time he drew the usual assignments of a company grade officer from platoon leader to company commander. In the fall of 1936 he became a student officer at the Infantry School at Fort Benning. Upon completion of that course in the spring of 1937, he was ordered to the Panama Canal Zone where he served initially with the 14th Infantry, but then was chosen by then Brigadier General R. C. Moore as his aide-de-camp. He went to Fort Snelling, Minnesota in 1940 and then, with war in Europe, his career gained speed. In a span of two years he was thrice promoted, attended the Adjutant General’s School in Washington, DC, commanded a battalion, attended the Command and General Staff College at Leavenworth, participated in Second Army Maneuvers in Louisiana, and in 1943 was with Headquarters Fifth Army in Italy as a combat observer. Thus, with invaluable experience gained in multiple capacities, he was eminently prepared for his peak assignment. In 1944, Desch attained the prestigious goal of every worthy Infantry officer, but achieved by few. He took command of the 422d Infantry Regiment of the 106th Division, destined for an early combat role under his leadership. He was one of the youngest regimental commanders in the Army.</p>
<p>
In December 1944 the 106th Division moved into position in a supposedly quiet sector of the European front. A few days later, the Germans launched a last desperate attack in a final bid for victory. The spearhead of the main Nazi force hit the 106th and Desch’s regiment, together with the 423d, was at the point of contact. The Nazis concentrated intensive artillery fire upon the regiment's position and followed with overwhelming tank and infantry assaults.</p>
<p>
The situation became so desperate for his regiment that Desch was faced with the most difficult decision any commander is ever called upon to make. In his words—“The paramount question became that of saving the lives of as many of your men as possible and every possible action to accomplish this was discussed. Our situation was rendered hopeless by our great distance behind our lines, the weather, our ammunition supply, and many other factors. And so, though my spirit revolted against such a decision, surrender seemed to be the only solution to avoid needless loss of life and further suffering. I am convinced there was nothing else to do…” That decision took guts.</p>
<p>
Desch was captured in December 1944 and remained a prisoner of war until April 1945. During his captivity he contracted tuberculosis which led to extensive treatment at Fitzsimmons General Hospital and eventually to early retirement for physical disability after fourteen years of service.</p>
<p>
Through the painful months of captivity, distress at the loss of his wife Betty, and years of physical discomfort after military retirement, he maintained an attitude of cheerfulness, and stoically kept his troubles to himself. During this period he was employed for several years by the Mitre Corporation in Concord, Massachusetts. His last years were comforted and made tolerable by the loving support of his second wife Peggy.</p>
<p>
Throughout Desch’s life he remained loyal to family, friends, the Army and West Point. Most pleasant to him after retirement were frequent visits to his Alma Mater for class reunions, athletic events, homecomings and other occasions. He is a worthy member indeed of the Long Gray Line.</p>
<p>
Shortly after Desch's death, Lieutenant General James M. Gavin wrote of him—“We shall all miss him. He was a fine officer who did his duty as he saw fit regardless of the risks and, in my opinion, fate was more than cruel to him. He was a great officer and his loss will be felt throughout the Army and among his many friends.”</p>
<p>
With his spirit of patriotism, progressiveness and verve, it is fitting that the life of the Irish Frenchman should have ended on Bastile Day.</p>
<p>
<em>L. R. C.</em></p>
</div>
<p>
</p>