MG, US Army (Ret)


Born at Fort McKinley ME

West Point Class of 1937.

He graduated from West Point US Military Academy and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the US Army in 1937. In 1944, as Battalion Commander 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", out in front of General George Patton's Third Army approaching the Seine River, he was leading his armored squadron. As his tank was crossing a bridge over the Seine, the Germans blew the bridge, narrowly missing then-LTC Lemmon. Seeing boats on the other side of the river, he swam across while under enemy fire and brought the boats back to his side of the shore, then sending a fire team over to begin the process of building a pontoon bridge. This enabled the Third Army to cross the river. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry from General Patton for this act of heroism. His other military awards include the Bronze Star with V Device and Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired from the Army in 1979. He became a competitive swimmer, as well as a wonderful mentor, with the DC Masters Swimming team. At the age of 72, he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of fame after establishing many swimming records, including a national and world record in the 50 meter freestyle long course.
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