Alexander M. Patch
Patch, Alexander M. (McCarrell) (1889–1945), a United States army officer who in World War II had important commands in the Pacific and in Europe. He was born at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and graduated from West Point in 1913. Patch served on the Mexican Border and in World War I. In 1942 he was sent to New Caledonia, where he organized the Americal (America-Caledonia) Division, which relieved the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal. In 1943 he commanded XIV Corps, which completed the clearing of Japanese from the island. As lieutenant general, Patch commanded the 7th Army in the 1944 invasion of southern France.