John Leonard Pierce was a United States Army officer with the rank of brigadier general. He is most noted as a commander of the 16th Armored Division during World War II.
John Leonard Pierce (April 25, 1895 – February 12, 1959) was a United States Army officer with the rank of brigadier general. He is most noted as a commander of the 16th Armored Division during World War II.
Early years
John Leonard Pierce was born on April 25, 1895, in Dallas, Texas, as the son of lawyer, Frank Cushman Pierce and his wife, Isabella. Pierce attended the West Texas Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas, and subsequently Texas A&M University and then joined the Army in June 1917. Subsequently served during World War I in France. After war, Pierce served with 8th Infantry Division within Occupation forces in Koblenz, Germany.
After return to the United States, Pierce stayed in the Army and was interested in mobile warfare and the development of armor.
