Autrey Maroun Obituary

Major General Autrey Joseph Maroun, U.S. Army Retired, died peacefully at his Pebble Beach home, August 8, 2005. General Maroun was born in Shreveport, LA on April 19, 1914. He graduated in 1935 from the United States Military Academy, (West Point). General Maroun was a distinguished and highly decorated career Army Officer. He commanded Infantry units from Platoon Leader to Division Commander. General Maroun served as Commander 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) , Fort Carson, Colorado from 1964-66. He was made an Honorary Member of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and given a review by the Air Force Academy Cadets, and presented a plaque in recognition of his support of the Academy. Governor John Love presented him with a plaque for his many humanitarian deeds on behalf of the people of Colorado and for his support of the Colorado National Guard. In World War II, General Maroun was the 2nd Battalion Commander, 37th Infantry, 95th Infantry Division that secured the liberation of Fort d'Illange, Thionville, Yutz, France. He was wounded twice during the battle. Anthony Kemp's book, Metz: The Unknown Battle, described it as an "impossible task, but American troops rose to the occasion." In 1946, General Maroun was assigned as Executive Officer to the Chief of Counsel for War crimes in Nurnberg, Germany. General Maroun was Chief Military Planning Officer with the Southeast Asia Treat Organization (SEATO) in Bangkok, Thailand. He concluded his career as a special assistant to the Comptroller of the Army which included testifying in Manpower and Budget Hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committee until his retirement in 1972. For his personal heroic actions, General Maroun was awarded many military honors, including the nation's second highest decoration: The Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak-Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak-Leaf Cluster, The Combat Infantryman Badge, The Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Order of Orange Nassau with Swords from the Queen of the Netherlands, Medal for Meritorious Service from Republic of the Philippines. Following his retirement, General Maroun moved to Pebble Beach, California, where he was active in community affairs. He was a member of The Monterey Peninsula Country Club, served on many golf committees, was a club Director for three years and Club President his third year (1982). He was active in the Church of the Wayfarer, served on many committees including: Scholarship Committee Chairman, Chairman of 75th Anniversary year-long celebration. In 1994, the City of Thionville made General Maroun a "Citizen of Honor" on the 50th anniversary of their liberation. The city flew him and his wife, Francie, to France for the ceremonies. General Maroun was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Alyce; one brother, Lawrence; and his first wife, Amy. General Maroun is survived by his wife, Francie and her three sons: U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Lally of New Cumberland, PA, Bill Lally of Carmel, CA; Navy Commodore, Robert Lally of Sigonella, Italy and their families; Colonel (Ret) Jim and Lu-Anne Fox, stepdaughter. A Memorial Service was held at the Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel, CA. Inurnment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery, October 14, 2005 at 0900 hours. The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Army Emergency Relief or the American Red Cross.