Verne D. Mudge

Verne D. Mudge
Mudge as Major general
BornSeptember 5, 1898
DiedJanuary 29, 1957 (aged 58)
Buried
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California, US
32°41′37″N 117°14′42″W / 32.69362129°N 117.24500957°W / 32.69362129; -117.24500957
Allegiance United States
Branch United States Army
Service years1920–1946
Rank Major General
Service number0-12679
Unit Cavalry Branch
Commands1st Cavalry Division
2nd Cavalry Brigade
5th Cavalry Brigade
Conflicts
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal
RelationsWalter Cowen Short (father-in-law)

Verne Donald Mudge (September 5, 1898 – January 29, 1957) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army with the rank of Major general. He is most noted as Commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division during World War II for which he received Distinguished Service Cross, the United States Army's second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force.

Mudge served his whole career in the Cavalry Branch, rising from the Platoon leader to Divisional commander. His career was cut short after he was wounded by Japanese grenade during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. He retired from the U.S. Army in November 1946 and then served as Chief of the Professional Staff of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee until July 1956.