BG Barnwell R. Legge, USA

Class of 1911

Hometown: Summerville, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • Legge was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during combat actions against German forces near Verdun, France, Oct. 5, 1918.  Legge personally led an attack against a strong enemy position and inspired his men by his courage, cutting through entanglements despite heavy enemy resistance, and directing the attacks against three different strong points.
  • Legge was also awarded 4 Silver Stars for conspicuous gallantry while serving with the 26th Infantry in the Battle of Soissons, 18 to 22 July 1918.  In addition, he received the Army Distinguished Service medal for his leadership of the 26th Infantry Regiment and the Legion of Honor and French Croix de guerre 1914-1918 with Palm by the French government. 
  • With a DSC, 4 Silver Stars, DSM, the Croix de Guerre and a Purple Heart Legge is one of the US Army's most highly decorated soldiers of WWI, and one of The Citadel's most highly decorated alumni. 
  • After WWI, Legge served as an Assistant Military Attaché to France and then Military Attache to Switzerland.  He stayed in Switzerland for the whole period of WWII, and helped arrange the escape of many interned US fliers. For service, Legge was awarded the Legion of Merit and also received the Order of the British Empire, Commander, by the United Kingdom.