Nathan Bedford Forrest III: The Life and Legacy of a Fallen Hero

During World War II, Nathan Bedford Forrest III was a brigadier general in the United States Army Air Forces. He was also the great-grandson of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, a controversial figure in American history. Despite his family’s legacy, Forrest III served his country with distinction and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Here are some facts about Nathan Bedford Forrest III:

1. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1905.

Nathan Bedford Forrest III was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1905. He was the son of Nathan Bedford Forrest Jr. and the grandson of William H. Forrest, both of whom were prominent Memphis businessmen.

2. He was a skilled pilot and military leader.

Forrest III was a skilled pilot and military leader known for his bravery and skill in the air. He served in both the Army Air Corps and the Army Air Forces during his military career and was known for his innovative tactics and leadership.

3. He was the first American general to be killed in action in Europe during World War II.

Forrest III was killed in action on June 13, 1943, during a bombing raid over Kiel, Germany. He was the first American general to be killed in action in Europe during World War II, and his death was a significant loss for the Allied forces.

4. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Forrest III was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and leadership during the war. His legacy as a hero and a patriot has been celebrated by his family and by the military community.

5. He represents a complex legacy.

As the great-grandson of a Confederate general, Nathan Bedford Forrest III represents a complex legacy in American history. While his family’s history is controversial, Forrest III’s service and sacrifice for his country cannot be denied. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often painful history of the United States.