Louis Menetrey ’54

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Perhaps no American military officer since the Korean War has contributed more toward establishing the security of South Korea for the United Nations than General Louis Menetrey. Currently stationed in Seoul, Menetrey is commander in chief of the United Nations Command in South Korea, an armed force composed of troops from many nations facing the heavily armed North Korean forces across the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He also commands all U.S. forces in Korea, including the Eighth U.S. Army.

Menetrey’s position is considered one of the most important in the U.S. Armed Forces, believed by many to be second only to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a four-star general, Menetrey holds the highest peacetime rank that a U.S. military officer can attain. There are never more than a dozen U.S. Army officers to hold the rank of full general at any given time, but Menetrey is one of these elite.

Menetrey has held progressively important and responsible command and staff positions in Europe and the Far East as well as in the United States, culminating in his present assignment. His list of decorations includes the Distinguished Service Cross, which ranks second only to Medal of Honor.

Born in Los Angeles, Menetrey studied political science at UCLA and, upon graduation, he received his commission from the UCLA ROTC. HE also holds a master’s in international relations from Georgetown University. Menetrey is noted not only for his outstanding military leadership but also for his ability to represent the U.S. Armed Forces to the civilian world. His untiring devotion has been instrumental in guaranteeing the freedom and sovereignty of South Korea, a vital Asian ally.