MAJOR GENERAL AUBREY S. NEWMAN, a noted author and long time contributor to ARMY Magazine in his column The Forward Edge, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during World War II while commanding the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during the assault on Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 October and 30 October, 1944. On 20 October Colonel Newman went ashore in the fifth wave of the amphibious landing of Leyte. He found the preceding waves compressed within a narrow space not more than one hundred yards wide and twenty yards from the water’s edge, pinned down by heavy rifle and machine gun fire and exposed to mortar and artillery fire. Confused by the loss of key officers, the men were without trained leaders competent to organize an attack. Colonel Newman at once took charge of the situation, issued necessary orders, and literally forced his men off the beach. Under his leadership and direction the troops promptly advanced and secured a beachhead approximately two hundred yards inland, and cleared the way for landing of additional troops, equipment, and supplies. Ten days later, near Jaro, Leyte, the leading elements of his assault battalion encountered heavy machine gun fire from an entrenched enemy position which commanded the main route of advance. Colonel Newman promptly made a personal reconnaisance and planned his advance, but while giving orders for the attack he was caught in heavy concentration of mortar fire and was hit. Critically wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued to direct the attack until he lost consciousness. As a direct result of his energy, leadership and example the attack was pushed to a successful conclusion, and our troops drove the enemy from the position and continued their advance. Colonel Newman’s outstanding leadership and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to all members of his command and a material contribution to the success of his regiment during the campaign on Leyte. His deeds are depicted in a well known painting entitled Follow Me that hangs in many Army Mess Halls.

General Newman was a member of the Legion of Valor since 1974. He resided in Florida.