BG John Charles Steck

BG John Charles Steck was born 7 Sep 1911 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of 9 children born to August Rhinaul and Bertha F. (Melick) Steck. His father, as well as many others in his family, was a Lutheran minister. John attended Carlisle High School. His mother died in 1928. John graduated from Gettysburg College in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He intially went to work for the state of Pennsylvania highways department as a laboratory assistant with a salary of $1140 a year.

John was drafted in June 1941. Being a college graduate probably helped his selection as an officer candidate and he was sent to OCS. Assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division as it was reconstituted. Commanding E Company 242nd Infantry then CPT Steck was serving in the 42nd Infantry Division 7th Army under General Alexander Patch when he performed the actions for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross as well as the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster. The qualifying events probably took place near Hatten, France in the 42nds resistance to the German Operation Nordwind. 

Worked as reporter for Farmville Herald before becoming news manager. Elected to Prince Edward County's board of supervisors in 1958, he served as the chair of that body for the 4 years prior to his death. President Farmville Chamber of Commerce. COL Steck attended the Command and General Staff College in 1963. COL Steck took command of 2nd Brigade 29th Infantry Division in 1964 and commanded the unit until 1967.

BG Steck  was still working when he died of cancer on 28 Jun 1977. He was interred in Westview Cemetery in Farmville, Virginia.