Harry H. Critz

Lieutenant General Harry H. Critz (1912–1982) was a native Texan, born in Teague. Rising through the ranks during periods of war, his final post was as Commanding General of Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas.

While attending Texas A&M University, he was named the 1934 Flag Officer of the school.[1] Critz enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, commissioning there in 1935. With the United States 1941 entry into World War II, Critz was attached to the 1st Field Artillery Regiment, seeing action in the North African campaign.[2]

He saw service in Europe until 1948, when he was stationed at Fort Sill, assigned to the 32nd Field Artillery Battalion, eventually rising to the position of Division Artillery Commander. He became an instructor at the United States Army War College. During Korean War in 1953 and 1954, he was Commander of the United States Field Artillery Branch. Following the 1953 armistice of the Korean War, he served as chief of staff, 8th U.S. Army Washington D. C.[2] During the Vietnam War, he received briefings from the field.[3] In 1968, Lt. General Critz was named Commanding General of Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas, a position he held until his 1971 retirement from the military..[4]

Upon his retirement from military service, Critz and his wife returned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma He became president of Fort Sill National Bank. In 1982, Critz died and was buried in Fort Sill Post Cemetery.[5]