Francis K. Newcomer

Francis Kosier Newcomer (September 14, 1889 – August 16, 1967) was a decorated officer of the United States Army with the rank of Brigadier general. He is most noted for his service as a Governor of the Panama Canal Zone from 1948 to 1952.

Francis Kosier Newcomer
Born	September 14, 1889 Byron, Illinois
Died	August 16, 1967 (aged 77) Fort Sam Houston, Texas
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1913–1952
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	Governor of the Panama Canal Zone
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit
Relations	BG Henry C. Newcomer

Biography

Francis Kosier Newcomer was born on September 14, 1889 in Byron, Illinois as a son of Brigadier General Henry C. Newcomer and his wife Rebecca. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated first in his class in June 1913. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on June 12, 1913.

His first assignment was with the 1st Engineer Battalion, which was stationed at Washington Barracks. Within this capacity, he was appointed to the local United States Engineering School from which he graduated in 1916. Newcomer served as Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at West Point in 1923 and 1924.

He served as Panama Canal maintenance engineer 1944–48. From 1948-52 he served as Governor of the Panama Canal Zone.

He died on August 16, 1967.

Decorations

1st Row	Distinguished Service Cross
2nd Row	Legion of Merit				World War I Victory Medal with Aisne-Marne and Defensive battle clasps				Army of Occupation of Germany Medal				American Defense Service Medal
3rd Row	American Campaign Medal				Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two service stars				World War II Victory Medal				National Defense Service Medal

External links

• Panama Canal Authority biography