ALTON POST

POST ALTON GUSTAV POST Major General, US Army (Ret.) Major General (ret) Alton Gustav Post died peacefully at the age of 99 on March 2, 2020 at the Mayflower Retirement Center in Winter Park, FL surrounded by his loving family. A highly decorated Army veteran of three wars, Alton was a charismatic leader who inspired the highest standards in every endeavor during his long life. He possessed a relaxed manner, keen intellect and quick wit, qualities admired by his many life-long friends and family members. Despite his many achievements, Alton remained a humble, generous and engaging friend throughout his life. He was born and raised in Zumbrota, MN on December 26, 1920 to Henry and Mathilda (Nelson) Post. Alton began his military career as a private with the Minnesota National Guard after graduating from high school. His division was called to service at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana in 1941 to prepare for World War II. There, he was selected for Officer's Candidate School and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, US Army in 1942. During his military career, General Post received a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and a Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, DC. His final post was as Commander of the US Army Transportation Center and School at Fort Eustis, Virginia from 1975-1978. He retired in 1978 after forty years, two months and 22 days of honorable service in his beloved Army. General Post's military decorations include two awards of the distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two awards of the Bronze Star with Combat V Device for valor in combat, six Air Medals and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and was a Senior Army Aviator qualified as a glide trooper. Among the many additional honors he received was his induction into the Transportation Corps Hall of Fame in 2006. His commendation noted that he was one of the few remaining officers of any branch of service to have fought in all three major wars of the United States - World War II, Korea and Vietnam - serving in all ranks from private to Major General. Other awards include the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with five battle stars, the Korean Campaign Medal with five battle stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with seven battle stars. He also received several foreign decorations from the South Korean and Vietnamese militaries. Alton is survived by his wife, Ardis (Fratt) Post, his two children, Patricia (Gary) Dean of Herndon, VA and Christopher (Rio) Post of Flagler Beach, FL; two stepchildren: Corinne Weiss of Orlando, FL and Dean Fratt of Longwood, FL. He had two grandchildren, Ryan (Carissa) Dean, Erin (Ken Brown) Dean; and four great grandchildren Weston Alton Dean, Isabel Marie Dean, Quinn Renee Brown and Nora Lynn Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mathilda (Nelson) Post, stepmother Minnie (Olson) Post, his first wife Betty (Christenson) Post, his brothers and their spouses; Harold and Evelyn Post and Lester and Diana (Davis) Post. A local memorial service will be held at a later date at the Mayflower. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Those interested should direct inquiries to Patricia Post at 571-245-7600. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or a charity of your choice.A local memorial service will be held at a later date at the Mayflower. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Those interested should direct inquiries to Patricia Post at 571-245-7600. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or a charity of your choice.