Donald L. Rutherford (born August 4, 1955) is an American Army officer and a Roman Catholic priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany who served as the 23rd Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army.
Very Reverend Donald L. Rutherford | |
|---|---|
 Major General Donald L. Rutherford 23rd Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army | |
| Born | August 4, 1955 Kinderhook, New York |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1977–2015 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands | U.S. Army Chaplain Corps |
| Battles / wars | Gulf War War on Terror Iraq War |
| Awards |  Army Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal (5) |
| Church | Catholic (Latin Church) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1981 (priesthood) |
Biography
editRutherford attended the State University of New York, where he was a member of the ROTC program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology. After receiving a delay of duty so that he could enter priestly formation at Saint Bernard's Seminary, Rutherford was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Albany in 1981. After ordination, he served in the United States Army Reserves as chaplain to the 364th General Hospital. He entered active duty in 1990.[1]
Rutherford served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Hurricane Andrew Relief, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as chaplain to United States Army Europe and the 7th Army, Camp Victory, XVIII Airborne Corps, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the 82nd Airborne Division.[1]
On February 18, 2011, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that Rutherford was nominated for promotion to major general and assignment of Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army.[2] He assumed this role on July 7, 2011.[3][1] He was succeeded by Paul K. Hurley on May 22, 2015.[4]
He currently serves as the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Albany.[5]
Awards and decorations
editRutherford's awards and decorations include:[1]
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "Biography of Chaplain (Major General) Donald L. Rutherford" (PDF). United States Army. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
- ^ Carleton Birch, OCCH (February 18, 2011). "Deputy Chief of Chaplains nominated for second star". www.army.mil. United States Army. Retrieved February 28, 2011.
- ^ Chelsea Place, Pentagram Newspaper (July 22, 2011). "Rutherford assumes role as chief of Army chaplains". www.army.mil. United States Army. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
- ^ Julia LeDoux, Pentagram Staff Writer (May 28, 2015). "Hurley installed as new Army chief of chaplains, pins on two stars". www.army.mil. United States Army. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
- ^ "Vicar for the Clergy". Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Archived from the original on Sep 6, 2024.
External links
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