Johannes Geldenhuys
Johannes Geldenhuys SSA, SD, SOE, SM, MMM, GCIH, ORB | |
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Birth name | Johannes Jacobus Geldenhuys |
Born |
Kroonstad, South Africa | 5 February 1935
Died |
10 September 2018 83) George, South Africa | (aged
Allegiance |
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Service/ |
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Years of service | 1954 – 1990 |
Rank | General |
Commands held |
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Battles/wars | Border War |
Awards |
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General Johannes Jacobus Geldenhuys SSA SD SOE SM MMM GCIH ORB (5 February 1935 – 10 September 2018[1]) was a South African military commander who served as Chief of the South African Defence Force between 1985 and 1990.[2][3]
Military career
Born in Kroonstad on 5 February 1935.[2] He obtained a BMil from the University of Pretoria before joining 1 Special Service Battalion.[4]:77 Later he went on to higher command in 1977, serving as commander of South West Africa Command, a post he held until 1980, when he served in the position of General Officer Commanding the South West African Territorial Force. After this he became Chief of the Army, before being promoted to the position of Chief of the South African Defence Force on 31 October 1985. In this role, he took part in negotiations that brought the Border War to an end in 1989, after 23 years of fighting.[3]
Medals and Decorations
Star of South Africa (SSA) Southern Cross Decoration (SD) South African Police Star for Outstanding Service (SOE) Southern Cross Medal (SM) Military Merit Medal (MMM) Pro Patria Medal Good Service Medal, Gold (30 Years) Good Service Medal, Silver (20 Years) Permanent Force Good Service Medal - Knight
Order of Prince Henry (GCIH) (Portugal) Grand Cross of Order Military Merit (Paraguay) Order of the Cloud and Banner - with Grand Cordon (2nd Grade) (ORB)(Taiwan) Grand Star of Military Merit (Chile)
References
- ↑ Kolberg, Kristy (September 10, 2018). "RETIRED DEFENCE FORCE LEADER DIES". George Herald. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
- 1 2 "5 February 1935: General Jannie Geldenhuys is born". SA History.org. Archived from the original on 11 February 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
- 1 2 "Senior (High Office) Officers / Offisiere". SADF Info. Archived from the original on 23 March 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
- ↑ Uys, Ian (1992). South African Military Who's Who 1452-1992. Germiston: Fortress Publishers. ISBN 0-9583173-3-X.
Further reading
- Geldenhuys, Jannie (2009). At the Front: A General's Account of South Africa's Border War. Johannesburg, South Africa: Jonathan Ball Publishers SA. ISBN 978-1-86842-331-6.
- Cadman, Mike. "General Jannie Geldenhuys - Missing Voices Project" (pdf).
Military offices | ||
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Preceded by Constand Viljoen |
Chief of the South African Defence Force 1985 – 1990 |
Succeeded by Andreas Liebenberg |
Preceded by Constand Viljoen |
Chief of the South African Army 1980 – 1985 |
Succeeded by Andreas Liebenberg |
Preceded by Unknown |
GOC South West Africa 1977 – 1980 |
Succeeded by Charles Lloyd |