Paul LaCamera

{{Short description|U.S. Army general}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}{{Use American English|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox military person | name = Paul LaCamera | image = GEN Paul J. LaCamera USFK.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Official portrait, 2021 | nickname = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|9|4|df=yes}} | birth_place = Westwood, Massachusetts, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | burial_place = | allegiance = United States | branch = United States Army | branch_label = Branch | service_years = 1985–2025 | rank = General | service_number = | unit = | commands = {{plainlist| *United Nations Command *ROK/US Combined Forces Command *United States Forces Korea *United States Army Pacific *Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve *XVIII Airborne Corps *4th Infantry Division *75th Ranger Regiment *3rd Ranger Battalion *1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment }} | battles = {{ubl|Invasion of Panama|Operation Uphold Democracy|War in Afghanistan|Iraq War|Operation Inherent Resolve}} | awards = {{ubl|Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2)|Army Distinguished Service Medal (4)|Silver Star|Defense Superior Service Medal (4)|Legion of Merit (2)|Bronze Star Medal (6)}} | relations = | other_work = | module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Opening Statement of GEN Paul LaCamera at 2022 INDOPACOM and USFK Posture Hearing.oga|title=Paul LaCamera's voice|type=speech|description=LaCamera's opening statement at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the 2022 USINDOPACOM posture Recorded 10 March 2022}} }} '''Paul Joseph LaCamera'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=3390&reid=%2fk%2b3kGCbP40ZmNICXgY0SA%3d%3d&bbsys=0&bbrt=0|title=Paul Joseph LaCamera|website=West Point Association of Graduates|accessdate=4 May 2018|archive-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504225340/https://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=3390&reid=%2fk%2b3kGCbP40ZmNICXgY0SA%3d%3d&bbsys=0&bbrt=0|url-status=live}}</ref> (born 4 September 1963)<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FqspAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Paul+Joseph+LaCamera%22|title = Register of Graduates and Former Cadets, United States Military Academy|year = 1986|access-date = 2021-01-08|archive-date = 2023-04-02|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230402073555/https://books.google.com/books?id=FqspAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Paul+Joseph+LaCamera%22|url-status = live}}</ref> is a retired United States Army general who last served as the commander of United Nations Command, ROK/US Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea from 2021 to 2024.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Oh Seok-min|author2=Choi Soo-hyang|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210702005600325|title=Gen. LaCamera takes office as new U.S. Forces Korea chief|date=2021-07-02|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=2021-07-02|archive-date=2021-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711135128/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210702005600325|url-status=live}}</ref> LaCamera most recently served as commanding general of United States Army Pacific from 2019 to 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=9 April 2019|title=Milley Formally Nominated as Joint Chiefs Chairman|website=Association of the U.S. Army|url=https://www.ausa.org/news/milley-formally-nominated-joint-chiefs-chairman|accessdate=10 April 2019|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508023637/https://www.ausa.org/news/milley-formally-nominated-joint-chiefs-chairman|url-status=live}}</ref> He previously served as the commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps. His other assignments include the commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and as the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division.<ref name="4thIDbio">{{cite web|date=|title=LaCamera takes command|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103502/lacamera-takes-command#.Ua0jlpwWDTo|accessdate=3 June 2013|publisher=Dvidshub.net|archive-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910024652/http://www.dvidshub.net/news/103502/lacamera-takes-command#.Ua0jlpwWDTo|url-status=live}}</ref>

He was nominated to replace General Robert Abrams as the next commander of United Nations Command, R.O.K.-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, on 2 December 2020,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-02|title=PN2392 – Gen. Paul J. LaCamera – Army, 116th Congress (2019–2020)|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/116th-congress/2392|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124230738/https://www.congress.gov/nomination/116th-congress/2392|archive-date=2021-01-24|access-date=2020-12-03|website=www.congress.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Park|first1=Yong-Han|last2=Kyu-Seok|first2=Shim|date=2020-12-04|title=Washington names LaCamera to head USFK|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/12/04/national/defense/USFK-Paul-LaCamera-UN-Command/20201204050602147.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203140215/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3AzrDtJ2TxJdQJ%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fkoreajoongangdaily.joins.com%2F2020%2F12%2F03%2Fnational%2Fdefense%2FUSFK-Paul-LaCamera-commander%2F20201203183600469.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us|archive-date=2020-12-03|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Korea JoongAng Daily (In association with The New York Times)}}</ref> however his nomination was returned to the president on 3 January 2021, without action.<ref name=":0" /> He was renominated on 27 April 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-27|title=PN461 — Gen. Paul J. LaCamera — Army, 117th Congress (2021–2022)|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/461|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.congress.gov|archive-date=2021-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429210834/https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/461}}</ref>

==Military career==

245px|thumb|General Paul J. LaCamera receives the United Nations Command colors from Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea change of command ceremony on 2 July 2021 at Barker Field.

LaCamera was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bragg.army.mil/leaders/Pages/DCG.aspx|title=Major General Paul J. LaCamera|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=U.S. Army Fort Bragg|access-date=9 September 2016|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915140653/http://www.bragg.army.mil/leaders/Pages/DCG.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> He served as rifle platoon leader with C Company, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 504th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division. Later he served as Company commander, 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Ranger Training Brigade, Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 2d Infantry Division and Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. From February 2001 to May 2003, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light), which deployed as part of Operation Anaconda to Afghanistan during which he was awarded the Silver Star.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/17146|title=Paul J. LaCamera|website=www.valor.militarytimes.com|access-date=8 September 2023}}</ref> LaCamera then took command of the 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia from June 2003 to May 2004. Lacamera graduated from College of Naval Warfare, Naval War College located at Newport, Rhode Island in June 2005 before taking command of the 75th Ranger Regiment from August 2005 to August 2007. Following this command, he became the Director of Operations, Joint Special Operations Command from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, he became the Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command. From 2010 to 2012, LaCamera served as the Deputy Commanding General (Operations), 25th Infantry Division.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carson.army.mil/units/4id/leaders/cmd-cdr.html |title=4th Infantry Division – CDR |publisher=Carson.army.mil |accessdate=3 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521023301/http://www.carson.army.mil/units/4id/leaders/cmd-cdr.html |archivedate=21 May 2013 }}</ref> He later served as commanding general XVIII Airborne Corps and commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ausa.org/news/milley-formally-nominated-joint-chiefs-chairman|title=Milley Formally Nominated as Joint Chiefs Chairman|date=2019-04-09|website=Association of the United States Army|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11|archive-date=2019-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508023637/https://www.ausa.org/news/milley-formally-nominated-joint-chiefs-chairman|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Family and personal life== LaCamera is a native of Westwood, Massachusetts.

==Training and education== LaCamera earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, the Naval War College, and the Senior Service College Fellowship Course.<ref name=4thIDbio/>

==Awards and decorations== {| |130px Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (denoting 2nd award)<ref name=4thIDbio/> |- |130px Expert Infantryman Badge |- |75px Ranger tab |- |85px12px Master Combat Parachutist Badge with one bronze jump star |- |90px Pathfinder Badge |- |90px United Nations Command Badge |- |90px Royal Thai Army Parachutist Badge<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kellybadges.co.uk/airborne-special-forces-parachute-jump-wings-badges/39652-thailand-army-master-parachute-wings-upswept-wings--chrome-gilt-and-enamel-parachute-jump-wings-or-badge.html|title=Thailand Army Master Parachute Wings Parachute jump wings or badge|access-date=2021-07-03|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182739/https://www.kellybadges.co.uk/airborne-special-forces-parachute-jump-wings-badges/39652-thailand-army-master-parachute-wings-upswept-wings--chrome-gilt-and-enamel-parachute-jump-wings-or-badge.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |100px 75th Ranger Regiment Combat Service Identification Badge |- |40px 75th Ranger Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia |- |50px 18 Overseas Service Bars<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.flickr.com/photos/usarpac/albums/72157715013968417|title = 5B2A0273|date = 7 July 2020|access-date = 21 September 2020|archive-date = 2 April 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230402073540/https://www.flickr.com/photos/usarpac/albums/72157715013968417|url-status = live}}</ref> |- |} {| |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Defense Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|width=60}} Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}14px14px14px Army Distinguished Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/26333|title=WEBCAST: U.S. ARMY PACIFIC CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY|date=2021-06-04|access-date=2021-06-02|website=dvidshub.net|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220036/https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/26333|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star ribbon.svg|width=60}} Silver Star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=US Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}14px14px14px Defense Superior Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=60}} Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=5|type=oak|name=Bronze Star ribbon|width=60}} Bronze Star Medal with silver oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=5|type=oak|ribbon=Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Joint Service Commendation ribbon.svg|width=60}} Joint Service Commendation Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Army Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}14px14px14px14px Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Army Achievement Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon.svg|width=60}}14px14px Joint Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Valorous Unit Award ribbon.svg|width=60}} Valorous Unit Award |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Meritorious_Unit_Commendation_ribbon.svg|width=60}} Meritorious Unit Commendation with oak leaf cluster |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}14px11px Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead device and service star |- |{{ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|name=Afghanistan Campaign ribbon|width=60}} Afghanistan Campaign Medal with five campaign stars |- |{{ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|ribbon=Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}} Iraq Campaign Medal with five campaign stars |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}11px11px Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with two campaign stars |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|other_device=arrowhead|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon.svg|width=60}} Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead device |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg|width=60}} Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Korea Defense Service ribbon.svg|width=60}} Korea Defense Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=Humanitarian Service ribbon|width=60}} Humanitarian Service Medal |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Army Service Ribbon.svg|width=60}} Army Service Ribbon |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=numeral|ribbon=Army Overseas Service Ribbon.svg|width=60}}11px Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 7 |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=NATO Medal ISAF ribbon bar.svg|width=60}} NATO Medal for service with ISAF |}

==References== {{commons category|Paul LaCamera}} {{reflist}}

{{s-start}} {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|before=James C. Nixon}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment|years=2005–2007}} {{s-aft|after=Richard D. Clarke}} |- {{s-bef|before=???}} {{s-ttl|title=Assistant Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command|years=2009–2010}} {{s-aft|after=Marshall B. Webb}} |- {{s-bef|before=Joseph Anderson}} {{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division|years=2013–2015}} {{s-aft|after=Ryan F. Gonsalves}} |- {{s-bef|before=John Michael Bednarek}} {{s-ttl|title=Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq|years=2015–2016}} {{s-aft|after=Scott McKean}} |- {{s-bef|before=Jefforey A. Smith}} {{s-ttl|title=Deputy Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps|years=2016–2018}} {{s-aft|after=Brian J. McKiernan}} |- {{s-bef|before=Stephen J. Townsend}} {{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps|years=2018–2019}} {{s-aft|after=Michael Kurilla}} |- {{s-bef|before=Paul E. Funk II}} {{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve|years=2018–2019}} {{s-aft|after=Robert P. White}} |- {{s-bef|before=Robert Brooks Brown}} {{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of United States Army Pacific|years=2019–2021}} {{s-aft|after=Charles A. Flynn}} |- {{s-bef|before=Robert B. Abrams}} {{s-ttl|title=Commander of United Nations Command Commander of United States Forces Korea Commander of ROK/US Combined Forces Command|years=2021–2024}} {{s-aft|after=Xavier Brunson}} {{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:LaCamera, Paul}} Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:United States Military Academy alumni Category:United States Army War College alumni Category:United States Army personnel of the Iraq War Category:United States Army personnel of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Category:Colonels of the 75th Ranger Regiment Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army) Category:Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit Category:Recipients of the Silver Star Category:Commanders, United States Forces Korea Category:United States Army generals