(Washington, D.C.) — “It is with heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Vietnam Veterans of America founding member General George B. Price,” said VVA National President Jack McManus. “Within the community of American Vietnam War veterans and their families, General Price is a giant, and his life-long contributions in defense of those who have served are forever memorialized.”
A soldier’s general and veteran of two wars, George Price cared deeply for those who served under his command. His devotion to the troops was a lifetime commitment and extended to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
“Whether from the dais at a VVA Convention or from the apex of The Wall, he was there to remind us of the value of our proud military service, despite the climate of the times,” McManus said. “General Price took every opportunity to be with the troops. He would rather sit down and chat with a bunch of former enlisted guys than say two words to a politician.”
From the outset, George Price was involved in the planning, design, and construction of The Wall. He was instrumental in navigating the red tape and political hurdles of Washington. When controversy over the selection of Maya Lin’s design created a political firestorm in D.C., and some were referring to the young Asian architect’s design as “the black gash of shame,” noting that the other monuments in the capital were white, he defended its color against early criticism —noting that black was an appropriate choice as it conveyed the gravity of sacrifice. General Price considered his contributions to The Wall to be one of the highest points in his life, and they were recognized when he was awarded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
At a time when VVA was struggling to grow its membership, General Price inspired the delegates at the Convention with EMC2, his ingenious campaign to challenge every (E) VVA member (M) to recruit two more. On March 29, 2022, when VVA hosted Vietnam Veterans Day at The Wall, General Price was there to lead us in prayer with his invocation.
George Price’s distinguished military service spanned 27 years—he earned a Purple Heart during the Korean War while serving with Company L. in the Army’s 179th Infantry Regiment. In 1962 he served as advisor to the 1st Infantry Division of the South Vietnamese Army, where Colin Powell a young advisor, served under his command. While at the Pentagon, he volunteered eleven times to return to Vietnam, but was turned down.
In 1971, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Price was selected to attend the Army War College; he was one of three African Americans in his class. Among his many awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.
“George Price attributed his success in both his military career and the business world to his patriotic family roots,” McManus said. “His parents instilled in him and his famous sister love and respect for America and each other. He would often say, ‘We are all American veterans first, without the hyphenated identifiers that divide us.’ ”
George Price and his sister, Leontyne, were raised in Laurel, Mississippi, a segregated town with a population of 17,000. With World War II underway, patriotism ran high and military service was expected. He was a high school athlete; she, a gifted soprano.
Price aspired to serve his country. His mentor, Colonel Howard Knight, encouraged him to go to college first so he could get a commission. In 1948, George Price was awarded a football scholarship to South Carolina State University, the same year that Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, desegregating the U.S. Armed Forces. Price graduated in 1951 with a BA in Physical Education and a commission as Army infantry Second Lieutenant.
George and Leontyne Price were trailblazers, excelling in their careers, and achieving what had previously been untenable for African Americans. George attained the rank of General in the U.S. Army, and Leontyne became the first black diva of the opera world, when she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1961. He served as his sister’s personal manager until his passing.
“George achieved his final wish,” McManus said. “He made his last trip to The Wall on Veterans Day this year, with his wife, Laura. He was looking forward to toasting martinis in the sky with his friends and fellow comrades. He left us in peace and with confidence.”
