the youngest four-star generals ever. Death and burial Diagnosed with cancer while on active duty, he died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on October 13, 1986, at the age of 52. Mahaffey was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, the former Jane Garrett, and four daughters: Lorrie, Selene, Julie, and Melissa. A memorial to him can be found engraved in stone in Carlsbad Beach in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Honors On May 16, 1989, the headquarters building of the 3rd Infantry Division was dedicated in his honor. He was posthumously inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. Mahaffey was also inducted posthumously into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame. The old Fort Campbell High School building, which is now Mahaffey Middle School, is named for him. Awards and decorations His awards and decorations included the following: References 1934 births 1986 deaths United States Army generals United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army) Recipients of the Silver Star Recipients of the Legion of Merit Carlsbad High School (Carlsbad, New Mexico) alumni Denver Pioneers football players Elliott School of International Affairs alumni People from Clovis, New Mexico Players of American football from New Mexico Burials at Arlington National Cemetery Deaths from cancer in Washington, D.C.