James G. Sieben

Abstract is: James George Sieben (April 19, 1924 – November 9, 1998) was an American Major General and a former Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, a position he served for thirteen years from 1975 to 1988. A member of the Sieben family, he was the brother of Harry Sieben Sr., uncle of Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Harry A. Sieben and Representative Mike Sieben, and great uncle of Katie Sieben, who served as a member of the Minnesota Senate. Born in Hastings, Minnesota, Sieben began his military career as an infantryman in World War II. He served with the 104th Infantry Division in Europe until 1945, and returned to Minnesota. He was awarded the Silver Star twice for gallantry in combat during his tour. He left the Army in 1945, and returned home to Minnesota where he later joined the Minnesota National Guard. In 1951, Sieben was activated and served for two years during the Korean War. He returned home and to the National Guard. During his years in the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Sieben served as a company commander, as well as a staff officer at the battalion, brigade and division levels. He was also Commander, 1st Brigade, 47th Infantry Division and in May, 1975 was appointed as the adjutant general by Gov. Wendell Anderson. Besides the Silver Stars, decorations Lt. Gen. Sieben received included: the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Norwegian Order of St. Olaf, the Swedish Distinguished Service Medal as well as the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal, the Minnesota Medal for Merit and the Minnesota Commendation Medal. Diagnosed with cancer, Sieben died at the St. Joseph Hospice in Saint Paul, Minnesota.