mahaffey went on to a distinguished military career, one that saw him win three silver stars, two distinguished flying crosses and four bronze stars for valor in combat and a distinguished service medal, the army's highest non-combat award. he commanded a battalion in the 9th infantry division during the vietnam war. in 1975 he assumed command the 2nd brigade of the 101st airborne division. he was succeeded in command of the 2nd brigade by a fellow future four-star general, then-colonel colin powell. he also commanded the 3rd infantry division from 1981 to 1983.