Albert H. Blanding facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Hazen Blanding
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Blanding as commander of 2nd Florida Infantry, 1916
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| Born | November 9, 1876 Lyons, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | December 26, 1970 (aged 94) Bartow, Florida, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, Florida
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1895-1940 |
| Rank |  Major General (federal) Lieutenant General (state) |
| Commands held | 2nd Florida Infantry Regiment 53rd Infantry Brigade 31st Infantry Division National Guard Bureau |
| Battles/wars | Pancho Villa Expedition World War I World War II |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Albert Hazen Blanding (born November 9, 1876, died December 26, 1970) was an important officer in the United States Army. He is known as one of Florida's most famous military leaders. He received a special award called the Distinguished Service Medal.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Albert Blanding was born in Lyons, Iowa. When he was two years old, his family moved to Florida. He went to East Florida Seminary in Gainesville. This school is now known as the University of Florida. He finished his studies there in 1894.
In 1899, Blanding became a captain in the Florida National Guard. At that time, he also worked as an executive for a company that mined phosphate. He moved up in rank over the years. He became a major in 1906 and a lieutenant colonel in 1908.
Leading Troops in Mexico and World War I
In 1909, Blanding was promoted to colonel. For a few years, from 1910 to 1914, he ran businesses that dealt with turpentine, sawmills, and lumber. He did this while still serving in the National Guard.
Pancho Villa Expedition
In 1916, Colonel Blanding led the Second Florida Infantry. They were part of the Pancho Villa Expedition. This was a military operation in Mexico.
World War I Service
On August 5, 1917, Blanding was called to serve in World War I. He became a brigadier general. He commanded the 53rd Brigade, which was part of the 27th Division.
While in France, he led the 185th Infantry Brigade. This brigade included the 370th Infantry Regiment from Illinois. After the war ended, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. He left the Army on March 1, 1919, and went back to serving the Florida National Guard.
After World War I: Civilian and Military Roles
After the war, Blanding worked as a production manager for the Florida Citrus Exchange. He also served as the head of Florida's American Legion for a time. From 1922 to 1936, he was a member of the Florida Board of Control.
In 1924, he was promoted again. He became a Major General in the National Guard. At this rank, he commanded the 31st Infantry Division.
Chief of the National Guard Bureau
From 1936 to 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose Blanding to be the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. This was a very important job. He held this position while also continuing to lead the 31st Infantry Division.
When he retired in 1940, Florida gave him a special state promotion. He became a Lieutenant General. This was to honor his many years of service and achievements.
World War II and Later Life
During World War II, Blanding served as the Military Advisor to Florida's Governor. After the war, he worked to help create the Everglades National Park.
Community Involvement
Blanding was also active in several community groups. He was a member of the Elks, the Kiwanis, and the Masons.
Awards and Honors
General Blanding received several important awards for his service:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Florida Active Service Medal
- Florida Cross
Death and Legacy
Albert Blanding passed away on December 26, 1970. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida.
Camp Blanding
In 1939, a military base was named in his honor: Camp Blanding. This camp became a major training site for the Army during World War II. Today, it is the main training area for the Florida National Guard.
Other Recognitions
The University of Florida gave him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in May 1942. He also helped to establish Everglades National Park.
In 2000, Blanding was named a "Great Floridian" by the Florida Department of State. A plaque honoring him is located at Bartow City Hall.
Images for kids
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Blanding at Camp Logan in Houston, Texas, 1918
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Blanding's service record
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Blanding's Great Floridian Marker
