Andre W. Brewster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andre Brewster
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Born | Hoboken, New Jersey, United States |
December 9, 1862
Died | March 27, 1942 Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
(aged 79)
Buried |
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States
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Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
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Years of service | 1885–1925 |
Rank | ![]() |
Service number | 0-13386 |
Unit | ![]() |
Commands held | 65th Infantry Regiment Inspector General of the United States Army Second Coast Artillery District First Corps Area |
Battles/wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War
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Awards | Medal of Honor Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Major General Andre Walker Brewster (born December 9, 1862 – died March 27, 1942) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery. He had a long and important career, serving in many different wars and roles. These included the American Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and the Boxer Rebellion. During World War I, he was a key leader for the American forces in France.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Andre Walker Brewster was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 9, 1862. His mother was Mary Bache Walker. His father was Adrien Deslondes, who was a midshipman in the United States Navy.
After his parents divorced, his mother married Benjamin H. Brewster in 1870. Benjamin Brewster adopted Andre and his siblings. Andre grew up and went to school in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.. He first studied to become a lawyer and worked for three years before joining the Army.
Starting His Military Career
In January 1885, Andre Brewster became a second lieutenant in the 10th Infantry Regiment. He served on the frontier, fighting in campaigns against Native American tribes during the American Indian Wars.
During the Spanish–American War, Brewster led Company B of the 9th Infantry. He took part in important battles like the Siege of Santiago and the Battle of San Juan Hill. He was recognized for his bravery at San Juan Hill. After fighting in Cuba, Brewster continued to lead his company during the Philippine Insurrection.
Medal of Honor for Bravery
Andre Brewster earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Boxer Rebellion. This happened on July 13, 1900, in Tientsin, China.
Continuing His Service
After the Boxer Rebellion, Brewster stayed in China for five years. He worked as a U.S. military attaché, which means he helped represent the U.S. military there. Later, he attended the Army War College and graduated in 1907.
In 1909, he became the acting Inspector General of the Army. This important job meant he checked how well the Army was doing. He held this position until 1913. In 1914, Brewster commanded the 65th Infantry Regiment in Puerto Rico. He then returned to his role as Inspector General until 1917.
World War I Service
During World War I, from 1917 to 1919, Major General Brewster served in France. He was the Inspector General for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). The AEF was the main American army fighting in Europe.
General John J. Pershing, the AEF commander, trusted Brewster's judgment a lot. Brewster helped Pershing decide which commanders were doing a good job. If Brewster thought a commander wasn't performing well, Pershing would often remove them. Brewster's reports helped Pershing make important decisions about who should lead different parts of the army.

Later Career and Retirement
From 1921 to 1922, Brewster commanded the Second Coast Artillery District. This was located at Fort Totten in New York.
His last command was the First Corps Area in Boston, Massachusetts. He retired from the Army in 1925. He held the rank of major general.
Death and Burial
Andre Brewster passed away in Boston on March 27, 1942. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Family Life
In 1885, Andre Brewster married Elizabeth Griffin (1862–1948). They had one daughter named Mary Walker Brewster (1887–1979). Mary later married James Donald Cassels.
Named in His Honor
During World War II, a United States Navy transport ship was named in honor of Andre Brewster. The ship was called General A. W. Brewster. This ship also served in the Korean War, earning five battle stars for its service.
Awards and Honors
Brewster received many awards for his long and brave service:
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1st row | Medal of Honor | |||||||||||
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2nd row | Army Distinguished Service Medal | Indian Campaign Medal | Spanish Campaign Medal | |||||||||
3rd row | Army of Cuban Occupation Medal | China Campaign Medal | Philippine Campaign Medal | |||||||||
4th row | Mexican Border Service Medal | World War I Victory Medal | Legion of Honour (Commandeur) (France) |
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5th row | Order of Leopold (Commandeur) (Belgium) |
Order of St Michael and St George (Knight Commander) (United Kingdom) |
Military Order of the Dragon |