Andre W. Brewster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andre Brewster
Born	(1862-12-09)December 9, 1862 Hoboken, New Jersey, United States
Died	March 27, 1942(1942-03-27) (aged 79) Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1885–1925
Rank	Major General
Service number	0-13386
Unit	Infantry Branch
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 Siege of Santiago Battle of San Juan Hill Philippine–American War Boxer Rebellion Battle of Tientsin World War I
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.

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

Secretary of War Newton D. Baker (right), Major General James W. McAndrew (left) and Major General Andre W. Brewster (center) with a group of German prisoners, September 26, 1918.

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.

General of the Armies John J. Pershing and members of his staff outside the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, D.C., September 23, 1919. Major General Andre W. Brewster is to Pershing's left.

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:

See Also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion