Benjamin Taylor Simmons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Taylor Simmons
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | August 27, 1871 Fairfield, Hyde County, North Carolina |
| Died | April 17, 1933 (aged 61) Washington, D.C. |
| Buried |
Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, NC
|
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1890–1922 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 16th Infantry Regiment 4th Infantry Regiment Reserve Officers' Training Corps 344th Infantry Regiment 19th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War, World War I |
| Awards | Silver Star |
Benjamin Taylor Simmons was an American soldier who became a brigadier general. He fought in two major wars: the Spanish–American War and World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Benjamin Taylor Simmons was born on August 27, 1871. His hometown was Fairfield, Hyde County, North Carolina.
He joined the United States Military Academy (West Point) on June 17, 1890. He had already finished two years of college before this. Simmons graduated from West Point on June 12, 1895. He was 43rd in his class of 52 students.
After graduating, Simmons became a Second Lieutenant in the infantry. He served at several military bases across the United States. From 1895 to 1898, he was with the 16th Infantry Regiment.
Serving in the Spanish–American War
In June 1898, Simmons and the 16th Infantry arrived in Cuba. He led Company D during the attack on the San Juan Blockhouse. This was part of the famous Battle of San Juan Hill. He also fought during the Siege of Santiago.
During the battle for Santiago, he showed great bravery. He was given his first Silver Star award for his actions against Spanish forces. After these battles, he was promoted to First Lieutenant.
In spring 1899, Simmons went to the Philippines. There, he earned another Silver Star for his part in several battles. After the war, he was promoted to Captain. He was then assigned to the 4th Infantry Regiment.
Between the Wars: 1900–1914
Simmons returned to the United States after the war. He was stationed in Houston, Texas. In 1909, he moved to Washington D.C. to work with the General Staff Corps. This group helped the Chief of Staff.
In 1912, he joined the 17th Infantry Regiment. For the next three years, he moved between different forts.
Leading Troops in World War I
When World War I began, Simmons was in Arizona. He was with the 35th Infantry Regiment. He was soon promoted to Major.
In April 1917, he moved to Camp Grant in Illinois. There, he helped organize and lead the 344th Infantry Regiment as a colonel. A month later, he started working for the War Department General Staff.
On October 1, 1918, he was promoted to Brigadier General. He was put in charge of the 19th Infantry Division. He also commanded the 163rd Depot Brigade at Camp Dodge, Iowa. He stayed there until the end of 1919.
After the Wars and Retirement
After World War I, Simmons went back to the rank of Major. He served at Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky. There, he led the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and a training camp.
In August 1919, he became a student officer. He studied at the General Staff School and General Staff College. These schools were at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While there, he regained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
By July 1920, Simmons had reached the rank of Colonel again. However, he was on sick leave from June 1921 until July 1922. He retired from the military on July 3, 1922, due to health issues.
