Casper H. Conrad Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Casper H. Conrad Jr.
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Conrad as commander of the Philippine Division, circa 1932
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| Born | September 26, 1872 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | August 12, 1954 (aged 81) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1895-1936 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | U.S. Army Cavalry Branch |
| Commands held | Troop A, 3rd Cavalry Front Royal Remount Depot 360th Infantry, 90th Division Advanced Embarkation Section, Germany Base Section Number 1 12th Infantry Brigade Fort Sheridan, Illinois 23rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Division Fort William McKinley 4th Infantry Brigade Wyoming Civilian Conservation Corps District 3rd Infantry Division Fort Lewis Civilian Conservation Corps District Ninth Corps Area |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War Pancho Villa Expedition World War I |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Order of the Dragon of Annam (Commander) (French Indochina) |
| Spouse(s) | Harriet Marshall Shacklette (m. 1911-1917, her death) Eva M. Shacklette (m. 1923-1954, his death) |
Casper H. Conrad Jr. (born September 26, 1872 – died August 12, 1954) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served for many years, from 1895 to 1936. During his time in the military, he fought in several major conflicts. These included the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, and World War I. He rose through the ranks to become a brigadier general.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Casper Hauzer Conrad Jr. was born in Columbus, Ohio, on September 26, 1872. His father, Casper H. Conrad Sr., was also a military officer. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Young Casper grew up on different Army bases because of his father's career.
He went to Shattuck Military Academy. In 1890, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy (West Point). This is a famous school for training Army officers. In 1893, he was chosen as Cadet First Captain, the top student position. However, he was temporarily dismissed from West Point. This happened because he visited places that were off-limits during a trip to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He was allowed to return in 1894 and graduated in 1895. He was ranked fifth in his class.
Starting His Military Career
In June 1895, Casper Conrad Jr. became a second lieutenant. He joined the 6th Cavalry Regiment and later the 5th Cavalry. He served at various Army posts in Texas.
When the Spanish–American War began, his unit prepared to go to Cuba. However, Conrad became ill and had to be hospitalized. He was on sick leave for several months. In March 1899, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
Conrad then served in Cuba with the 5th Cavalry. He was an adjutant, which means he helped the commander. In April 1901, he was promoted to captain in the 3rd Cavalry.
Service in the Philippines and Beyond
After Cuba, Captain Conrad went to the Philippines. He fought in the Philippine–American War. He commanded Troop A of the 3rd Cavalry. He served in different areas of the Philippines from 1901 to 1902.
In 1902, Conrad returned to the United States. He served at Fort Assinniboine, Montana, and Fort Yellowstone, Wyoming. He also worked at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis.
From 1905 to 1907, Conrad was back in the Philippines. He served with the 5th Cavalry at Fort Stotsenburg. He also took part in an expedition against a group called the Pulahan in Leyte.
Developing Cavalry and World War I
Back in the U.S., Conrad worked in the Army's Quartermaster General's office. From 1910 to 1913, he worked at Front Royal, Virginia. Here, he helped set up a special center to breed horses for the Cavalry. This was very important for the Army at the time.
He later joined the 15th Cavalry Regiment and then the 8th Cavalry Regiment. He also attended a special school for horse riding and training at Fort Riley, Kansas. In July 1916, he was promoted to Major.
During the Pancho Villa Expedition, Conrad advised National Guard units on the Texas-Mexico border. In July 1917, he became a lieutenant colonel.
World War I Service
In August 1917, Conrad was promoted to temporary Colonel. He commanded the 360th Infantry Regiment, part of the 90th Division. He led his regiment until June 1918.
Later, he served with the General Staff Corps in Washington, D.C.. In 1919, he went to Europe. He commanded important supply sections in Germany and France. He returned to the United States in July 1919.
After the Great War
After World War I, Conrad continued his education. He attended the School of the Line at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and graduated with honors. In July 1920, he was promoted to Colonel.
He then studied at the University of Illinois. He earned a science degree in Agriculture. After that, he attended the United States Army War College, a top military school.
From 1924 to 1926, Conrad served as an inspector general in the Philippine Department. This role meant he checked on how things were being done in the Army. On October 16, 1928, he was promoted to brigadier general.
Leading Divisions and Retirement
As a brigadier general, Conrad held several important commands. From 1929 to 1930, he commanded the 12th Infantry Brigade in Illinois. He then commanded the 23rd Infantry Brigade in the Philippines.
From 1931 to 1933, he led the Philippine Division and Fort William McKinley in the Philippines. He also commanded the 4th Infantry Brigade and the Wyoming Civilian Conservation Corps District. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a program that helped young men find work during the Great Depression.
From 1935 to 1936, Conrad commanded the 3rd Infantry Division. He also oversaw the Civilian Conservation Corps District at Fort Lewis, Washington. In September 1936, he retired from the military. He had reached the mandatory retirement age of 64.
Awards and Later Life
General Conrad received the Army Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his excellent service during World War I. In 1932, he also received the Order of the Dragon of Annam from French Indochina.
After retiring, Casper Conrad Jr. lived in San Antonio, Texas. He passed away there on August 12, 1954. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many military heroes are laid to rest.
Family Life
Casper Conrad Jr. was married twice. In 1911, he married Harriet Marshall Shacklette. She passed away in 1917. In 1923, he married Eva Shacklett, who was Harriet's sister. Casper Conrad Jr. did not have any children.
