Charles Gerhardt (Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Gerhardt
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| Born | March 19, 1863 Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Died | June 7, 1957 (aged 94) Mendham Borough, New Jersey, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1927 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-197 |
| Battles/wars | Sioux Wars World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Kate Watkins |
| Children | 2, including Charles H. Gerhardt |
Charles Gerhardt (born March 19, 1863 – died June 7, 1957) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He took part in big events like the Sioux Wars and World War I. His son, Charles H. Gerhardt, also became an army general.
Life of a Military Leader
Charles Gerhardt was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 19, 1863. His family had moved to the United States from Hesse in the early 1800s. In 1887, he finished his studies at the United States Military Academy, often called West Point.
After graduating, Gerhardt joined the 20th Infantry Regiment. At that time, this army group was based in Montana. From 1890 to 1891, he was part of the Sioux Wars. These were conflicts between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes.
Later, from 1894 to 1897, Gerhardt taught military science at Cumberland University. During this time, he also worked as a secretary for a group called U.S. Military Wheelmen. He then served in Cuba from 1899 to 1900. After that, he was stationed in Minnesota and Montana.
In 1902, Gerhardt moved to Fort Gibbon and stayed there for two years. After a short time in Baltimore, he was sent to Columbus, Ohio. From 1906 to 1908, he served in the Philippines. For one year, he was in charge of a command in Iloilo.
In 1913, Gerhardt completed his training at the United States Army War College. That same year, he helped teach at a student camp in Gettysburg. He then spent 18 months serving in the Panama Canal Zone. After this, he worked at the Militia Bureau in Washington, D.C..
When World War I began, Gerhardt played a key role. He led the 4th Infantry Division from Camp Greene to Fort Stuart in Virginia. Then, he took the division to France to join the war effort. In France, he was in charge of important supply and base sections.
On April 12, 1918, Charles Gerhardt was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He then served on the front lines with the 35th Infantry Division. Later, he commanded a brigade of the 92nd Infantry Division.
After World War I ended, Gerhardt returned to the U.S. He helped with the process of sending soldiers home. He commanded the 161st Depot Brigade at Camp Grant. He retired in 1927 as a colonel. However, in June 1930, Congress gave him back his rank of brigadier general.
Charles Gerhardt passed away in Mendham Borough, New Jersey, on June 7, 1957. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous burial ground for military heroes.
Family Life
Charles Gerhardt was married to Kate Watkins. They had two children together. One of their children was Charles H. Gerhardt, who also became a general in the army, just like his father. Charles Gerhardt was known for being a writer who enjoyed writing about many different topics.
