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Charles Gould Morton
111-SC-39279 - NARA - 55237674-cropped.jpg
Charles Morton, 29th Division, Nogent-le-Roi 1918
Born (1861-01-15)January 15, 1861
Cumberland, Maine
Died July 18, 1933(1933-07-18) (aged 72)
San Francisco, California
Buried
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1883–1925
Rank US-O8 insignia.svg Major general
Commands held 29th Infantry Division
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Croix de Guerre
Distinguished Service Medal
Commander of the Legion of Honor
Spouse(s) Ida Hastings
Eleanor Moorhead Huff

Charles Gould Morton (born January 15, 1861 – died July 18, 1933) was an important American military leader. He was a major general during World War I, a huge global conflict. He served in the United States Army for many years.

Early Life and Education

Charles Gould Morton was born in Cumberland, Maine, on January 15, 1861. His parents were Allen and Mary Morton.

He attended the United States Military Academy, often called West Point. This is a famous school for training army officers. He graduated from West Point in 1883.

Military Career

After graduating, Morton became an infantry officer. An infantry officer leads soldiers who fight on foot. He served in frontier areas until 1888.

From 1889 to 1890, Morton taught military science. He was a professor at the Florida Agricultural College. For most of his career, he served with the 6th Infantry Regiment.

During World War I, Morton was a key commander. He led the 29th Infantry Division. This division was made up of soldiers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. After the war, he commanded the Ninth Corps Area. This was a large military region with its main office in San Francisco. He retired from the army in 1925.

Personal Life

Charles Morton married Ida Hastings on October 15, 1885. Sadly, Ida passed away in 1921. Morton later married Eleanor Moorhead Huff on June 14, 1922.

Awards and Honors

Morton received several important awards for his service.

  • He earned the Distinguished Service Medal. This award is given for especially good service to the United States Army.
  • He also received the Croix de Guerre. This is a French military award, and he received it with two palms, showing extra recognition.
  • He was named a Commander of the Legion of Honor. This is another very high award from France.

Death and Legacy

Charles Gould Morton died on July 18, 1933, in San Francisco, California. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special cemetery for military heroes.

A transport ship was named in his honor: the USS  General C. G. Morton (AP-138). This ship helped move troops and supplies during World War II and the Korean War.

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