Charles T. Menoher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles T. Menoher
Major General Charles T. Menoher
Born	(1862-03-20)March 20, 1862 Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Died	August 11, 1930(1930-08-11) (aged 68) Washington, D.C.
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1886–1926
Rank	Major General
Commands held	42nd Infantry Division VI Corps US Army Air Service Hawaiian Department IX Corps
Battles/wars	Spanish–American War World War I
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal

Charles Thomas Menoher (born March 20, 1862 – died August 11, 1930) was an important general in the United States Army. He was the first Chief of the United States Army Air Service from 1918 to 1921. He also led the U.S. Army Hawaiian Department from 1924 to 1925.

Early Life and Training

Charles T. Menoher was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1862. His father was a soldier in the American Civil War. Charles went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1886 and became an artillery officer. This meant he was trained to use large guns.

A Long Military Career

Menoher served in the military for many years. He fought in the Spanish–American War in Cuba and the Philippines. Later, he studied at the United States Army War College. This is a special school for high-ranking officers. From 1903 to 1907, he worked on the Army's main planning team, called the General Staff Corps. He also led the 5th Field Artillery Regiment from 1916 to 1917.

World War I Hero

On December 19, 1917, Menoher became a Major General. He took command of the 42nd Division in France during World War I. This division was also known as the "Rainbow Division." Menoher had been a classmate of General John J. Pershing at West Point.

General Menoher led his troops in several major battles. These included the Champagne-Marne offensive. He also helped win the Allied attacks at Saint Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. After these important victories, General Douglas MacArthur took over his command. When the war ended, Menoher led the VI Corps (United States). He received the Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery. He also received awards from France, Belgium, and Italy.

Leading the Air Service

After World War I, Menoher became the first leader of the Air Service. This was the part of the Army that dealt with airplanes. He had some disagreements with his assistant, Brigadier General Billy Mitchell. Mitchell believed air power was the most important part of future wars. Menoher was promoted to major general in March 1921.

Later Commands and Retirement

Menoher wanted to lead troops again. So, in 1922, he took command of the Hawaiian Division. Later, he led the entire Hawaiian Department. After that, he commanded the IX Corps Area in San Francisco. He retired from the Army on March 20, 1926.

Family Life

Charles Menoher married Nannie Pearson. They had four sons: Charles, Pearson, Darrow, and William. Three of his youngest sons also graduated from West Point. They all served in the Army during World War II. His son Pearson (1892–1958) became a Major General during the Korean War. Menoher later married Elizabeth Painter.

Death and Lasting Memory

Charles T. Menoher passed away on August 11, 1930. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Two places are named after him to honor his service. Menoher Boulevard is a main road in his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Menoher Drive is on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Images for kids

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  A portrait of Charles T. Menoher.

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  General John J. Pershing gives Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur the Distinguished Service Cross in late 1918. Major General Charles T. Menoher (far left) reads the award details.

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  Newton D. Baker, the Secretary of War, with Brigadier General Michael J. Lenihan and Major General Charles T. Menoher. They are inspecting troops in Bénaménil, France, on March 19, 1918.