Charles Williams Barber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Williams Barber
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Charles Barber in Camp McClellan, February 1918
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| Born | October 21, 1872 |
| Died | January 7, 1943 (aged 70) |
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United States Army |
Charles Williams Barber (born September 21, 1872 – died January 7, 1943) was an important army officer. He became an American Brigadier general and played a key role during World War I.
Contents
Who Was Charles W. Barber?
His Early Life
Charles Barber was born in Gloucester County, New Jersey. When he was younger, he went to Pierce Business College in Philadelphia. After that, he studied law with H.S. Grey, who used to be the attorney general of New Jersey.
Serving His Country
Starting in the Military
Charles Barber began his military career on July 16, 1898. He joined the Fourth New Jersey Infantry as a second lieutenant during the Spanish–American War. Later that year, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
In March, he became a captain, but he left the army shortly after. He rejoined the army on July 5, 1899, as a first lieutenant in the 28th United States Volunteer Infantry. He finished his service again in May 1901.
Soon after, in February 1901, he became a second lieutenant in the Second Infantry. By November of the same year, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He stayed at this rank for nearly ten years. During this time, he served in the Philippines several times.
From 1908 to 1915, Barber worked with the Panama Canal Commission. This group was in charge of building and running the Panama Canal. He retired as a major in the Third Infantry on September 1, 1916.
World War I Hero
After retiring, Charles Barber served on the Mexican border. Then, from December 1916 to July 1917, he was the Adjutant General of New Jersey. This meant he was a top military leader for the state.
On July 16, 1917, he was made a Brigadier general in the National Army. From July to August 1917, he led the 29th Infantry Division. This was a large group of soldiers.
On September 11, 1917, he took command of the 57th Infantry Brigade at Camp McClellan, Alabama. He led this brigade to France during World War I. There, he commanded them in battles on the front lines. He also worked as a General Staff officer. He commanded Base Section Number 2 in Bordeaux, France, until July 1919.
After returning to the United States, Barber retired again as a colonel.
His Later Life and Legacy
After his military career, Charles Barber worked in different fields. He was a representative for the Atlantic Refining Company in Mexico. He also started his own investment banking company. He served on the boards of several other businesses.
In June 1930, his rank of Brigadier general was officially restored by an act of Congress.
What Awards Did He Receive?
Charles Williams Barber earned several important awards for his service:
- The Distinguished Service Medal from the United States.
- The Distinguished Service Medal from the state of New Jersey.
- The Legion of Honor from France.
- The Military Order of the Carabao.
Charles Williams Barber passed away on January 7, 1943, at the age of seventy. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous cemetery for military heroes.
