Edward Albert Kreger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Albert Kreger
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From the May 1918 edition of Current History magazine
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| Born | May 31, 1868 near Keota, Iowa |
| Died | May 24, 1955 (aged 86) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
Iowa National Guard United States Army |
| Years of service | 1893–1898 (National Guard) 1898–1931 (Army) |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 0–377 |
| Unit | Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Army |
| Commands held | Company M, 4th Iowa Infantry Regiment Company M, 52nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Company M, 52nd Iowa Infantry Regiment Company G, 39th U.S. Volunteer Infantry Judge Advocate General of the United States Army |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal |
| Alma mater | Iowa State College (BS, 1890) |
| Spouse(s) | Laura Mae Roddis (m. 1891–1955, his death) |
| Children | 1 |
Edward Albert Kreger (born May 31, 1868 – died May 24, 1955) was an American lawyer and a high-ranking officer in the United States Army. He served in three major conflicts: the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and World War I. He is best known for his important role as the top legal advisor for the American forces during World War I. Later, he became the main legal chief for the entire U.S. Army from 1928 to 1931.
Edward Kreger was born in Keota, Iowa. He went to Iowa State College and finished his studies in 1890. Before joining the Army, he worked as a teacher and school principal. He also studied law. In 1893, he joined the Iowa National Guard. He became a lawyer in 1897.
He started his military career by leading a company in the Iowa National Guard. During the Spanish–American War, he joined the federal service. In 1901, he officially became an officer in the U.S. Army. Before World War I, Kreger taught law and gave legal advice to different Army groups.
During World War I, he was a key legal officer for the American Expeditionary Forces (American troops fighting overseas). After the war, he continued his legal work in the Army. In 1928, he was promoted to major general. This made him the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army, the Army's highest legal position.
Kreger passed away in San Antonio, Texas on May 24, 1955. He was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. He received two very important awards for his bravery and service: the Distinguished Service Cross and the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
Contents
Edward Kreger's Early Life and Education
Edward Albert Kreger was born on May 31, 1868. His family lived near Keota, Iowa. His parents were William and Johanna Kreger. He went to public schools in Keokuk County. He also graduated from Keota High School.
In 1890, Kreger earned a degree in electrical engineering. He studied at Iowa State College. While at college, he was part of the school's Cadet Corps. This was like a military training program. He started as a private and worked his way up to major.
Becoming a Lawyer and Teacher
After college, Edward Kreger became a high school principal. He worked in this role from 1891 to 1893. From 1894 to 1896, he was a school superintendent in Cherokee, Iowa. This meant he was in charge of all the schools in that area.
While teaching, Kreger also studied law. He attended classes at several colleges in Iowa. These included the State University of Iowa and Drake University.
In January 1897, Kreger passed his exams to become a lawyer. This is called being "admitted to the bar." After this, he stopped teaching. He started his own law practice in Cherokee, Iowa.
Joining the Military
Edward Kreger joined the Iowa National Guard in 1893. He served there until 1898. In 1893, he helped create a new unit. It was called Company M, 4th Iowa Infantry. His fellow soldiers chose him to lead it as a captain.
In 1894, he was promoted to major. He worked as a Signal and Engineer officer. But in 1895, he chose to go back to being a captain. He wanted to lead Company M again.
Service in the Spanish-American War
In 1898, his unit was called to serve the country. This was for the Spanish–American War. From April to October 1898, Kreger led Company M. It was now called the 52nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry. They trained at Camp Thomas, Georgia. A soldier named Guy Gillette served under Kreger. Gillette later became a U.S. Senator.
After the war, his company was renamed. It became Company M, 52nd Iowa Infantry Regiment. In 1899, Kreger joined the 39th U.S. Volunteer Infantry. He commanded Company G from 1899 to 1901. He served in the Philippine–American War. He was stationed in Luzon and Leyte. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. This was for an action at Los Baños.
Becoming an Army Legal Expert
Kreger continued his military education. In 1905, he graduated from the Infantry and Cavalry School. He then graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1906. From 1906 to 1908, he taught law at this college.
He was stationed in Cuba from 1907 to 1909. From 1909 to 1911, he was a "judge advocate." This means he was a lawyer for the Army. He worked for the Department of the Colorado.
In 1912, Kreger was allowed to practice law. He could argue cases before the United States Supreme Court. From 1914 to 1917, he taught law again. This time, it was at the United States Military Academy (West Point).
World War I and Beyond
From May 1917 to February 1918, he was the Army's Assistant Provost Marshal General. This role involved military police duties. During World War I, Kreger became the acting Judge Advocate General. This was for the American Expeditionary Forces. He was the top legal officer for American troops fighting overseas.
After World War I, he continued his important legal work. From 1919 to 1921, he was the acting Judge Advocate General for the entire U.S. Army. In 1920, he helped create the Army's Manual for Courts-Martial. This book guides military trials. In 1921, he oversaw the creation of Military Laws of the United States.
From 1921 to 1924, Kreger was the assistant Judge Advocate General. From 1924 to 1925, he was the judge advocate for the Third Corps Area. In 1925, he became a legal advisor. He helped the American team on a special commission in South America. This commission worked on a border dispute.
In 1927, he became judge advocate for the Second Corps Area. Finally, from 1928 to 1931, he held the highest legal position. He was the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army.
Important Awards
Edward Kreger received the Distinguished Service Cross. He earned this for his brave actions in the Philippines. He also received the Army Distinguished Service Medal. This award was for his excellent service during World War I.
His Family and Later Life
Edward Kreger married Laura Mae Roddis in 1891. They had one daughter named Vera. Vera was born in 1893 and lived until 1987. She later married Colonel J. Huntington Hills.
Edward Kreger passed away in San Antonio, Texas on May 24, 1955. He was buried with military honors. His grave is at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
His important papers and records are kept safe. They are at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. This center is at the University of Texas at Austin.
