Edward Leonard King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Leonard King
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| Born | December 5, 1873 Bridgewater, Massachusetts |
| Died | December 27, 1933 (aged 60) East Point, Georgia |
| Buried |
West Point Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1896-1933 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 65th Infantry Brigade Command and General Staff College |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal World War I Victory Medal |
| Coaching career | |
| Playing career | |
| 1894–1895 | Army |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1903 | Army |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 6–2–1 |
Edward Leonard King (born December 5, 1873 – died December 27, 1933) was a talented American football player and coach. He was also a respected officer in the United States Army. King played college football as a halfback at the United States Military Academy (West Point). He later coached the Army football team in 1903. King was a career military officer. He served in the Spanish–American War and World War I. He became a Major General and led the United States Army Command and General Staff College from 1925 to 1929.
Contents
Edward Leonard King: Soldier and Football Star
Early Life and Football Days
Edward King was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts in 1873. He joined the United States Military Academy in 1892. This famous school is located in West Point, New York.
He played football for the Army team from 1894 to 1895. He was a halfback, a key position in football. In 1895, he was chosen as the team captain. A football historian named Parke H. Davis described King as a "swift, elusive, crashing and flashing back." He was known for being courageous and a true soldier on the field.
A Brave Soldier: Spanish-American War
After finishing West Point in 1896, King became a lieutenant. He served in the Spanish–American War. This war took place around the world, including in the Philippines.
In 1899, King showed great bravery in the Philippines. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. This award is given for extraordinary heroism. He disarmed a hostile Filipino, which saved another officer's life. This happened near Imus, Cayite Province, on October 6, 1899.
Coaching at West Point
In 1903, Edward King returned to West Point. He became the head coach for the Army football team for one year. Under his leadership, the team had a good season. They won 6 games, lost 2, and tied 1.
King also served in the Philippine–American War. He returned to the Philippines for another tour of duty from 1910 to 1912.
World War I Hero
In July 1916, King was promoted to Major in the cavalry. He then attended the Army War College. This is a school for high-ranking military officers.
When the United States joined World War I, King was promoted again. He became a Colonel in the National Army. He served as the Chief of Staff for the 28th Infantry Division. This division was nicknamed the "Keystoners." He worked with them in Georgia and later in France.
King arrived in Europe in May 1918. He was promoted to Brigadier General in June 1918. He took part in important battles like the Marne offensive. On July 31, 1918, he took command of the 65th Infantry Brigade. He led his troops in the battles of the Somme and Meuse-Argonne. After the war, he stayed with the Army of Occupation in Luxemburg until April 1919. He returned to the United States that same year.
For his brave service in World War I, King received several honors. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Army. France also honored him with the Croix de Guerre with palm. They also made him an officer in the French Legion of Honor. His Distinguished Service Medal citation praised his leadership. It noted his skill in planning and directing operations. He helped capture Chateau d'Aulnois and Marcheville.
Leading the Army's College
From July 1925 to July 1929, Brigadier General King held an important position. He served as the Commandant of the United States Army Command and General Staff College. This college is located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Later Life and Legacy
Edward King married Nancy Vose Sumner in 1898. They had one daughter together.
In December 1933, King passed away from a heart attack. He was on a hunt at Fort McPherson, Georgia. He was buried at West Point Cemetery, the same place where he started his military career.
Images for kids
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Brigadier General King (center) as commander of the 65th brigade with his staff officers in November 1918 near Mouilly.
