Edward Sirois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Sirois
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| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 5th Essex District | |
| In office 1935–1941 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 18, 1898 Lawrence, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 18, 1968 (aged 69) Ayer, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Florist Insurance executive |
| Awards | Legion of Merit |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Massachusetts National Guard |
| Years of service | 1916–1956 |
| Rank |  Major General |
Edward Devlin Sirois (born December 18, 1898 – died February 18, 1968) was an important American leader. He was a politician and a high-ranking officer in the Massachusetts National Guard. He also led the Massachusetts Republican Party and the famous Yankee Division.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Edward Sirois was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on December 18, 1898. He went to Lawrence High School and graduated there.
When he was only 17, Edward joined the Massachusetts National Guard. This was a special part of the military for his home state. In 1916, he was sent to the Mexican border during a time of conflict called the Border War.
Serving in World War I
Soon after, World War I began. Edward went to France with his unit, the 102nd Field Artillery Regiment. He fought in many big battles and was even wounded. In 1919, he was promoted to lieutenant. This was a big deal because he was only 20 years old. Usually, officers had to be at least 21, so the United States Congress had to approve his promotion.
Political Career
After the war, Edward Sirois worked for the city of Lawrence from 1921 to 1922. He then became a manager for a special office that helped military veterans.
In 1924, his father passed away. Edward took over the family's flower shop business.
Serving in the Massachusetts House
From 1935 to 1941, Edward Sirois was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state of Massachusetts. He represented his home area, the 5th Essex District.
In 1937, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He won the first election for his party, the Republican Party. However, he lost the main election to another candidate.
From 1940 to 1941, Edward was chosen to be the chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. This meant he was the main leader for his political party in the state. He also helped manage Robert F. Bradford's campaign when Bradford ran for governor in 1946.
World War II Service
Edward Sirois stayed in the National Guard even after World War I. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt called up National Guard units for World War II, Edward went back into active service.
He started the war leading a group of artillery soldiers in the 26th Infantry Division. For the last two years of the war, he served in the China Burma India Theater. This was a very important area of the war.
Edward helped create the Army's first special unit designed to destroy enemy tanks. He also received the Legion of Merit award. This award recognized his excellent work at a special school for Chinese military officers. He left the military in 1946 as a colonel.
Later Life and Leadership
In September 1946, Edward Sirois was promoted to Brigadier General. He was put in charge of four artillery groups within the Yankee Division. This promotion was given by Governor Maurice J. Tobin, even though Edward was helping manage the campaign of Tobin's political opponent at the time.
In 1951, Edward took over as the main commander of the entire Yankee Division. He was promoted again to Major General in 1952. He retired from the military in 1956.
Outside of his military career, Edward Sirois also worked in the insurance business. He was a top executive for the Mutual Fire Insurance Association of New England until he retired in 1959.
Edward Sirois passed away on February 18, 1968, in Ayer, Massachusetts.
