Francis Joseph Kernan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Kernan
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Major General Francis Kernan in Tours 1918
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| Born | 19 October 1859 Jacksonville, Florida, US |
| Died | 3 February 1945 (aged 85) Daytona Beach, Florida, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1881–1922 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Battles/wars | Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Silver Star(Citation Star) Distinguished Service Medal |
Francis Joseph Kernan (born October 19, 1859 – died February 3, 1945) was an important United States Army officer. He served in two major conflicts: the Philippine–American War and World War I, where he was a general.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francis Kernan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 19, 1859. His parents were John A. and Elizabeth C. Kernan. He attended the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He started there in 1877 and finished his studies in 1881.
Military Career Highlights
After graduating from West Point, Francis Kernan was stationed at several forts. These included Fort Canby, Fort Klamath, and Fort Sidney. In 1888, he returned to West Point. There, he worked as an instructor, teaching law and history until 1891.
Kernan later became a Judge Advocate. This role involves giving legal advice in the military. He worked in the departments for Dakota and later Texas until 1896.
Service in the Philippines and Cuba
During the Spanish–American War, Francis Kernan joined General Arthur MacArthur's team. He traveled with them to the Philippine Islands in 1898. For his bravery there, he received a Silver Star award. After his time in the Philippines, he took on duties in the Judge Advocate General's office. He also served in Cuba.
Kernan went back to the Philippine Islands from 1900 to 1903. He served under General MacArthur again. By this time, he was a major. In 1906, he was appointed to the General Staff Corps in Washington D.C. After these staff duties, he briefly returned to the Philippines. He commanded a regiment at Fort William McKinley.
World War I and Later Service
In 1917, Kernan became a brigadier general. When the United States planned to join World War I, Kernan was asked to write the official instructions. These were for the Supreme Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, General John J. Pershing.
He became a major general in the National Army. In September 1917, he arrived in France. There, he took command of the Service of Supply section. This section was in charge of getting supplies to the troops. He held this position until July 1918.
After this, Kernan was sent on a special diplomatic mission. He went to Switzerland to talk with German representatives. Their goal was to agree on how to treat and exchange prisoners of war. After the war ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918, he became an advisor. He helped the American Commission that was working to negotiate peace.
Kernan became a major general in the regular Army in October 1919. He was sent to the Philippine Islands again until late 1922. After that, he briefly commanded the Seventh Corps Area before asking to retire from the Army.
Personal Life and Death
Francis Kernan was married and had four children. He passed away in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 3, 1945. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous military cemetery.
Images for kids
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From left to right: Major General Francis J. Kernan, Major General James W. McAndrew, General John J. Pershing, Major General James Harbord and Brigadier General Johnson Hagood in Tours, France, July 1918.
