Frank Kerby Fergusson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Kerby Fergusson
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| Born | February 28, 1874 Riddleton, Tennessee |
| Died | July 17, 1937 (aged 63) New York |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1896–1937 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-394 |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
Frank Kerby Fergusson (born February 28, 1874 – died June 17, 1937) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent service.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Frank Kerby Fergusson was born on February 28, 1874, in Riddleton, Tennessee. He went to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. This is a famous school where future army officers are trained.
He graduated from West Point in 1896. After graduating, he officially joined the army as an officer in the Third Artillery.
Early Career and Commands
In his first years in the army, Fergusson was stationed at many different places. These included Fort Monroe, Fort Canby, and Fort Sam Houston. He also served at Galveston, Texas, and several forts in Texas like Fort McIntosh and Fort Brown.
From February to August 1901, he was in charge of Fort Brown as a first lieutenant. He was promoted to captain on August 1, 1901. After this, he commanded the 111th Company of the Coast Artillery at Fort Dade, Florida.
Specialized Training and Missions
Fergusson continued his training at the School of Submarine Defense. This school was at Fort Totten. He graduated in July 1906.
He then commanded an army ship called the Armistead. This ship was a mine planter. From December 1908 to April 1909, he sailed four mine planters from Fort Monroe to San Francisco. This long journey involved sailing all the way around Cape Horn, which is at the southern tip of South America.
In San Francisco, Fergusson worked as a coast defense officer for 16 months. He also served as an aide to General Thomas Henry Barry.
World War I Service
Fergusson attended the United States Army War College from 1911 to 1912. After finishing his studies, he worked as an adjutant general at a military camp in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania.
He then served on the Ordnance Board from 1912 to 1914. After this, he went to the Philippines and stayed there until December 1916.
Returning to the United States
In August 1917, Fergusson traveled to France with the Eight Coast Artillery. This was during World War I. However, the United States Department of War ordered him to return to Fort Monroe in February 1918. He was given command of the Artillery Training Center. For his excellent work there, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.
On August 8, 1918, Fergusson was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. On the same day, he took command of the Coast Artillery School and several other military bases.
Post-War Assignments
After World War I, Fergusson continued to serve in important roles. He was the Coast Artillery district commander in San Francisco. In August 1919, he went to Washington, D.C., to attend the General Staff College.
After serving at Fort DuPont, Fergusson became the Chief of Staff of the Third Corps Area in Baltimore. He then returned to the Philippines from March 1922 to September 1924. There, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Division.
Later Commands
After returning to the U.S., he took command of the 11th Coast Artillery. He also commanded the Harbor Defenses of Long Island Sound.
Later, he served in the Panama Canal Zone. He then became the chief of staff of the Organized Reserve Second Corps Area. His last commands included:
- The Harbor Defenses of Eastern New York
- The 62nd Coast Artillery (AA)
- The Eighth Corps District
Frank Kerby Fergusson passed away on July 17, 1937.
