George Oscar Cress facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Oscar Cress
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|---|---|
| Born | 18 September 1862 Warsaw, Illinois |
| Died | 8 May 1954 (aged 91) Oakland, California |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1884-1926 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Philippine–American War Mexican Punitive Expedition World War I |
George Oscar Cress (born September 18, 1862 – died May 8, 1954) was an important officer in the United States Army. He worked in many different roles and also taught military skills at colleges.
Contents
Growing Up and His Education
George Oscar Cress was born on September 18, 1862, in Warsaw, Illinois. His parents were George and Mary Cress.
In 1884, he finished his studies at the United States Military Academy in West Point. This is a famous school for training army officers. He was in the same class as future generals like DeRosey C. Cabell and William L. Sibert. He also studied with Isaac Newton Lewis, who invented a well-known machine gun called the Lewis gun. Later, in 1911, George Cress also graduated from the Army War College.
His Military Career
After graduating from West Point, Cress became a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Cavalry. From 1884 to 1889, he served on the U.S. frontier. This was a time when the western parts of America were still being settled.
Teaching and Stationed Duties
After his time on the frontier, Cress became a professor. He taught Military Science and Tactics at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, from 1889 to 1893. In 1891, he moved to the 4th Cavalry. After teaching, he was stationed at Fort Walla Walla in Washington state until 1897.
From 1897 to 1898, Cress worked at Yellowstone National Park. He had several important jobs there, including managing supplies and acting as the park's superintendent. In 1899, he was promoted to Captain.
Wars and Important Roles
Cress later served with the cavalry in the Philippine–American War from 1899 to 1900. He was part of General Henry Lawton's group. After serving in the Philippines, Cress helped build things at the Cavalry School in Fort Riley, Kansas.
He went back to teaching Military Science and Tactics again. This time, he taught at the Michigan Military Academy from 1904 to 1908.
Cress also took part in the Mexican Punitive Expedition. He was a staff member for General John J. Pershing. From 1916, he worked in the Inspector General's Department.
World War I and Retirement
When the U.S. entered World War I in 1918, Cress organized the 49th Field Artillery Brigade. On October 1, 1918, he was promoted to Brigadier General of the National Army. After the war, Cress was in charge of militia affairs in the Southern Department. He later became the commander of Columbus Barracks on October 6, 1919. He retired from the army in 1926 with the rank of colonel.
His Family and Passing
George Cress married Donna Scott Dean on May 26, 1886. He passed away in Oakland, California, on May 8, 1954.
