George Washington Gatchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington Gatchell
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| Born | February 22, 1865 Rhode Island |
| Died | February 4, 1939 (aged 73) San Diego, California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1919 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-13406 |
| Battles/wars | Sioux Wars Spanish–American War World War I • Second Battle of the Marne • Third Battle of the Aisne • Meuse-Argonne Offensive |
George Washington Gatchell (born February 22, 1865 – died February 4, 1939) was an important officer in the United States Army during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He took part in several big conflicts, like the Sioux Wars, the Spanish–American War, and World War I.
George Gatchell's Life and Military Career
George Gatchell was born in Rhode Island on February 22, 1865. He studied at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated in 1887 and became an officer in the 5th Artillery unit.
Early Military Service
After serving in the 5th Artillery, Gatchell moved to the Coast Artillery. He was involved in the Sioux Wars between 1890 and 1891. From 1891 to 1895, he taught military science at Vermont Academy.
During the Spanish–American War in 1898, Gatchell worked with the Siege Artillery in Ybor City. He also supervised tests for firing mortars in Portland, Maine, from 1901 to 1902. In 1902, he traveled to Cuba.
In the winter of 1905 and 1906, Gatchell took part in a long march. This march went from Fort Riley to Fort Sam Houston. Later, in 1907, he was in charge of Fort Rosecrans and the San Diego District. In 1910, he commanded Fort Strong.
From 1911 to 1915, Gatchell worked with the Rhode Island National Guard. He was an instructor and inspector, helping to train soldiers. From 1915 to January 1918, he commanded Fort Williams in Maine. He was also in charge of Portland's defenses.
World War I and Later Years
On August 17, 1917, Gatchell was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He served in World War I in France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. There, he commanded the 31st Heavy Artillery Brigade.
In August 1918, he became the Chief of Artillery for the Third Corps. During his time in France, he participated in several important battles. These included the Second Battle of the Marne, the Third Battle of the Aisne, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
After the war ended, Gatchell returned to his permanent rank of colonel. He then commanded an embarkation camp in Pauillac, France. Later, he moved to the Washington, D.C. area. He commanded Fort Howard and was in charge of Baltimore's harbor defenses. Gatchell retired from the army on December 6, 1919.
In June 1930, Congress officially gave Gatchell his brigadier general rank back. He passed away in San Diego on February 4, 1939.
