Harley Bascom Ferguson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harley Bascom Ferguson
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| Born | August 14, 1875 Waynesville, North Carolina |
| Died | August 29, 1968 (aged 93) Lafayette, Louisiana |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1897–1939 1942 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-540 |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War China Relief Expedition World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Virginia McCormack |
| Children | 3 |
Harley Bascom Ferguson (born August 14, 1875 – died August 29, 1968) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the army during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He fought in several wars, like the Spanish–American War and World War I. For his bravery and service, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.
A Life of Service
Harley Bascom Ferguson was born on August 14, 1875, in Waynesville, North Carolina. He studied at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated in 1897 and joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This part of the army builds things like bridges and roads.
Early Military Career
Ferguson served in Cuba during the Spanish–American War. This war happened in 1898. After that, he took part in the Philippine–American War, which began in 1899.
In 1900, he was the Chief Engineer during the China Relief Expedition. This was a mission to help people in China. He continued his education, graduating from the Army Staff School in 1904.
From 1907 to 1909, he worked as a district engineer in Montgomery, Alabama. Later, from 1910 to 1911, he helped raise the USS Maine. This ship had sunk in Havana Harbor, Cuba. After returning to the U.S., Ferguson worked as a district engineer in Milwaukee from 1913 to 1916.
World War I Service
During World War I, Ferguson was sent to France. From September 1917 to June 1918, he led the 105th Engineers. Then, from June to October 1918, he served as the Second Corps Engineer.
He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1918. For his hard work and leadership during the war, he earned the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very important award.
After the War
After World War I ended, Ferguson went back to his regular rank. He held many important jobs. He was a district engineer in Pittsburgh in 1920. Later, he worked in Cincinnati from 1927 to 1929.
He also worked in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War from 1921 to 1926. He served in other places too, including New Orleans, Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Norfolk, Virginia.
By 1930, he was part of important groups like the Saint Lawrence Waterway Board. In 1932, he became the president of the Mississippi River Commission. He was promoted to major general in December 1934. He retired from the army in 1939 but was called back to duty for a short time in 1942.
Harley Ferguson lived in Vicksburg after he retired. He passed away in Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 29, 1968.
Family Life
Harley Ferguson married Mary Virginia McCormack on January 3, 1907. They had three children together.
