Harry Clay Hale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Clay Hale
|
|
|---|---|
Harry C. Hale as commanding general of the 84th Division in November 1918
|
|
| Born | July 10, 1861 Knoxville, Illinois, US |
| Died | March 21, 1946 (aged 84) Palo Alto, California, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1883–1925 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-45 |
| Battles/wars | Sioux Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War • Battle of Luzon Border War (1910–19) World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth C. Smith |
Harry Clay Hale (born July 10, 1861, died March 21, 1946) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in many wars, like World War I. He also received a special award called the Distinguished Service Medal.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Harry Clay Hale was born on July 10, 1861, in Knoxville, Illinois. He studied at the United States Military Academy. He graduated from West Point in 1883.
After graduating, Hale became an officer in the 12th Infantry Regiment. His first station was at Fort Niagara.
Serving in the American West
In 1886, Hale and his regiment moved to Fort Bennett. While there, he took part in the Sioux Wars. He was even suggested for the Medal of Honor, a very brave award, but he did not receive it.
In 1891, Hale was in charge of Sioux prisoners. This was an important role during a time of conflict.
Wars in the Philippines and Beyond
From 1893 to 1899, Harry Hale worked as an assistant to General Wesley Merritt. This meant he served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He also assisted General Arthur MacArthur Jr..
During the Philippine–American War, Hale led the 44th Volunteer Infantry. In 1902, he was in charge of Bilibid Prison. He also temporarily commanded the 20th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Luzon.
Returning to the Philippines
After working on the General Staff in Washington, D.C. from 1903 to 1906, Hale went back to the Philippines. He served there for another three years.
In 1910 and 1911, he held important administrative roles. He was the Adjutant-General for military departments in the Midwest.
World War I Service
In 1914, Hale commanded the 17th Infantry Regiment along the border with Mexico. The next year, in 1915, he led the 20th Infantry Regiment.
Later in 1915, Hale was sent to China to command the 15th Infantry Regiment. However, he soon returned to the U.S. to help create the 84th Division at Camp Zachary Taylor.
Fighting in France
In 1917, Hale traveled to France as an observer to learn about the fighting. He then returned to the U.S. and led the 84th Division back to France to join the war.
On August 5, 1917, Harry Hale was promoted to the rank of major general. He received the Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent leadership of the 84th Division during World War I.
Post-War Career and Retirement
After World War I ended, General Hale took command of the 26th Infantry Division. He brought this division back to the U.S. from France.
Next, he commanded the 1st Infantry Division. After that, he became the commanding general of the Sixth Corps Area in Chicago.
Later Years
In 1923, Knox College awarded Hale an honorary law degree (LL.D.). He retired from the Army in 1925.
During his retirement, Hale lived in Palo Alto, California, or Rockville, Maryland. He passed away on March 21, 1946. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous military cemetery.
Personal Life
Harry Hale married Elizabeth C. Smith on December 2, 1886. They did not have any children.
