Harry Foote Hodges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Hodges
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Harry Hodges as Lt. Colonel in 1898
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| Born | February 25, 1860 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 24, 1929 (aged 69) Chicago, Illinois |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 Corps of Engineers United States Army |
| Years of service | 1881–1921 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-39 |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Alma L'Hommedieu Raynolds |
| Children | 4 |
Harry Foote Hodges (February 25, 1860 – September 24, 1929) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hodges fought in the Spanish–American War and World War I. He also helped build the famous Panama Canal. For his brave service, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.
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Harry Hodges: A Military Engineer
Harry Foote Hodges was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 25, 1860. He went to school at Boston Latin School. Later, he attended Adams Academy in Quincy, Massachusetts. Harry then joined the United States Military Academy in 1881. This is a special school where people learn to become army officers.
Early Career and the Spanish-American War
After graduating, Hodges became an officer in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This group of soldiers builds things like bridges and roads. He worked on rivers and harbors. He also taught at West Point, sharing his knowledge with new students.
In 1898, Hodges became a lieutenant colonel. He led a group of engineers during the Spanish–American War. He served in Puerto Rico during this time. After the war, from 1901 to 1902, he was the Chief Engineer for the Department of Cuba.
Building the Panama Canal
From 1902 to 1907, Hodges worked in Washington, D.C.. He was a key person in the Office of the Chief of Engineers. His most famous work began in 1907. He joined the Isthmian Canal Commission. This group was in charge of building the Panama Canal.
From 1914 to 1915, Hodges was responsible for designing important parts of the canal. He planned the dams, locks, and other structures. These parts help ships move through the canal. His hard work was recognized by the United States Congress. Because of his efforts, he was promoted to brigadier general on March 4, 1915.
World War I Service
After his work on the Panama Canal, Hodges took on new commands. From 1915 to 1917, he led coastal artillery districts. These districts protected parts of the Atlantic coast.
When World War I began, Hodges commanded the 76th Infantry Division. He led this division from August 1917 to January 1919. They trained at Camp Devens and then served in France. For his leadership during this time, he earned the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very high honor for military service.
After the war, he commanded other divisions until 1919. He then led the North Pacific and Third Coast Artillery Districts until 1921. On December 21, 1921, he was promoted to major general. He retired from the army the very next day.
Later Life
After retiring, Harry Hodges lived in Lake Forest, Illinois. He passed away in Chicago on September 24, 1929.
Personal Life
Harry Hodges married Alma L'Hommedieu Raynolds on December 8, 1887. They had four children together. He was a member of the Episcopalian faith.
Legacy
Harry Hodges was honored for his service. A World War II ship was named after him. It was called the USS General H. F. Hodges (AP-144).
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