Harry Taylor (engineer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Taylor
|
|
|---|---|
Major General Harry Taylor, Chief of Engineers 1924–1926
|
|
| Born | June 26, 1862 Tilton, New Hampshire |
| Died | January 27, 1930 (aged 67) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1884–1926 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | Chief Engineer, American Expeditionary Force Chief of Engineers |
| Wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Honor |
Harry Taylor (born June 26, 1862 – died January 27, 1930) was an important officer in the United States Army. He fought in World War I. He also became the Chief of Engineers, which is a very important job in the Army.
Contents
Harry Taylor's Early Life
Harry Taylor was born in a town called Tilton, New Hampshire. He went to a famous school called the United States Military Academy. He graduated from West Point in 1884. After graduating, he joined the Corps of Engineers.
Military Career and Achievements
Early Engineer Work
After school, Taylor worked in engineer offices in places like Wilmington, North Carolina, and New York City. From 1891 to 1900, he worked on building forts and improving rivers and harbors. This work took him to Oregon and Washington. Later, he did similar work in New England and New York.
He then moved to the Philippines in 1904 and 1905. There, he was in charge of building all the forts. From 1906 to 1911, Taylor was the district engineer in New London, Connecticut. After that, he led the River and Harbor Division for five years. This division was part of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
World War I Service
During World War I, Harry Taylor served as the Chief Engineer for the American Expeditionary Forces in France. This was from mid-1917 to mid-1918. In this role, he oversaw the building of many important things. This included railways, barracks (places for soldiers to sleep), wharves (docks for ships), and shelters all across France.
For his excellent work, Taylor received two special awards. He was given the Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Army. He also received the French Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honor).
Becoming Chief of Engineers
After the war, Taylor served as the Assistant Chief of Engineers for six years. On June 19, 1924, he was promoted to Major General. He was also named the Chief of Engineers. During his time as Chief, the important Wilson Dam was finished. General Taylor retired from the Army on June 26, 1926.
Later Life and Legacy
Harry Taylor passed away from pneumonia on January 27, 1930. He died in Washington, D.C.. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous military cemetery. In 1943, a navy transport ship was named in his honor. It was called the USS General Harry Taylor (AP-145).
