Henry Pinckney McCain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Pinckney McCain
|
|
|---|---|
Henry P. McCain
|
|
| Born | January 23, 1861 Carroll County, Republic of Mississippi |
| Died | July 25, 1941 (aged 80) Washington, D.C., United States |
| Place of Burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1885–1921 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | Adjutant General of the U.S. Army |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War World War I |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
| Relations | John S. McCain, Sr. (nephew) |
Henry Pinckney McCain (born January 23, 1861 – died July 25, 1941) was an important officer in the United States Army. He held a very important job called the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from 1914 to 1918. This role meant he was in charge of all the Army's paperwork and records, especially during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Henry P. McCain was born in Carroll County, Mississippi. He went to a famous military school called the United States Military Academy (often called West Point). He graduated in 1885. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 3rd Infantry at Fort Shaw, Montana.
Military Career Highlights
Teaching and Early Promotions
From March 1889 to August 1891, McCain worked as a Professor of Military Science and Tactics. He taught at Louisiana State University. In February 1892, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He then joined the 21st Infantry. Soon after, in March, he moved to the 14th Infantry. He served with this group in the Department of the Columbia.
Service in the Spanish-American War
When the Spanish–American War started in April 1898, McCain was stationed in Alaska. He sailed with his regiment to the Philippines in May. He was present for the Battle of Manila. This was a key battle where U.S. forces captured the city of Manila.
McCain served as the acting assistant adjutant general for U.S. forces in the Philippines. This meant he helped manage the records and communications for the troops. However, he had to return to the United States in September due to illness. In March 1899, he was promoted to captain.
Rising Through the Ranks
In November 1900, McCain was promoted to major. He then moved to the Adjutant General's Office in Washington, D.C.. This office handles all the Army's important paperwork and personnel matters. He was promoted again to lieutenant colonel in January 1901.
In August 1903, he became chief of staff for the Department of Mindanao in the Philippines. He returned to the United States in March 1904. There, he became chief of staff for the Southwestern Division. In April 1904, he was promoted to colonel. He then returned to the Adjutant General's Office in Washington. He worked there until the fall of 1912.
Leading the Adjutant General's Office
From 1912 to 1914, McCain served as adjutant general of the Philippines Division. In 1914, he was promoted to brigadier general. He was then given the important role of Adjutant General of the U.S. Army.
In October 1917, after the United States entered World War I, he was promoted to major general. In August 1918, he was given command of the 12th Division. This division was based at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. The division was disbanded in January 1919 without going overseas. McCain continued to command Camp Devens until July 1920.
Retirement and Later Life
In June 1920, McCain returned to the rank of colonel. He served as adjutant of the 6th Corps area until he retired in July 1921. After his military career, he served as governor of the United States Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C. He held this position from May 1927 to April 1936. He passed away in Washington on July 25, 1941. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and Honors
General McCain received several important medals for his service:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal: This award was given to him for his excellent work. He managed the Adjutant General's Department during World War I.
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
- World War I Victory Medal
Legacy
A military training site near Grenada, Mississippi, was named Camp McCain in his honor. It was established in 1942. Later, it became a training facility for the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Personal Life
Henry P. McCain married Emiline DeMoss on November 14, 1888.
Images for kids
-
Major General Peyton C. March and Brigadier General Henry P. McCain, March 28, 1918.
