John Bacon McDonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McDonald
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Brigadier General John B. McDonald at the Inspector Generals office
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| Born | February 8, 1859 Athens, Alabama, United States |
| Died | March 15, 1927 (aged 68) Washington, D.C., United States |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 Cavalry Branch |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit |  United States Army |
| Commands held | 181st Infantry Brigade |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal World War I Victory Medal Croix de Guerre |
John Bacon McDonald (born February 8, 1859 – died March 15, 1927) was an important officer in the United States Army. He was a Brigadier General. McDonald took part in several big conflicts. These included battles on the American Western Frontier, in the Philippines, and during World War I. In World War I, he led the 181st Infantry Brigade in many battles on the Western Front.
John B. McDonald's Life Story
John B. McDonald finished his studies at the United States Military Academy in 1881. He first served with the 25th infantry at Fort Randall. A year later, he moved to the 10th Cavalry in Texas.
From 1888 to 1890, he taught Military Science and Tactics in Auburn, Alabama. After that, he became a quartermaster for the 10th Cavalry in Fort Grant, Arizona in 1891. He worked as a quartermaster in different forts. Then, from 1897 to 1898, he taught Military Science and Tactics at the Military College of South Carolina. He was promoted to Captain in 1898.
When the Spanish–American War began in 1898, McDonald became a Lieutenant Colonel. He served with the 1st Alabama Volunteer Infantry. He left the army honorably in October 1898, after the war ended.
During the Philippine–American War in June 1901, McDonald was hurt in a battle. This happened in the Santa Lucia municipality. He was shot through the lung early in the fight. But he kept his injury a secret from his soldiers until the battle was over. For his bravery, he later received the Silver Star award.
In 1907, he became a major with the 15th Cavalry. The next year, he was made commander of Fort Ethan Allen.
Fighting in World War I
After holding various leadership roles, John McDonald joined the Inspector-Generals Office in 1914.
In 1917, he was temporarily promoted to Brigadier General. He joined the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. He led the 181st Infantry Brigade as part of the 91st Division. They fought in important battles like the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and the Battle of the Lys. He returned to the United States with his brigade in April 1919.
After the War
After World War I, John B. McDonald held several positions. One of these was commander of the Pacific Branch of U. S. Disciplinary Barracks. This was located on Alcatraz Island. He held this role until 1922.
John B. McDonald passed away on March 15, 1927, in Washington, D.C..
