John W. Heavey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John W. Heavey
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Heavey as a captain during the Spanish–American War
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| Born | February 19, 1867 Vandalia, Illinois |
| Died | November 18, 1941 (aged 74) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1891–1931 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Fort Niagara Militia Bureau 20th Infantry Regiment 33rd Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Pancho Villa Expedition World War I |
John W. Heavey (born February 19, 1867 – died November 18, 1941) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general and even led the National Guard Bureau, which helps organize the National Guard.
Contents
Early Life and School
John William Heavey was born in Vandalia, Illinois, on February 19, 1867. He finished high school in Vandalia in 1884. After that, he went to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated in 1891 and became a Second Lieutenant in the Army's Infantry (foot soldiers). From 1891 to 1898, Heavey served with the 5th Infantry Regiment in different states like New York.
Did you know he was also a football player? Heavey played as a right guard on one of West Point's first football teams. He even played in the very first Army-Navy Game in 1890!
Serving in the Spanish-American War
In 1898, Heavey joined the 11th Infantry to fight in the Spanish–American War. He served in Puerto Rico, taking part in battles at places like Hormigueros and Las Marias. He also commanded the military post in Mayaguez. He stayed in Puerto Rico until 1902. After that, he was sent to the Philippines. There, he was stationed at Camp Jossman and fought against the Moros, a group of people, on the islands of Mindanao and Jolo.
After the Spanish-American War
In 1904, Heavey was assigned to Fort D. A. Russell in Wyoming. He worked there until 1905. Then, he became a Professor of Military Science at the University of Wyoming. This meant he taught military skills to students.
From 1908 to 1911, Heavey served in Cuba with the 11th Infantry. He was then promoted to major. He had new assignments at Fort D. A. Russell and Fort Sam Houston. Heavey continued his education, graduating from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1912 and the United States Army War College in 1913. These are advanced schools for Army officers.
From 1913 to 1914, Heavey was an advisor to the Massachusetts National Guard. Then, from 1914 to 1916, he worked at the Militia Bureau. In 1916, Heavey served on the Mexican border with the 9th Infantry during the Pancho Villa Expedition. He was now a lieutenant colonel. After that, he commanded the Officer Training School at Fort Niagara.
World War I Service
During World War I, John Heavey was temporarily promoted to colonel and then to brigadier general. He worked as an important leader (executive officer) at the Militia Bureau. From August 1918 to February 1919, he even served as the acting Chief of the Militia Bureau. This happened when the regular chief, Jesse McI. Carter, was sent to lead another division.
One of Heavey’s jobs during World War I was to make sure that National Guard soldiers guarded important places. This included utilities and railroads in the United States. Their job was to protect these places from anyone who might try to damage them.
After World War I
After World War I, Heavey continued as the executive officer of the Militia Bureau until 1922. He then went back to his permanent rank of colonel. He was assigned to the office of the Army Chief of Staff. From 1923 to 1926, he served at Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone. There, he commanded the 20th and 33rd Infantry Regiments.
From 1926 until he retired in 1931, Heavey worked as a coordinator for the Bureau of the Budget in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Retirement and Passing
After retiring from the Army, John Heavey lived in Washington, D.C.. He passed away there on November 18, 1941. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many military heroes are laid to rest.
Family Life
In 1894, John Heavey married Julia Baggett. They had three sons: William Francis, Thomas Jackson, and Wade Hampton. All three of his sons also went to West Point and became military officers. After Julia passed away, Heavey married Katherine Theresa Sullivan in 1915.
His son, William F. Heavey (1896–1974), also became a brigadier general. He wrote a book in 1947 called Down Ramp! The Story of the Army Amphibian Engineers.
Thomas J. Heavey (1897–1951) served in the China Burma India Theater during World War II and retired as a colonel.
Wade H. Heavey (1902–1961) worked as the Assistant Comptroller of the Army and retired as a colonel.
