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Manus MacCloskey
Manus McCloskey circa 1918.jpg
McCloskey circa 1918
Born (1874-04-24)April 24, 1874
Died May 11, 1963(1963-05-11) (aged 89)
Resting place Arlington National Cemetery
Education United States Military Academy (1898)
Spouse(s)
Sara Monro
(m. 1901; his death 1963)
Children Monro MacCloskey, Sally MacCloskey
Awards Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star with oak leaf cluster

Manus MacCloskey (born April 24, 1874 – died May 11, 1963) was an important American soldier. He became a brigadier general in the United States Army. General MacCloskey served in different parts of the world, including the Philippines. He also led soldiers during World War I.

After his military career, he helped start a special program called the Civilian Conservation Corps. He also managed a large hospital in Chicago.

Early Life and Education

Manus MacCloskey was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 24, 1874. He attended the United States Military Academy, which is a famous school for training army officers. He graduated from West Point in 1898.

Military Service and Leadership

111-SC-29865 - NARA - 55219034-cropped
MacCloskey (center) with his team in the Forest of Argonne in October 1918

After finishing West Point, Manus MacCloskey became an officer in the army. He joined the Fifth Field Artillery on April 26, 1898. A field artillery unit uses large guns to support other soldiers in battle.

He served in the Philippines and took part in the China Relief Expedition. This was an international effort to protect foreign citizens in China. In 1916, he was in charge of Fort Myer, a military base.

World War I Hero

During World War I, MacCloskey played a big role. He helped create and then led the 12th Field Artillery Regiment. This unit was very important in many major battles, including:

After the war, he continued to serve in the army. He worked at the main headquarters for the Sixth Corps Area from 1921 to 1924. He also served at other military bases like Fort Sheridan and Fort Bragg. He retired from the army on April 30, 1938.

Life After the Military

Even after retiring from the army, Manus MacCloskey continued to serve his country in different ways.

Civilian Conservation Corps

In 1933, he helped start the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in North Carolina. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that gave jobs to young men. They worked on projects like building parks and planting trees.

Hospital Superintendent

From 1938 to 1947, MacCloskey worked as the superintendent of Cook County Hospital in Chicago. This meant he was in charge of running the entire hospital.

Awards and Recognition

Manus MacCloskey received several important awards for his bravery and service:

  • The Distinguished Service Medal
  • The Silver Star with an oak leaf cluster (meaning he received it more than once)
  • The Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster

He also received an award from Italy, called the Order of the Crown of Italy, for his service in World War I.

Family Life

Manus MacCloskey married Sara Monro on August 14, 1901. Sara's brother, William Loftus Monro, was a well-known businessman. Manus and Sara had two children:

  • Monro MacCloskey: Their son also became a soldier and reached the rank of Brigadier General, just like his father.
  • Sally MacCloskey: Their daughter.

Later Years and Legacy

Manus MacCloskey passed away on May 11, 1963, in Washington, DC. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.

In 1977, his son, Monro MacCloskey, gave his father's personal papers to the University of Pittsburgh. These papers help people learn more about General MacCloskey's life and contributions.

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