Mark L. Hersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Leslie Hersey
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Major General Mark L. Hersey
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| Born | December 1, 1863 Stetson, Maine |
| Died | January 22, 1934 (aged 70) Tampa, Florida |
| Place of Burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1924 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Unit | Philippine Constabulary 4th Division |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War
Philippine–American War Boxer Rebellion World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Légion d'honneur (France) Croix de guerre (France) |
Mark Leslie Hersey (born December 1, 1863 – died January 22, 1934) was an important American Army officer. He became a major general and led the 4th Infantry Division during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mark Hersey was born in Maine on December 1, 1863. Before joining the military, he earned a college degree from Bates College. He then went to the United States Military Academy (West Point). This is a famous school for training Army officers.
He studied at West Point from 1883 to 1887. Mark Hersey graduated on June 12, 1887. On the same day, he became a second lieutenant in the Army. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1894.
Military Service and Conflicts
Mark Hersey was a soldier who fought in several wars. He was part of the Spanish–American War. During this war, he worked as a quartermaster for the 12th Infantry. This unit was part of the Fifth Army Corps during the Santiago Campaign.
In 1899, Hersey was promoted to captain. He served in China during the Boxer Rebellion. This was a conflict where several countries sent troops to China. In 1902, he earned another degree from Bates College. After the Philippine Insurrection, Hersey worked as a colonel. He served with the Philippine Constabulary for ten years.
Hersey became a major in 1911 and a lieutenant colonel in 1916. He also served under General John J. Pershing in Mexico in 1916. This was during a mission to find a rebel leader.
World War I Service
In May 1917, the United States joined World War I. Mark Hersey was quickly promoted to colonel. In August 1917, he became a brigadier general. He was put in charge of the 155th Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 78th Division.
His division traveled to France in May and June 1918. General Hersey led the 155th Infantry Brigade during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This was a very important battle. He successfully led his troops in an attack on German positions in the Bois des Loges.
In October 1918, Hersey was promoted to major general. On October 31, he took command of the 4th Division in France. This was just before the Armistice on November 11, which ended the fighting. He then led the 4th Division during the occupation of Germany. After this, his division returned to the United States.
General Hersey received the Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his excellent leadership during the war. He led both the 155th Brigade and the 4th Division with great skill.
After the War
After returning from France, Mark Hersey received honorary degrees. These were from Bates College and the University of Maine.
In August 1919, Hersey returned to his permanent rank of colonel. He then attended the Army War College in 1920. This is a school for senior military officers. In July 1920, he was promoted to brigadier general again. He became a major general shortly before he retired from the Army. He retired in November 1924, at his own request.
Later Life and Family
General Hersey passed away on January 22, 1934. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special cemetery for military heroes.
He was a member of several military groups. These included the Military Order of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of the World War. He even served as the national commander of the latter group in 1926.
Mark Hersey married Elizabeth Noyes on September 16, 1887. They had three children: Mark Leslie Jr., Dorothy, and Alice Elizabeth. Elizabeth died on April 5, 1932. She is buried next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.
Their son, Mark L. Hersey Jr. (1888–1974), also became a military officer. He served in the United States Navy. He earned the Navy Cross for his brave service. This was for commanding the destroyer USS Sampson (DD-63) during World War I. He also commanded the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay from 1936 to 1938. He became a commodore during World War II. He and his wife are buried near his parents.
Legacy and Awards
A ship, the USS General M. L. Hersey (AP-148), was named in his honor. It was launched in April 1944.
Here are some of the awards General Mark L. Hersey received:
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- China Relief Expedition Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
- Mexican Service Medal
- Victory Medal with four campaign stars
- Army of Occupation of Germany Medal
- Commander, Legion of Honor (France)
- Croix de Guerre with palm (France)
Promotions Over Time
- Second Lieutenant – June 12, 1887
- First Lieutenant – December 16, 1894
- Captain – March 2, 1899
- Major – March 3, 1911
- Lieutenant Colonel – July 1, 1916
- Colonel – May 15, 1917
- Brigadier General (National Army) – August 5, 1917
- Major General (National Army) – October 1, 1918
- Discharged from National Army – August 31, 1919
- Brigadier General – July 3, 1920
- Major General – September 20, 1924
- Retired from Army – November 2, 1924
