Meriwether Lewis Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meriwether Lewis Walker
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| 4th Governor of the Panama Canal Zone | |
| In office 1924–1928 |
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| Preceded by | Jay Johnson Morrow |
| Succeeded by | Harry Burgess |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 30, 1869 Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Died | July 29, 1947 (aged 77) Massachusetts |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1893–1933 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Pancho Villa Expedition World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
Meriwether Lewis Walker (born September 30, 1869 – died July 29, 1947) was an important officer in the United States Army. He reached the rank of Brigadier General. He is best known for serving as the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone from 1924 to 1928.
Contents
Who Was Meriwether Lewis Walker?
Meriwether Lewis Walker was born on September 30, 1869, in Lynchburg, Virginia. His parents were Thomas Lidsay and Catherine Dabney Walker.
Education and Early Career
He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a famous school where people train to become officers in the U.S. Army. He finished his studies there in the summer of 1893. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This group of soldiers focuses on building and engineering projects.
Important Roles and Achievements
Walker had many important jobs during his career:
- From 1912 to 1914, he was in charge of the Army Field Engineering School.
- He worked as the chief engineer for military missions into Mexico from 1916 to 1917. These missions were called the Pancho Villa Expedition.
- During World War I, he was the chief engineer for the American Expeditionary Forces. This was from August 1918 to August 1919.
- From 1921 to 1924, he was the main engineer for keeping the Panama Canal working.
- His biggest role was serving as the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone. He held this position from 1924 to 1928. The Panama Canal Zone was an area around the canal that the United States controlled.
Later Life
Meriwether Lewis Walker passed away on July 29, 1947.
Awards and Recognition
Brigadier General Walker received several awards for his service. One of his highest honors was the Army Distinguished Service Medal. This award is given for especially good service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. He also received the Mexican Service Medal and the World War I Victory Medal. From France, he was recognized as an Officer of the Legion of Honour.
