Michael Joseph Lenihan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael J. Lenihan
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Michael Lenihan commander of the 153th. brigade in Raucourt, 1918
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| Born | February 5, 1865 Hopkinton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | August 13, 1958 (aged 93) Philadelphia, United States |
| Buried |
Mount Olivet Cemetery (Washington, D.C.)
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1883–1929 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit |  Infantry Branch |
| Commands held | 83rd Infantry Brigade 42nd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Legion of Honor, Croix de Guerre |
Michael Joseph Lenihan (born May 2, 1865 – died August 13, 1958) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in several conflicts, including the American Western Frontier, the Philippines, and World War I. During World War I, he led the 83rd Infantry Brigade in a major battle called the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This battle took place on the Western Front in Europe.
Early Life and Army Career
Michael Lenihan was born to James Lenihan and Catherine Grainger. He studied at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, and finished his studies in 1887. After graduating, he quickly moved up in rank. He became a first lieutenant in 1894.
He was promoted to Captain in 1899 and then to major in 1911. While he was serving in the Hawaiian Islands, he was promoted again to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Lenihan's Role in World War I
When the United States joined World War I, Lenihan received a temporary promotion to brigadier general in August 1917. He was put in charge of the 83rd Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 42nd Infantry Division. This division was led by General Charles T. Menoher.
During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Lenihan's 83rd brigade and Douglas MacArthur's nearby 84th brigade faced strong German defenses. They struggled to advance. Because of this, the Corps Commander, Charles P. Summerall, considered removing both generals from their commands.
General William M. Wright later wrote in his memories that MacArthur's troops were able to use a forest for cover and capture their target, Hill 288 and Châtillon-sous-les-Côtes. However, Lenihan's brigade faced heavy enemy fire and suffered many losses in the Landres-et-Saint-Georges area. They were stopped before they could reach their goals.
General Summerall ordered General Menoher to remove Lenihan from his command, which happened on October 17, 1918. Lenihan disagreed with this decision and asked for a hearing. An investigation found that Lenihan had not done anything wrong. Major General Hunter Liggett then overturned Summerall's decision. Lenihan was given a new command, leading the 153rd brigade of the 77th Infantry Division.
After the War
After World War I ended, Michael Lenihan returned to the rank of Colonel in 1919. He later worked as an instructor at the Naval War College. In 1924, he became the Chief of Staff for the XII Army Corps.
Lenihan was promoted to brigadier general again in 1925. He also received an honorary law degree (called an LL.D.) from the College of the Holy Cross in 1925. In the last year of his active service in the army, from March 1928 to March 1929, he commanded the 3rd Infantry Division.
Michael Lenihan passed away on August 13, 1958, in Philadelphia.
Images for kids
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Brigadier General Michael J. Lenihan and Major Henderson, commanding the 2nd Battalion, 166th Regiment, before making a tour of inspection, France, March 7, 1918.
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