Oliver Edwards (United States Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Edwards
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Brig. gen. Oliver Edwards as commander of Camp Hancock in September 1918
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| Born | December 2, 1871 Chesterfield, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 25, 1921 (aged 49) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1894–1921 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War Second Occupation of Cuba World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Geraldine Wessels |
| Children | 3 |
Oliver Edwards (born December 2, 1871 – died February 25, 1921) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Edwards fought in several major conflicts, including the Spanish–American War and World War I. He was recognized for his bravery and hard work during World War I with the Distinguished Service Medal.
Contents
A Life of Military Service
Oliver Edwards was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1871. He chose a career in the military from a young age. In 1894, he graduated from the United States Military Academy, often called West Point. After graduating, he became an officer in the 11th Infantry Regiment.
Early Military Career
After his first assignment, Edwards served in several other infantry regiments. These included the 6th, 28th, 23rd, and 5th Infantry Regiments. His early career involved active duty in different parts of the world.
He took part in the Puerto Rico campaign during the Spanish–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Spain in 1898. Later, he served as an aide to General Jacob H. Smith during the Philippine–American War. This conflict took place from 1899 to 1902.
From 1906 to 1909, Edwards was part of the American presence in Cuba. This period is known as the Second Occupation of Cuba.
Advanced Training and World War I
Oliver Edwards was a dedicated student of military strategy. In 1910, he completed the Army School of the Line. He was recognized as a distinguished graduate. The next year, he graduated from the Army Staff College. These schools teach officers advanced skills in leadership and planning.
After his training, Edwards became an instructor at the college. In 1912, he traveled to France to teach a course to the French Army. When he returned, he worked in Panama. There, he served as an intelligence officer and chief of staff. This meant he helped gather important information and manage military operations.
On August 8, 1918, Edwards was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He then went to France to serve in World War I. During the war, he was in charge of organizing and leading the Machine Gun Training Center. This center was vital for training soldiers to use machine guns effectively. For his excellent work, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very high honor for military service.
Later Years and Legacy
After World War I ended, Edwards returned to the United States. He went back to his permanent rank of colonel. He continued his education as a student at the General Staff College. He also worked in the intelligence division of the United States Department of War's general staff. This role involved gathering and analyzing information important for national defense.
Oliver Edwards passed away on February 25, 1921. He died from an illness while still on assignment. His career showed a strong commitment to serving his country through various conflicts and important roles.
