Oliver Edwards (World War I general) 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 officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Edwards fought in important wars like the Spanish–American War and World War I. He earned a special award, the Distinguished Service Medal, for his brave actions in World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Oliver Edwards was born in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1871. He joined the military after high school. In 1894, he graduated from the United States Military Academy. This is a famous school for training Army officers. After graduating, he became an officer in the 11th Infantry Regiment.
Military Service and Wars
After his first assignment, Edwards served in several other infantry regiments. These included the 6th, 28th, 23rd, and 5th Infantry Regiments.
Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War
Edwards took part in the Puerto Rican Campaign during the Spanish–American War. This war happened in 1898. Later, he served as an aide to General Jacob H. Smith. This was during the Philippine–American War. He also helped with the Second Occupation of Cuba from 1906 to 1909.
Advanced Training and Teaching
Edwards was a very good student. In 1910, he became a distinguished graduate of the Army School of the Line. The next year, he graduated from the Army Staff College. After his own training, he became an instructor at the college. In 1912, he even went to France to teach a course for the French Army. When he returned, he worked in Panama. There, he was an intelligence officer and a Chief of Staff.
World War I and Recognition
On August 8, 1918, Oliver Edwards was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He went to France to help with World War I. He was in charge of organizing and commanding the Machine Gun Training Center. For his excellent work there, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very high honor for military service.
Later Life and Legacy
After World War I, Edwards returned to the United States. He went back to his permanent rank of colonel. He became a student at the General Staff College again. He also worked in the intelligence division of the United States Department of War's general staff. Oliver Edwards passed away from an illness on February 25, 1921. He was still on duty when he died.
