Robert Alexander (United States Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Alexander
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Alexander in 1919
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| Born | October 17, 1863 Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Died | August 25, 1941 (aged 77) Manhattan, New York City, US |
| Place of Burial |
Arlington National Cemetery, United States
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1886–1927 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  Infantry Branch |
| Commands held | 41st Division 63rd Brigade 77th Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross, Croix de Guerre |
| Spouse(s) | Mollie Augur Alexander (nee Thomas) |
Robert Alexander (born October 17, 1863 – died August 25, 1941) was a very important United States Army officer. He is best known for his role in World War I. During the war, he led the 77th Infantry Division on the Western Front in Europe.
Contents
Robert Alexander's Early Life
Robert Alexander was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 17, 1863. His parents were Judge and Mrs. William Alexander. His father was a judge in Maryland.
Robert first studied to become a lawyer. But he decided not to follow that path. Instead, he joined the United States Army as a private soldier on April 7, 1886.
Starting His Military Journey
Robert Alexander quickly showed he was a good soldier. In 1887, he became a first sergeant. This is a senior non-commissioned officer role. By 1889, he was promoted to second lieutenant. This was his first step as an officer.
As he moved up in rank, he served in several conflicts. He took part in the American Indian Wars. He also served in Puerto Rico during the Spanish–American War. Later, he was on the Texas–Mexico border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.
Leading in World War I
When the United States joined World War I, Alexander's skills became very important. He quickly rose through the ranks. From November 1917 to February 1918, he worked as an inspector general. This job meant he checked on how things were running.
He was promoted to brigadier general in February 1918. Then, in August 1918, he became a major general. This shows how much trust the army had in him.
The Story of the Lost Battalion
General Alexander was in charge of the 77th Division in France. He played a key role in reporting on a famous event called the "Lost Battalion." This happened in October 1918.
About 500 American soldiers from nine companies went into the Argonne Forest. They expected to meet French and other American troops. But they got cut off by German forces. Major Charles White Whittlesey led this group. The soldiers were surrounded and suffered many losses. Only 197 men made it out of the area.
General Alexander wrote an official report about their bravery. Here is part of what he said:
"General Order Number 30:
I want to recognize the amazing bravery of the officers and soldiers from these groups: Companies A, B, C, E, G, H of the 308th Infantry Company K of the 307th Infantry Companies C, D of the 306th Machine Gun Battalion
These groups, about 550 men led by Major Charles W. Whittlesey, were cut off and surrounded by many enemy soldiers near Charlevaux, in the Argonne Forest. This happened from October 3 to October 7, 1918.
They had no food for over 100 hours. They were constantly attacked by machine guns, rifles, and grenades. But Major Whittlesey's group, with amazing courage, fought back against daily attacks from the enemy. They held their position, which they had reached with great effort, until they could connect with friendly troops again.
When help finally arrived, about 194 officers and men were able to walk out. 107 officers and men were killed.
On the fourth day, the Germans offered them a chance to surrender. But the soldiers treated this offer with the disrespect it deserved.
The officers and men of these groups, during these five days of being alone, continuously showed incredible heroism. They proved the high standards of the United States Army.
Robert Alexander, Major General, US Army Commanding" April 15, 1919
After this, General Alexander continued to command important units. These included the 41st Infantry Division and the 63rd Infantry Brigade.
After the War
After World War I ended, Robert Alexander returned to the rank of colonel. He then commanded the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade.
In 1919, he received an honorary degree called a Doctor of Law (LL.D.) from St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland. This was a special honor for his achievements.
He retired from the army in 1927. He retired with the rank of major general.
In 1931, he wrote a book about his experiences in the war. It was called Memories of the World War, 1917–1918. He also received another honorary LL.D. degree from the College of Puget Sound that same year.
Robert Alexander's Family Life
Robert Alexander married Mollie Augur Thomas in 1892. She was the daughter of another military leader, Brigadier General Earl D. Thomas.
They had two sons, William Dennison and Robert Jr. Both of their sons also became officers in the United States Army. William Dennison became a colonel, and Robert Jr. became a lieutenant colonel.
Robert Alexander was also a freemason, which is a member of a fraternal organization.
He passed away in Manhattan, New York, on August 25, 1941. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. This is a famous cemetery for military heroes.
Awards and Honors
Robert Alexander received several important awards for his service:
- Distinguished Service Cross: This award was given for his bravery at Grandpré, Ardennes in October 1918.
- Croix de Guerre: This is a French military award, and he received it twice.
- Commandeur of the Legion of Honour: This is one of France's highest honors.
Ranks and Promotions
Here is a list of the ranks Robert Alexander held during his military career:
- Private and Sergeant, Company G, 4th United States Infantry: April 7, 1886 – January 29, 1890
- Second Lieutenant, 7th United States Infantry: December 17, 1889
- First Lieutenant, 12th United States Infantry: January 7, 1897
- Transferred to the 11th United States Infantry: March 21, 1898
- Captain, 14th United States Infantry: October 2, 1899
- Transferred to the 11th United States Infantry: February 17, 1900
