Robert Courtney Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert C. Davis
Robert C. Davis as major general after 1922
Born	(1876-10-12)October 12, 1876 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
Died	September 2, 1944(1944-09-02) (aged 67) Elmsford, New York, US
Place of Burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1898–1927
Rank	Major General
Commands held	Adjutant General of the U.S. Army
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2)

Robert Courtney Davis (born October 12, 1876 – died September 2, 1944) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served as the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from 1922 to 1927. This role meant he was in charge of many important administrative tasks for the Army.

Early Life and Military Start

Robert C. Davis was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on October 12, 1876. He first went to Franklin & Marshall College. Later, in 1894, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy (West Point).

He graduated from West Point in 1898. After graduating, he became a Second Lieutenant in the 17th Infantry Regiment. This was the start of his long military career.

Serving in Early Wars

Davis fought in the Spanish–American War in Cuba. He was part of the Santiago campaign. He also took part in the battles of El Caney and San Juan.

He earned his first Silver Star medal for being very brave at El Caney. He was also suggested for a special promotion to First Lieutenant.

After that, Davis served in the Philippine–American War. In August 1899, he received a second Silver Star. He also got a temporary promotion to Captain for his bravery against Filipino fighters. He stayed in the Philippines until 1904. Then, he became a professor at West Point.

Between the Big Wars

In 1906, Davis went back to Cuba with the 17th Infantry. In 1909, he became an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to General Thomas Henry Barry. When Barry became the leader of West Point in 1911, Davis worked as his adjutant (chief administrative officer).

Davis later served again with the 17th Infantry. He then went back to the Philippines with the 8th Infantry Regiment. For most of 1915, Davis worked as an Inspector for the Philippine Scouts. During this time, he was promoted to Major.

World War I Service

General John J. Pershing and his staff in France, 1918. Robert C. Davis is on the far right in the back row.

When World War I began, Davis joined the staff of the Army's Adjutant General. In mid-1917, he traveled to France. There, he helped the Adjutant General of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). The AEF was the name for the American soldiers fighting in Europe.

He later became the acting Adjutant General and then the official Adjutant General of the AEF. During this time, he received a temporary promotion to brigadier general.

After World War I

General John J. Pershing and his staff outside a building in Washington, D.C., September 23, 1919. Robert C. Davis is two people from Pershing in the front row.

After World War I, Davis continued to work for the Army's Adjutant General. He helped a group that looked at how the War Department worked. They suggested ways to improve how people worked and how things were done.

From 1922 to 1927, Davis served as the Adjutant General of the Army. He was promoted to major general. One of his biggest achievements was organizing a plan to pay special bonuses to veterans of World War I.

Life After the Military

After retiring from the Army, Davis became the President of Photomaton, Inc. This company made automatic camera photo booths. He also worked as the Executive Director for the New York Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also the President of the West Point Association of Graduates.

Later Life and Passing

Robert C. Davis passed away in Elmsford, New York, on September 2, 1944. He had a heart attack while playing golf. He and his wife, Ruby Hale, are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and Honors

Besides his two Silver Stars, Davis received the Army Distinguished Service Medal. This medal was given for his excellent service during World War I.

He also received many awards from other countries, including:

• The Legion of Honor (Commander) from France.
• The Order of the Bath (Companion) from Great Britain.
• The Order of the Crown (Commander) from Belgium.
• The Order of the Crown (Commander) from Italy.
• The Order of Prince Danilo I (Grand Cross) from Montenegro.
• The Medal of La Solidaridad (Second Class) from Panama.

Family Life

In 1902, Robert C. Davis married Ruby Caroline Hale (1879–1959). They did not have any children.

See also

• List of Adjutant Generals of the U.S. Army