Robert Lee Howze facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Lee Howze
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Howze as a major general
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| Born | August 22, 1864 Overton, Texas |
| Died | September 19, 1926 (aged 62) Columbus, Ohio |
| Buried |
West Point Cemetery
(41.39896, −73.96729) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1888–1926 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | 38th Division 3rd Division Third United States Army 1st Cavalry Division Fifth Corps Area |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Honour (France) Croix de Guerre (France) |
| Relations | Major General Robert Lee Howze Jr. (son) General Hamilton H. Howze (son) |
Robert Lee Howze (born August 22, 1864 – died September 19, 1926) was an important United States Army officer. He became a major general and received the Medal of Honor. This award is the highest military honor in the United States. He earned it for his brave actions during the American Indian Wars.
Howze finished his studies at the United States Military Academy in 1888. After graduating, he joined the United States Army. He served in several major conflicts. These included the American Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and World War I. One of his final duties was overseeing a military court case involving Colonel Billy Mitchell.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Lee Howze was born in Overton, Rusk County, Texas. His father, James A. Howze, was a captain in the 14th Texas Cavalry. His mother was Amanda Hamilton Howze.
After finishing Hubbard College in 1883, Howze went to the United States Military Academy. This famous military school is often called West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1888.
A Brave Military Career
Howze had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army. He took part in many important events.
Service in the Indian Wars
Howze was involved in the Pine Ridge Campaign from November 1890 to January 1891. On January 1, 1891, his unit, the 6th Cavalry, crossed the frozen White River in South Dakota. They were going to engage a group of Brulé Sioux. For his bravery during this action, he was given the Medal of Honor.
Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars
Howze married Anne Chiffelle Hawkins on February 24, 1897. She was the daughter of General Hamilton S. Hawkins.
When the Spanish–American War began, Howze was a cavalry captain. He became the adjutant general for the cavalry in Cuba. An adjutant general helps manage the daily operations of a military unit.
After returning to the U.S., he became a lieutenant colonel of volunteers. He led the Thirty-fourth Volunteer Infantry during the Philippine–American War. He received two Silver Citation Stars for his actions in Cuba and the Philippines. These awards were later changed into the Silver Star decoration.
Leadership at West Point
In 1905, Howze was chosen to be the Commandant of Cadets at West Point. He held this important leadership role until 1909. As Commandant, he was in charge of the cadets' training and discipline. In 1907, he even threatened to dismiss an entire class because of a hazing incident. Hazing is when older students bully or play harmful tricks on newer students.
In 1916, Howze was a major in the 11th Cavalry. He served during General John J. Pershing's Punitive Expedition into Mexico. This expedition aimed to capture the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa.
World War I and Beyond
During World War I, Howze was promoted to major general. He commanded the 38th Infantry Division. This division fought bravely in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in October 1918. This was one of the largest battles in American military history.
After the war, he commanded the 3rd Division during their march to the Rhine River. He also led the Third Army of Occupation in Germany in 1919. For his excellent service, he received several awards. These included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the French Croix de Guerre, and the French Legion of Honor.
General Howze passed away on September 19, 1926. He is buried at the United States Military Academy Cemetery at West Point, New York.
The Billy Mitchell Case
One of General Howze's last major duties was to lead the court-martial of Colonel Billy Mitchell. A court-martial is a military trial. Colonel Mitchell had publicly criticized senior leaders in the Army and Navy. He said they were not doing a good job managing the national defense. This happened after a Navy airship, the USS Shenandoah, crashed in a storm, killing 14 crew members.
In November 1925, President Calvin Coolidge ordered Mitchell's court-martial. The trial gained a lot of public attention. Many people supported Mitchell. The court found Mitchell guilty of insubordination, which means refusing to obey orders. He was suspended from duty for five years without pay. The generals explained their decision by saying, "The Court is thus lenient because of the military record of the Accused during the World War." On February 1, 1926, Mitchell chose to resign from the Army instead of accepting the punishment.
Military Awards and Honors
General Howze received many awards for his service:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star with oak leaf cluster (meaning he received it more than once)
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Army of Cuban Occupation Medal
- Philippine Campaign Medal
- Mexican Border Service Medal
- Victory Medal
- Officer, French Legion of Honor
- French Croix de Guerre
Places Named in His Honor
Two military bases were named after General Howze:
Camp Howze, Texas
This was a large training facility during World War II. It was located near Gainesville, Texas.
Camp Howze, South Korea
This was a U.S. Army base in South Korea. It was near the towns of Kumchon and Paju-Ri.
USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134)
A ship, the USS General R. L. Howze (AP-134), was also named in his honor. It was launched in May 1943.
Family Legacy
General Howze had two sons who also became generals. Both of them graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point:
- Major General Robert Lee Howze Jr., Class of 1925
- General Hamilton H. Howze, Class of 1930
Images for kids
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Major General Joseph T. Dickman and Major General Robert Lee Howze.
