Samuel D. Sturgis Jr. (1861–1933) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel D. Sturgis Jr.
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Sturgis c. 1917
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| Birth name | Samuel Davis Sturgis Jr. |
| Born | August 1, 1861 St. Louis, Missouri, US |
| Died | March 7, 1933 (aged 71) Washington, D.C., US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1884–1925 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Service number | 0-47 |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Bertha Bement (m. 1896) |
| Children | 3 (including Lt. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis III) |
| Relations | Brevet Maj. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis (father) |
Samuel D. Sturgis Jr. (born August 1, 1861 – died March 7, 1933) was a high-ranking officer in the United States Army. He led the 87th and 80th divisions during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Samuel Davis Sturgis Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri. This was on August 1, 1861. His parents were Samuel D. Sturgis and Jerusha (Wilcox) Sturgis. He first went to Washington University in St. Louis. Later, he studied at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.
In 1884, Sturgis graduated from West Point. He was 13th in his class of 37 students. He became a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. This branch uses cannons and other long-range weapons.
He served with the 1st Field Artillery until 1891. His first jobs were at places like Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco. He also worked at harbor defenses in California. From 1890 to 1891, he worked at West Point. After that, he was a special assistant, called an aide-de-camp, to General Wesley Merritt.
Service in Wars
War with Spain
During the War with Spain, Sturgis was an assistant leader for the Eighth Corps. He took part in the Battle of Manila in the Philippines. After that, he worked in the Department of Dakota. He then went to Cuba. There, he managed money for the Department of Havana.
Philippine Insurrection
Sturgis also fought in the Philippine Insurrection. He was an assistant leader for the Philippine Division. He also helped lead a special mission with General Theodore Schwan.
Between the Wars
From 1901 to 1906, Sturgis led the 12th Battery of Field Artillery. He was stationed at Fort Douglas and Fort D. A. Russell. In 1906, he also helped lead an experimental artillery group. From 1907 to 1909, Sturgis worked for the Army at the War Department. He was the chief of staff for the Department of Dakota from 1909 to 1911.
In 1911, Sturgis was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He became second-in-command of the 3d Field Artillery. Later that year, he became the commander of the regiment. He also studied at special military schools. In December 1912, he was promoted to colonel.
In 1913, Sturgis took command of the 1st Field Artillery. This was at Schofield Barracks. In 1916, he went to Fort Sam Houston. There, he helped create and lead the 7th Field Artillery. In May 1917, Sturgis became a brigadier general. In July 1917, he was put in charge of a training camp at Camp Leon Springs. This was to get ready for the U.S. to join World War I.
World War I Service
In August 1917, Sturgis was temporarily promoted to major general. He was given command of Camp Pike in Arkansas and the 87th Division. He helped organize and train this division. In August 1918, he led the division to France. There, it provided new soldiers for units fighting on the front lines. He stayed in command until the war ended in November 1918. From November 1918 to April 1919, Sturgis commanded the 80th Division. This was during their duty after the war.
After World War I
After the war, Sturgis was in charge of centers where soldiers were sent home. These were at Camp Gordon, Camp Pike, and Camp Sherman. He did this from 1919 to 1921. In June 1920, he went back to his permanent rank of brigadier general. In October 1921, Sturgis was permanently promoted to major general.
He commanded the Panama Canal Department until October 1924. From November 1924 until he retired in August 1925, Sturgis commanded the Third Corps Area. Its main office was at Fort Holabird.
Later Life and Family
After he retired, Sturgis lived in Washington, D.C.. He passed away there on March 7, 1933. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His wife, Bertha, is buried with him.
In 1896, Sturgis married Bertha Bement (1875–1955). They had three children:
- Major General Samuel D. Sturgis III (who also became a high-ranking officer)
- Elizabeth T. Sturgis
- Robert Bement Sturgis
