Thomas Grafton Hanson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Grafton Hanson
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Brigadier General Thomas Grafton Hanson in France, August 1918
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| Born | May 1, 1865 San Rafael, California |
| Died | May 23, 1945 (aged 80) Oakland, California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1919 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-13357 |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I • Battle of Saint-Mihiel • Meuse-Argonne Offensive |
| Spouse(s) | Pauline DeForest |
| Children | 2 |
Thomas Grafton Hanson was an important officer in the United States Army. He lived from 1865 to 1945. He served in several wars, including World War I. During World War I, he led a large group of soldiers called the 89th Infantry Division.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Thomas Grafton Hanson was born on May 1, 1865. His hometown was San Rafael, California. He went to the United States Military Academy. This is a famous school for training army officers. He finished his studies there in 1887.
After graduating, Hanson joined the 19th Infantry Regiment. For three years, from 1887 to 1890, he worked on the frontier. This meant serving in areas that were still being settled. In 1891, he completed his training at the Infantry and Cavalry School.
Service in Wars
Hanson served in the Spanish–American War. During this war, he was stationed in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Soon after, he traveled to the Philippines. He was part of the Philippine–American War there.
From 1901 to 1905, Hanson returned to the United States Military Academy. He worked as a teacher of modern languages. Later, between 1910 and 1912, he continued his military education. He graduated from the Army School of the Line and the Army Staff College. These schools helped officers learn how to lead larger groups of soldiers.
World War I Leadership
On August 5, 1917, Thomas Hanson was promoted. He became a brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the army. He took command of the 178th Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 89th Infantry Division.
Hanson first led his troops at Camp Funston in the United States. Later, he and his soldiers moved to France. In France, he led them in many important battles. These included the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For a few days in December 1917, Hanson even commanded the entire 89th Division.
Later Life
Thomas Hanson retired from the army on January 4, 1919. His permanent rank was colonel. After his retirement, he lived in San Francisco. He passed away in Oakland, California, on May 23, 1945.
Family Life
Thomas Hanson married Pauline DeForest. Their wedding took place on September 1, 1893. They had two children together.
