Ulysses G. McAlexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ulysses Grant McAlexander
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Brig. Gen. Ulysses McAlexander as commander of the 180th Brigade in October 1918.
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| Nickname(s) | Mac |
| Born | 30 August 1864 Dundas, Minnesota |
| Died | 18 September 1936 Portland, Oregon |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1883–1924 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars
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| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Medal |
| Spouse(s) | May Skinner McAlexander |
Major General Ulysses Grant McAlexander (born August 30, 1864 – died September 18, 1936) was a brave American officer in the United States Army. He earned many awards for his courage. He is known as one of the most important fighting leaders of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. He is most famous for leading the 38th Infantry Regiment during the Second Battle of the Marne. This battle earned him and his regiment the nickname, "Rock of the Marne." Later, the entire 3rd Infantry Division adopted this famous name.
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Growing Up and Early Life
Ulysses Grant McAlexander was born on August 30, 1864, in Dundas, Minnesota. This was during the American Civil War. He was named after General Ulysses S. Grant, a famous commander of the Union Army. His father was Commodore Perry McAlexander, and his mother was Margaret McAlexander.
Ulysses was the fifth of six children. He grew up in Minnesota and Kansas. He was very good at school and sports. In 1883, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. This is a special school that trains future army officers.
Starting His Military Career
Ulysses G. McAlexander graduated from West Point in 1887. He was one of the top students in his class. He became a Second Lieutenant in the infantry, which means he led foot soldiers. His first jobs were at army forts in Dakota Territory and Montana. He served during the American Indian Wars but did not fight in any battles.
In 1891, he became a Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Iowa Wesleyan College. This meant he taught army skills to students. This experience helped him become a better leader and trainer later on.
Fighting in the Spanish-American War
When the Spanish–American War started in 1898, McAlexander wanted to serve overseas. He joined the United States Volunteers and became a captain. He sailed to Cuba. During the Siege of Santiago, Captain McAlexander showed great bravery. He earned the Silver Star medal for his actions in the Santiago de Cuba Campaign.
After returning to the United States, he was sent to the Philippines. He led the 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This unit had already fought in tough battles. McAlexander led them in fighting against rebels from 1900 to 1902. They returned to the Philippines again from 1905 to 1906.
Teaching and Training Soldiers
In 1907, Captain McAlexander became a Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Oregon State College. Students and people in Corvallis, Oregon really liked him. He helped train the Oregon State University Army ROTC students. He also helped build the armory, a building for military training, which was finished in 1911. Later, this building was named the "McAlexander Fieldhouse" in his honor.
In 1911, he was promoted to major. He then worked as a trainer and inspector for the Oregon Army National Guard. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in July 1916.
World War I: The Great War
When the United States joined World War I in April 1917, Lieutenant Colonel McAlexander was promoted to Colonel in May. He was sent to France to lead the 18th Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of the 1st Infantry Division. He helped train them in France.
Later, Colonel McAlexander was given command of the 38th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 3rd Infantry Division. After training, his regiment was moved to the front lines to help the French Army.
The "Rock of the Marne" Story
In July 1918, the Germans launched a huge attack called the Second Battle of the Marne. They fired artillery for three hours at the 3rd Division's position. Then, German troops crossed the river in boats. The French and American defenses near the river were quickly overrun. The Germans were everywhere, and McAlexander's 38th Regiment was surrounded on both sides.
But McAlexander was ready. He held his ground along the river. He bent back both sides of his regiment, making a horseshoe shape. One group of soldiers was forward, and one was on each side. The Germans tried everything, but they could not move McAlexander's regiment. They held their position like a solid rock. Because of their amazing stand, McAlexander and his 38th Infantry Regiment became known as the "Rock of the Marne." The German attack was stopped by July 18, 1918. For his brave actions, Colonel McAlexander received the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
A few days later, on July 22, the 38th Infantry Regiment attacked the town of Jaulgonne. Colonel McAlexander showed incredible bravery again. He went ahead of his soldiers, even crawling forward in full view of the enemy. He led his men by his own example, helping them capture Jaulgonne. He even scouted enemy machine-gun nests very closely. For this, he received the Distinguished Service Cross.
Leading the Texas Brigade
McAlexander was promoted to Brigadier General. He was sent to lead the 180th Infantry Brigade, part of the 90th Infantry Division. This brigade was called the "Texas Brigade" because most of its soldiers were from Texas and were new to fighting.
General McAlexander led them into their first battle at Saint-Mihiel on September 12, 1918. They quickly achieved their goals. They also fought bravely in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The Texas soldiers admired their leader greatly. After the war, they even had a portrait painted of General McAlexander.
When World War I ended on November 11, 1918, Brigadier General McAlexander stayed with the Allied occupation force in Germany until 1919. Then he returned home.
After the War
After returning home in 1919, Ulysses Grant McAlexander continued to serve in the Army. He retired in 1924 with the rank of Major General. He then moved to Newport, Oregon.
Before retiring, he was in charge of Fort Douglas in Utah. He helped build the Fort Douglas Country Club in 1923, which improved relations with the local community. He also helped with the construction of the Memorial Union at Oregon State University. In 1930, Oregon State College gave him an honorary doctorate.
Ulysses G. McAlexander passed away in Portland, Oregon on September 18, 1936. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many brave American soldiers are laid to rest.
