William Dorrance Beach facts for kids
William Dorrance Beach (born June 18, 1856 – died June 18, 1932) was an American army officer. He became a Brigadier General and played an important role during World War I.
Quick facts for kids
William Beach
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Brig. Gen. William Beach as commander of the 176th Infantry brigade in 1918
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| Born | June 18, 1856 |
| Died | June 18, 1932 (aged 76) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I |
| Awards | two Silver Star Citations, Distinguished Service Medal, Croix de Guerre with palms, and officer of the Legion of Honor |
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Beach was born in Brooklyn, New York. He went to a private school in New Jersey and then public schools in New York. Later, he joined the United States Military Academy (also known as West Point). He graduated in 1879, ranking 24th out of 64 students.
Military Career
After graduating, William Beach became an officer in the Third Cavalry. He worked on the American frontier until 1883. He was part of the Ute Expedition in 1879. From 1882 to 1883, he joined the Apache Expedition.
Teaching and Border Duty
From 1884 to 1888, Beach was an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy. After that, he served with troops on the Mexican border in 1891 and 1892. From 1892 to 1898, he taught at the Infantry and Cavalry School in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Spanish-American War and Beyond
During the Spanish–American War, William Beach was a major. He served as the Chief Engineer for the cavalry division in the Fifth Corps in Cuba. From 1900 to 1902, he was stationed in the Philippines.
Later, from 1903 to 1906, he worked with the War Department General Staff. He was in charge of the military information division. He then returned to Cuba and became the governor of Santa Clara Province. From 1910 to 1912, Beach went back to the Philippines. There, he became the Chief of Staff for the Philippine Division.
World War I Service
In 1916, William Beach commanded the Eighth Cavalry along the Mexican border. In 1917, he became a Brigadier General. He then took command of the 176th Infantry Brigade.
From May to September 1918, during World War I, Beach commanded the 88th Infantry Division. After returning to the United States, he worked as an executive officer at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. He retired from the army in 1920.
Retirement and Promotion
When he first retired, Beach held the rank of colonel. However, in 1927, he was promoted to Brigadier General on the retired list.
Awards and Honors
William Beach received several important awards for his service. From the United States, he earned two Silver Star Citations. He also received the Distinguished Service Medal.
From France, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palms. He was also made an officer of the Legion of Honour.
Later Life and Legacy
William Dorrance Beach passed away on June 18, 1932, at the age of seventy-six.
