William Durward Connor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Durward Connor
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Major General William D. Connor
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| Born | February 22, 1874 Rock County, Wisconsin |
| Died | June 16, 1960 (aged 86) West Point, New York |
| Buried |
West Point Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1897–1938 1941–42 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Superintendent of the United States Military Academy 2nd Infantry Division US Army forces in China American forces in France 63rd Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Order of the Bath (United Kingdom) Commander of the Legion of Honour (France) Croix de guerre (France) |
William Durward Connor (born February 22, 1874 – died June 16, 1960) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in several major wars, including the Spanish–American War and World War I. Later, he became the leader, or superintendent, of the famous United States Military Academy at West Point.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William D. Connor was born in Wisconsin on February 22, 1874. He was a very bright student. He earned a special spot at West Point, a top military school. He graduated in 1897, coming in first place in his entire class! After graduating, he became an engineer in the Army.
Military Career Highlights
Connor started his Army career as an engineer. Engineers in the military help build things like bridges and roads. They also help with planning and strategy.
Serving in Early Wars
During the Spanish–American War, he was sent to the Philippines. He worked as an engineer there. He showed great bravery in battle and was awarded a Silver Star medal. This medal is given for courage in action.
World War I Service
From 1909 to 1916, Connor worked with the War Department General Staff. This group helps plan and manage the Army. When the United States joined World War I in 1917, he was promoted to colonel. He became a Deputy Chief of Staff for the American Expeditionary Forces. This was the name for the American soldiers sent to fight in Europe.
In July 1918, he was promoted again to brigadier general. He was given command of the 63rd Brigade, which was part of the 32nd Infantry Division. During the Battle of Château-Thierry, he earned a second Silver Star for his bravery.
Awards and Post-War Roles
For his excellent service in World War I, Connor received the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very high honor. He also received awards from other countries. These included the Order of the Bath from Britain and the Croix de guerre from France. France also named him a Commander of the Legion of Honour.
After the war, he stayed in France. He was the Commanding General of American forces there until 1920.
Leadership Positions
When he returned to the United States, Connor held many important jobs. In 1921, he was the Chief of Transportation Service. In 1922, he became the Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army. From 1923 to 1926, he led U.S. Army forces in China.
In 1925, he was promoted to major general. He commanded the 2nd Infantry Division until 1927. Then, he became the leader of the Army War College until 1932. His final major role was serving as the Superintendent at West Point from 1932 to 1938.
Later Life and Retirement
Major General Connor retired from the U.S. Army on February 28, 1938. However, he was called back to duty during World War II. He served as Chairman of the Construction Advisory Committee for the War Department starting in May 1941. He helped with important building projects for the war effort. He returned to retirement on March 31, 1942.
William D. Connor passed away on June 16, 1960. He is buried at the West Point Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Connor (wearing civilian clothes) inspecting a maneuver of the German Reichswehr in July 1929.
 | William L. Dawson |
 | W. E. B. Du Bois |
 | Harry Belafonte |
