William I. Rose (United States Army officer) facts for kids

William I. Rose (born September 8, 1898 – died June 9, 1954) was an American military officer. He was important in the Massachusetts National Guard, serving as the state's top military officer, known as the Adjutant General of Massachusetts. He also led the 26th Infantry Division, a famous military unit.

Early Life and Military Start

William I. Rose was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 8, 1898. He went to school in Worcester and then studied at the College of the Holy Cross.

His military journey began early. On June 16, 1916, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard. He served with a group called the Emmet Guards along the Mexican border.

Serving in World War I

When World War I started, Rose's company was called to active duty. He went to France and quickly moved up in rank, becoming a sergeant. Because of his good work, he was chosen for officer training. After his training, he became a lieutenant.

He commanded Company G of the 358th Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of the 90th Infantry Division, which had soldiers from Texas and Oklahoma. Rose led his troops in many important battles, including the big Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He fought in five major battles during the war. He left active duty honorably on July 2, 1919.

Life After the First World War

After World War I, Rose returned to the Emmet Guards on July 9, 1920, as a first lieutenant. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1921 and a Major in 1932.

In December 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then joined the staff of the 26th Infantry Division's commander, Daniel Needham. Soon after, on December 15, 1934, Governor-elect James Michael Curley chose him to be the Adjutant General of Massachusetts. This was a very important job, making him the head of the state's military forces.

As Adjutant General, Rose managed the National Guard's response to floods in the spring of 1936. He also oversaw many projects from the Works Progress Administration, which was a government program to create jobs. One of these projects was building a new Guard facility on Cape Cod. He served in this role until January 7, 1937.

After that, Governor Curley made him the commander of the 26th Infantry Division's 51st Infantry Brigade. This was a big step up, and he was promoted to brigadier general soon after.

Outside of his military duties, Rose also worked as a business manager for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. He was also a purchasing agent for the City of Boston.

Leading in World War II

On January 16, 1941, the 26th Infantry Division was called into federal service for World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, William Rose was put in charge of Task Force 6814 and the 26th Infantry Division.

When the task force arrived in Naval Base Noumea in New Caledonia, Major General Alexander Patch took over command. Rose was then given the important job of defending the islands of Effate and Espiritu Santo. He also helped organize defenses and build new air bases on the New Hebrides and Russell Islands.

Later Years and Retirement

William Rose left active military duty on February 25, 1946. However, he returned to the Massachusetts National Guard on September 9, 1946, and was again named commander of the 26th Infantry Division.

He retired from the military on September 8, 1951, with the rank of Major General. He retired because of a state law that required division commanders to step down after five years in that role.

William I. Rose passed away on June 9, 1954, at Quigley Memorial Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was buried in St. John's Cemetery in Worcester.