William I. Rose (general) facts for kids

William I. Rose (born September 8, 1898 – died June 9, 1954) was an important American military officer. He served as the top military leader for the state of Massachusetts and commanded a famous group of soldiers called the 26th Infantry Division.

Early Life and Joining the Guard

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

He started his military career by joining the Massachusetts National Guard on June 16, 1916. The National Guard is a group of part-time soldiers who can be called upon to help their state or country. William Rose served with a unit called the Emmet Guards along the Mexican border.

World War I Hero

When World War I began, William Rose's company was called to serve actively. He went to France, where he showed great leadership and was promoted to sergeant. Because he was so good, he was recommended for officer training. He became a lieutenant and led Company G of the 358th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 90th Infantry Division, made up of soldiers from Texas and Oklahoma.

Lieutenant Rose led his troops during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which was a very large and important battle. He fought in five major battles during the war. He was honorably discharged from the military on July 2, 1919, after the war ended.

After the Wars: A Leader in Massachusetts

After World War I, William Rose returned to the Emmet Guards in Massachusetts. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1921 and a Major in 1932. In 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and joined the staff of the 26th Infantry Division.

On December 15, 1934, he was chosen by Governor-elect James Michael Curley to be the Adjutant General of Massachusetts. This is a very important job, as the Adjutant General is the chief of staff for the state's military forces. In this role, William Rose helped manage the National Guard during floods in 1936. He also oversaw many projects from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was a government program that created jobs during the Great Depression. One of these projects was building a new Guard facility on Cape Cod.

He served as Adjutant General until January 7, 1937. After that, he was made commander of the 51st Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 26th Infantry Division. This was an unusual promotion because he moved ahead of some officers who had been serving longer. Soon after, he was promoted to brigadier general.

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

World War II Service

On January 16, 1941, the 26th Infantry Division was called into federal service again, this time for World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, William Rose was put in charge of a special group of soldiers called Task Force 6814, as well as the 26th Infantry Division.

When his task force arrived in New Caledonia, Major General Alexander Patch took command. William 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 Life and Retirement

William Rose finished his active duty service on February 25, 1946, after World War II ended. On September 9, 1946, he returned to the Massachusetts National Guard 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.