William L. Sibert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Luther Sibert
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Sibert, pictured here with his Distinguished Service Medal.
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| Born | October 12, 1860 Gadsden, Alabama, United States |
| Died | October 16, 1935 (aged 75) Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1884–1920 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  Engineer Branch |
| Commands held | 1st Infantry Division Chemical Warfare Service |
| Battles/wars | Philippine Insurrection World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Relations | Edwin L. Sibert, son Franklin C. Sibert, son |
William Luther Sibert (born October 12, 1860 – died October 16, 1935) was an important leader in the United States Army. He was a Major General who led the 1st Division on the Western Front during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Luther Sibert was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on October 12, 1860. He went to the University of Alabama from 1879 to 1880. After that, he joined the United States Military Academy (West Point).
On June 15, 1884, he became a second lieutenant in the Army Engineers. This was a special honor because only the best students from West Point were chosen for the Engineers.
Military Career Highlights
After graduating from the Engineer School in 1887, Sibert held many engineering jobs. He worked in different parts of the United States and even overseas.
In 1899, he became the main engineer for the 8th Army Corps. He also managed the Manila and Dagupan Railroad during the Philippine Insurrection, which was a conflict in the Philippines. Later, he returned to the U.S. and was in charge of river and harbor projects in cities like Louisville and Pittsburgh.
Building the Panama Canal
From 1907 to 1914, Sibert was a key member of the Panama Canal Commission. He was responsible for building important parts of the Panama Canal. This included the Gatun Locks and Dam, the West Breakwater in Colon, and the channel connecting Gatun Lake to the Pacific Ocean. These were huge engineering challenges!
World War I Service
When the United States joined World War I in April 1917, Sibert was promoted to major general. He was sent to France with the first group of American soldiers, called the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). There, he became the first commander of the 1st Infantry Division. This division was nicknamed "The Big Red One."
The AEF commander, General John Joseph Pershing, needed experienced leaders. Even though Sibert was an engineer and not used to leading soldiers in combat, he was put in charge of this important division. Sibert himself was worried about his lack of combat experience.
General Pershing wanted his divisions to be ready for battle quickly. In January 1918, before the 1st Infantry Division went into heavy fighting, General Pershing replaced Sibert. Sibert was nearly 58 years old, and Pershing felt the division needed a different kind of leader for the intense fighting on the Western Front.
Leading the Chemical Warfare Service
After returning to the United States, Sibert was given a new and important job. In June 1918, he was asked to lead the new Chemical Warfare Service (CWS). This showed that General Pershing trusted Sibert's skills as an engineer and manager.
As the head of the CWS, Sibert oversaw the creation of America's first chemical warfare agent, called Lewisite. He also helped develop the U.S. Army's first protective gear, like the M-1 and M-2 gas masks. Today, the U.S. Army calls Sibert the "father of the US Army Chemical Corps."
Sibert retired from the Army in February 1920. He then moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky. After his military career, he continued to work on big projects. He helped modernize the docks and waterways in Mobile, Alabama. He also served on a special commission that led to the building of the Hoover Dam. In 1961, he was honored by being elected to the University of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
William Sibert married Mary Margaret Cummings in September 1887. They had five sons and one daughter. After Mary passed away in 1915, General Sibert married Juliette Roberts in June 1917. She died 15 months later. In 1922, Sibert married Evelyn Clyne Bairnsfather from Edinburgh, Scotland. They were married until his death on October 16, 1935, in Bowling Green. General Sibert is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Two of his sons, Edwin L. Sibert and Franklin C. Sibert, also became Major Generals in the Army.
Awards and Honors
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Army Distinguished Service Medal |
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Spanish Campaign Medal |
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Philippine Campaign Medal |
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World War I Victory Medal with four Battle Clasps |
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Commandeur of the Legion of Honor |
Images for kids
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William Sibert as a civilian.
