William Mackey Cruikshank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William M. Cruikshank
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William Cruikshank in Boucq 1918
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| Birth name | William Mackey Cruikshank |
| Born | 7 November 1870 Washington D.C. |
| Died | 23 February 1943 (aged 72) Washington D.C. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1893-1934 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Honor |
William Mackey Cruikshank (born November 7, 1870 – died February 23, 1943) was an important officer in the United States Army. He spent most of his career working with artillery, which are large guns used in warfare. He took part in major conflicts like the Spanish–American War and World War I.
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Early Life and Education
William Cruikshank was born in Washington, D.C. on November 7, 1870. His parents were John C. Cruikshank and Euphrasia Antisell.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a famous school for training army officers. He graduated from West Point in 1893. Later, in 1903, he studied at the School of Submarine Defense in New York. He also graduated from the Army War College in 1920. This college helps train senior military leaders.
Military Career Highlights
After graduating from West Point, William Cruikshank became a second lieutenant in the 2nd Artillery on June 12, 1893. He taught math at West Point from 1895 to 1898.
Service in the Spanish-American War
In 1898, Cruikshank joined the Santiago Campaign during the Spanish–American War. After the war, he returned to teaching at West Point until 1899. From 1904 to 1907, he worked as an artillery engineer at Fort Howard in Maryland. He then served in the Philippines from 1907 to 1909.
World War I Service
When the United States entered World War I, Cruikshank was promoted to colonel on May 15, 1917. He went to France with the 1st Infantry Division. There, he commanded their field artillery regiment.
In 1918, he was promoted to Brigadier General. He then commanded the 3rd Field Artillery of the 3rd Infantry Division. Later that year, he also served as the Chief of Artillery for the 4th Corps of the American Expeditionary Force.
After the war ended, Cruikshank stayed in Europe. He was part of the American forces occupying Germany until 1919. For his brave service during the war, he received two important awards. These were the Distinguished Service Medal from the United States and the Legion of Honor from France.
Post-War Service and Retirement
After returning to the United States, he worked on the General Staff Corps from 1920 to 1924. Later, from 1930 until his retirement on November 30, 1934, he was the commandant at the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Personal Life and Death
On April 30, 1904, William Cruikshank married Cornelia Baird Holabird. She was the granddaughter of General Samuel B. Holabird. William and Cornelia had one daughter, Mary Holabird Cruikshank.
Cruikshank was a member of the Episcopal Church. He also belonged to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. William Cruikshank passed away on February 23, 1943, in Washington, D.C.
