William S. Peirce (United States Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William S. Peirce
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Brigadier General William S. Peirce in Washington, April 1918
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| Born | May 16, 1864 Burlington, Vermont |
| Died | July 10, 1923 (aged 59) Washington, D.C. |
| Buried |
Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington, Vermont
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1888–1923 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Service number | 0-69 |
| Unit |  U.S. Army Ordnance Corps |
| Commands held | Springfield Armory |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Lula Abercrombie (m. 1890, div. 1911) Harriet (Roberts) Peirce (m. 1911-1923, his death) |
| Children | 4 |
William Sullivan Peirce (born May 16, 1864 – died July 10, 1923) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During World War I, he was in charge of the Springfield Armory. This was a very important factory that made weapons for the army.
He rose to the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he helped lead the Army's Ordnance Corps. This group is responsible for developing and supplying weapons and ammunition.
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Who Was William S. Peirce?
William S. Peirce was born in Burlington, Vermont, on May 16, 1864. He went to the University of Vermont from 1881 to 1884. There, he joined the school's military training program. He became a cadet sergeant major, which is a high rank for a student.
Peirce's Military Education
After college, Peirce attended the United States Military Academy. This famous school is also known as West Point. He graduated in 1888, ranking eighth out of 44 students. He started his army career as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery.
In 1892, he moved to the Ordnance Department. This department handles weapons and military equipment. He worked at several important places:
- The Watervliet Arsenal
- The Sandy Hook Proving Ground
- The Rock Island Arsenal
- The Springfield Arsenal
Leading the Springfield Armory
In September 1912, Peirce was put in charge of the Springfield Armory. This was a major factory that produced rifles and other weapons for the U.S. Army. When the United States joined World War I, his work became even more critical.
Peirce was later moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he became the chief of the Administration Division. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Ordnance. In 1918, he was promoted to brigadier general. This is a high-ranking officer position in the army.
Awards for Service
General Peirce received the Army Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his excellent work during World War I. He also received the French Legion of Honor (Officer). This is a very prestigious award from France.
When Did William S. Peirce Die?
William S. Peirce passed away in a hospital in Washington, D.C., on July 10, 1923. He was buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington, Vermont. This is the same city where he was born.
Peirce's Family Life
In 1890, William Peirce married Lula Abercrombie. She was from Pensacola, Florida. They had four children together: Gladys, Marjorie, Albert, and Dorothy. They later divorced in March 1911.
In April 1911, Peirce married Harriet Roberts. They stayed married until his death in 1923.
