William S. Peirce (general) 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 (May 16, 1864 – July 10, 1923) was an important officer in the United States Army. He lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. During World War I, he was in charge of the famous Springfield Armory. This was a key place where weapons were made.
Peirce reached the high rank of brigadier general. After the war, he continued to serve his country. He became the Army's Assistant Chief of Ordnance. This meant he helped manage all the weapons and military equipment.
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Who Was William S. Peirce?
William S. Peirce was a dedicated military leader. He played a big role in making sure the U.S. Army had the tools it needed. His work was especially important during World War I. He helped prepare the nation for a major global conflict.
Early Life and Education
William Sullivan Peirce was born on May 16, 1864. His hometown was Burlington, Vermont. From a young age, he showed promise. He decided to pursue a career in the military.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a very tough school for future army officers. He graduated from West Point in 1888. This marked the start of his long military journey.
Joining the Army
After graduating, Peirce officially joined the United States Army. He became part of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. This branch of the army is responsible for weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.
His early career involved learning all about these important supplies. He worked hard to understand how to make and manage them. This experience would become very valuable later on.
World War I and Springfield Armory
When World War I began, the United States needed a lot of weapons. William S. Peirce was given a huge responsibility. He was put in command of the Springfield Armory. This was a major factory in Massachusetts.
The Springfield Armory made rifles and other weapons for soldiers. Under Peirce's leadership, the armory worked tirelessly. They produced a massive amount of equipment. This was crucial for the American soldiers fighting overseas.
His work helped ensure that troops had the best possible gear. This made a real difference in the war effort. For his excellent service, he was promoted to brigadier general.
After the War
After World War I ended in 1918, General Peirce continued his service. He became the Assistant Chief of Ordnance for the Army. In this role, he helped oversee all military supplies. This included planning for future needs and managing existing equipment.
He worked to modernize the army's equipment. He also helped to make sure the U.S. was ready for any future challenges. His dedication to the military lasted his entire life.
His Impact
William S. Peirce was recognized for his outstanding contributions. He received the Distinguished Service Medal. This is a very high honor for military service. It shows how important his work was to the nation.
He passed away on July 10, 1923, in Washington, D.C.. He was buried in Lakeview Cemetery in his hometown. General Peirce is remembered as a key figure in the U.S. Army. He helped strengthen the country's defense during a critical time.
