William Weigel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Weigel
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Major General William Weigel
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| Nickname(s) | Billy |
| Born | August 25, 1863 New Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Died | March 4, 1936 (aged 72) New York City |
| Place of Burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1927 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | Second Infantry Regiment First Infantry Regiment 151st Depot Brigade 76th Division 56th Infantry Brigade 88th Division Seventeenth Infantry Regiment Philippine Division |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I
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| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
William Weigel (born August 25, 1863 – died March 4, 1936) was an American general in the United States Army. He is best known for leading the 88th Division during World War I. Weigel served his country for 40 years, from 1887 to 1927.
Contents
Early Military Career
William Weigel was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on August 25, 1863. He grew up there and went to school. He later attended the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated in 1887, ranking 27th in his class.
After graduating, Weigel became a second lieutenant. His first assignment was with the Eleventh Infantry Regiment in New York. In 1893, he moved with his regiment to Arizona. There, he led a group of Apache Indian scouts. In 1894, he returned to West Point to work on the military staff.
Service in the Spanish-American War
When the Spanish–American War began, Weigel became a captain in the Volunteers. He joined the New York State Volunteers. He helped organize soldiers at Camp Black in New York. He also helped set up Camp Wikoff at Montauk Point.
In December 1898, he went to Havana, Cuba. He worked there as an assistant to the Chief Quartermaster. In 1900, he returned to his regular army rank of captain. He served with the Eleventh Infantry in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Assignments in the Philippines
In April 1901, Weigel's regiment was sent to the Philippines. He served as a quartermaster in different areas. He helped supply troops during campaigns on the islands of Samar and Mindanao.
After his time in the Philippines, he worked at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He was a Constructing Quartermaster there until 1907. He then joined the Eighteenth Infantry Regiment. He served with them in the Philippines again and later in Wyoming.
Promotions and New Roles
Weigel was promoted to major in March 1910. He joined the Second Infantry Regiment in Kentucky. He also worked on recruiting duty in Philadelphia. In 1912, he moved to the Twenty-Third Infantry.
This regiment was sent to Texas City, Texas, because of events in Mexico. Weigel served there until 1914. He then became an inspector for the New York National Guard. In 1916, he returned to the Second Infantry in Hawaii. He became a lieutenant colonel by June 1916. He took command of the regiment in March 1917 and was promoted to colonel in May 1917.
World War I Service
On August 5, 1917, William Weigel was made a Brigadier General. He was given command of the 151st Depot Brigade. This unit was part of the 76th Division in Massachusetts. He commanded the 76th Division from December 1917 to March 1918.
He then led the 56th Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 28th Division. His brigade arrived in France in May 1917. They trained with British and French forces.
Key Battles and Awards
Weigel's brigade fought in several important battles. These included the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, and Oise-Aisne campaigns. For his brave service, Weigel received the Distinguished Service Medal. He also earned the Croix de guerre with palm from France.
On August 8, 1918, Weigel was promoted to Major General. He took command of the Eighty-Eighth Division on September 10. This division helped relieve a French division. They then took part in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign from November 6–11. The division stayed in France until May 1919. They returned to the United States and were disbanded in June.
After the War
After World War I, Weigel returned to his regular army rank of Colonel in June 1919. He commanded the Seventeenth Infantry in Maryland. He then became the Chief of Staff for the Second Corps Area in New York.
In March 1921, he was promoted to Brigadier General again. He commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division. In February 1922, he became the Deputy Commander of XII Corps in New York City.
Final Commands and Retirement
Weigel was promoted to Major General on November 20, 1924. He was sent to the Philippines to command the Philippine Division. In March 1927, he returned to the United States. He worked in Public Relations for the Army until his retirement on August 25, 1927.
Later Life and Legacy
William Weigel passed away on March 4, 1936, in New York. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
A ship, the USS General William Weigel, was named in his honor. This shows how important his service was to the United States.
Awards and Decorations
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish War Service Medal
- Army of Cuban Occupation Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Victory Medal with four campaign clasps
- Legion of Honor (France)
- Croix de Guerre (France)
