William Wright Harts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Wright Harts
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Portrait of Harts by Mariette Leslie Cotton
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| Born | August 29, 1866 Springfield, Illinois |
| Died | April 21, 1961 (aged 94) Madison, Connecticut |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1888–1929 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Service number | 0-279 |
| Battles/wars | Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Order of St Michael and St George Legion of Honour Order of the Crown (Belgium) |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Davis Hale |
| Children | 4 |
William Wright Harts (born August 29, 1866 – died April 21, 1961) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Harts was part of several big events, including World War I. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal and other special awards for his service.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Wright Harts was born in Springfield, Illinois, on August 29, 1866. He went to Princeton University for a short time in 1884 and 1885. After that, he joined the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1889.
Becoming an Engineer
After West Point, Harts joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This group builds and maintains important structures for the army and the country. He worked on many construction projects until 1917. In 1892, he finished his training at the Engineer School of Application.
Further Military Training
Harts continued to learn and grow in the army. He graduated from the United States Army War College in 1912. He also taught there, sharing his knowledge with other officers. In 1913, he graduated from the Naval War College.
Key Projects and Roles
William Harts took on many important roles during his career.
Building the Lincoln Memorial
From 1913 to 1917, Harts was the main construction engineer for the Lincoln Memorial. This famous monument honors President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C. It was a huge project that he helped bring to life.
Serving President Wilson
Harts also served as an aide to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. He held this position from 1913 to 1918. This meant he helped the President with various tasks and duties.
Military Service and World War I
Harts was involved in several conflicts, showing his dedication to his country.
Service in the Philippines
From 1903 to 1907, Harts served in the Philippine Insurrection. This was a conflict in the Philippines where the U.S. Army was involved.
World War I Contributions
When World War I began, Harts went to France. He first led the Sixth Engineer Regiment. On December 17, 1917, he was promoted to brigadier general. This is a high rank in the army. He then commanded a special group of soldiers with the British Fifth Army.
From 1918 to 1919, Harts was in charge of the District of Paris. For his excellent work during this time, he received the Distinguished Service Medal. After the war, from 1919 to 1920, he worked under General Henry Tureman Allen as the Chief of Staff for American forces in Germany.
Later Career and Retirement
After World War I, Harts continued his military career.
Further Training and Commands
He graduated from the United States Army Field Artillery School in 1923. The next year, he finished training at the Coast Artillery School. In 1924, his promotion to brigadier general was made permanent. From 1924 to 1926, he commanded the artillery defense of the Panama Canal. This was a very important job, protecting the vital waterway.
Diplomatic Role in Paris
From 1926 to 1930, Harts served as the U.S. military attache in Paris. This meant he was a military representative for the U.S. in France. He helped with military relations between the two countries.
Retirement and Awards
William Wright Harts retired from the army in 1930. Throughout his career, he received several awards from other countries. These included the Order of St Michael and St George, the Legion of Honour from France, and the Order of the Crown from Belgium.
In his retirement, Harts lived with his family in Madison, Connecticut. He passed away on April 21, 1961, at the age of 94.
Family Life
William Harts married Martha Davis Hale on October 27, 1898. They had four children together. He was also a member of many professional and social groups.
