Robert Alexander (United States Army officer)
| Robert Alexander | |
|---|---|
|
Major General Robert Alexander | |
| Born |
October 17, 1863 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died |
August 20, 1941 (aged 77) New York City[1] |
| Place of Burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1886–1927 |
| Rank |
 Major General |
| Commands held | 77th Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
Robert Alexander (October 17, 1863 – August 20, 1941) was a soldier in the United States Army. As Major General he commanded the U.S. Army's 77th Infantry Division in France during World War I.
Biography
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 17, 1863, his father was a Judge. Robert Alexander studied law and attained admission to the bar, but decided on a military career. In 1886 he enlisted as a Private in the 4th Infantry. In 1887, he became the First Sergeant of his Company, and in 1889 received a promotion to second lieutenant.
As he rose through the ranks he took part in the American Indian Wars, served in Puerto Rico during the Spanish–American War, and on the Texas–Mexico Border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.
He was a Lieutenant Colonel at the start of World War I, and helped train several units for overseas deployment.
In France, he commanded the 41st Infantry Division, 63rd Infantry Brigade, and 77th Infantry Division.
He received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism at Grandpré, Ardennes in October, 1918.
After the war he returned to the rank of Colonel and commanded the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. He retired in 1927.[2]
He authored a memoir, 1931's Memories of the World War, 1917–1918.
He died in New York City on August 20, 1941. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
References
- ↑ Washington State Historical Society, Pacific Northwest Quarterly, Volumes 31–32, 1941, page 472
- ↑ Gary J. Clifford, Robert Porter Patterson, The World War I Memoirs of Robert P. Patterson: A Captain in the Great War, 2012, page 98
Further reading
- Heitman, Francis B. (1903). Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, Volume 1. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. p. 156.
- McKeogh, Arthur (1918). The Victorious 77th Division (New York's Own) in the Argonne Fight. New York City: John H. Eggers Co. Retrieved 2010-01-11.