Charles P. Summerall

Charles P. Summerall
Harris & Ewing, photographer · Public domain · source
Name	Charles P. Summerall
Birth date	March 4, 1867
Birth place	Orangeburg, South Carolina
Death date	May 14, 1955
Death place	Washington, D.C.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Rank	General
Battles	World War I, Battle of Saint-Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Charles P. Summerall was a distinguished United States Army officer who served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1926 to 1930. He was a prominent figure in World War I, leading the 1st Infantry Division and the V Corps in several key battles, including the Battle of Cantigny and the Battle of Soissons. Summerall's military career spanned over four decades, during which he served under notable commanders such as John J. Pershing and Douglas MacArthur. He was also a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he later served as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.

● Early Life and Education

Summerall was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to a family of modest means. He attended the Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. At West Point, Summerall was a cadet from 1888 to 1892, where he graduated alongside other notable officers, including Matthew Ridgway and Lesley J. McNair. After graduating, Summerall was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and began his military career, serving in various units, including the 1st Artillery Regiment and the 5th Artillery Regiment.

● Military Career

Summerall's military career was marked by his service in several notable units, including the 1st Infantry Division and the V Corps. He also served as an instructor at the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he taught alongside other prominent officers, such as George S. Patton and Omar Bradley. Summerall's experience as a commander and instructor prepared him for his future roles as a senior leader in the United States Army. He was also a member of the United States Army War College class of 1909, where he studied alongside other notable officers, including John L. Hines and Hunter Liggett.

● World War I

During World War I, Summerall played a key role in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) under the command of John J. Pershing. He led the 1st Infantry Division in several battles, including the Battle of Cantigny and the Battle of Soissons. Summerall's division was also part of the V Corps, which was commanded by George H. Cameron. The V Corps played a significant role in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, where Summerall's leadership was instrumental in the Allied victory. He also served alongside other notable commanders, including Douglas MacArthur and Hunter Liggett, who led the I Corps and the I Army Corps, respectively.

● Interwar Period

After the end of World War I, Summerall continued to serve in the United States Army, holding various command and staff positions. He was appointed as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he served from 1924 to 1926. Summerall was also a member of the United States Army General Staff, where he worked alongside other notable officers, including John L. Hines and Charles D. Herron. In 1926, Summerall was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, a position he held until 1930. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of the United States Army and played a key role in shaping its doctrine and organization.

● Personal Life

Summerall was married to Laura Summerall, and the couple had two children, Charles P. Summerall Jr. and Mary Summerall. He was a member of several organizations, including the Military Order of the World Wars and the Society of the Cincinnati. Summerall was also a recipient of several awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. After his retirement from the United States Army in 1931, Summerall lived in Washington, D.C., where he remained active in military and social circles until his death on May 14, 1955. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery alongside other notable military leaders, including John J. Pershing and Douglas MacArthur. Category:United States Army generals