Charles Pelot Summerall
Encyclopedia
Charles Pelot Summerall (March 4, 1867 – May 14, 1955) was a U.S. general
. He fought in World War I
, and was Army Chief of Staff between 1926 and 1930. He was also the President of The Citadel between 1931 and 1953.
in South Carolina
from 1882 to 1885. After graduation, he worked as a school teacher for three years. In 1888 he enrolled in the United States Military Academy
at West Point, New York
, graduating in June 1892.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant
he was assigned to the 1st Infantry, transferring to the 5th Artillery on March 1893. He performed garrison duty in California from 1893–1895, then served at Fort Hamilton
from 1895-1898. He was assigned to the Department of the Gulf as aide to the commander and as an engineer officer in 1898-1899, receiving promotion to first lieutenant
in March 1899.
Summerall participated with his unit in the Philippine Insurrection in 1899-1900, and was a member of the China Relief Expedition
in 1900-1901, participating in the attack on Peking
. He was promoted to captain and assigned to the 106th Coast Artillery Company in July 1901. He served at Forts Walla Walla
and Lawton
, in Washington state, commanding the latter post in 1901-1902. He was on duty at Camp Skagway
and commanded and was in charge of preliminary work at Fort Seward
in Alaska
. He commanded Fort Flagler in 1902-1903, and then was transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery Battery with duty at Camp Thomas and Fort Myer
in 1903-1905.
Summerall was the senior instructor of artillery tactics at West Point
from 1905-1911. He was promoted to major
in March 1911, and commanded the field artillery of the Maneuver Division at San Antonio, Texas
. He commanded the summer camps of instruction for Army and National Guard artillery in 1912-1914, was assistant chief of the Militia Bureau and in charge of National Guard artillery in 1915-1917. He was engaged in purchasing artillery ranges, and was a member of the Ordnance Board from 1915–1916, the commission to investigate the manufacture of munitions in 1916, the Board of Ordnance and Fortification in 1917, and the military mission to British and French armies in 1917. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel
in 1916, colonel
in 1917, and brigadier general
in the National Army in August 1917.
in the National Army, and successively commanded his brigade, the 1st Division, and V Corps, in the Cantigny
, Soissons
, St. Mihiel
, and Meuse-Argonne operations
in 1918. He commanded IX and IV Corps and served on the American Peace Commission
at the Peace Conference
in 1919.
in February 1919 and to major general
in April 1920. He commanded the Hawaiian Department in 1921-1924. Colonel William "Billy" Mitchell visited Summerall during his command in Hawaii, and criticized the lack of air defenses for the islands. This angered the general, who later attempted to preside over Mitchell's court-martial
in 1925, until the defense won his dismissal by showing his bias. However, he still testified as a witness against Mitchell.
After commanding the Eighth and Second Corps Areas
in 1924-1926, Summerall was appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army
, serving from 21 November 1926 until 20 November 1930, with promotion to general
in February 1929. During his tenure he directed the formation of a mechanized force and recommended an integrated mobile force of tank, artillery, engineer, and quartermaster elements.
Summerall retired from active service in March 1931, and was president of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina from 1931 until 1953. He died in Washington, D.C.
, on 14 May 1955.
The elite drill team was named for Summerall named The Summerall Guards
.
, the Distinguished Service Medal
, the Silver Star
and numerous foreign decorations. He received the Distinguished Service Cross as commanding general of the 1st Division.
In contrast to the official citation, Colonel Conrad S. Babcock, commander of the 28th Infantry Regiment
at Berzy-le-Sec
, contended that General Summerall was not at the front until after the battle.
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
. He fought in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, and was Army Chief of Staff between 1926 and 1930. He was also the President of The Citadel between 1931 and 1953.
Early life and career
Summerall was born in Blunts Ferry, Florida, and attended the Porter Military AcademyPorter-Gaud School
Porter-Gaud School is an independent coeducational college preparatory day school in Charleston, South Carolina. Porter-Gaud has an enrollment of some 870 students in grades 1–12 and located on the banks of the Ashley River...
in South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
from 1882 to 1885. After graduation, he worked as a school teacher for three years. In 1888 he enrolled in the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
at West Point, New York
West Point, New York
West Point is a federal military reservation established by President of the United States Thomas Jefferson in 1802. It is a census-designated place located in Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 7,138 at the 2000 census...
, graduating in June 1892.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
he was assigned to the 1st Infantry, transferring to the 5th Artillery on March 1893. He performed garrison duty in California from 1893–1895, then served at Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton
Historic Fort Hamilton is located in the southwestern corner of the New York City borough of Brooklyn surrounded by the communities of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst, and is one of several posts that are part of the region which is headquartered by the Military District of Washington...
from 1895-1898. He was assigned to the Department of the Gulf as aide to the commander and as an engineer officer in 1898-1899, receiving promotion to first lieutenant
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
in March 1899.
Summerall participated with his unit in the Philippine Insurrection in 1899-1900, and was a member of the China Relief Expedition
China Relief Expedition
The China Relief Expedition was the name of an expedition in China undertaken by the United States Armed Forces to the rescue of United States citizens, European nationals, and other foreign nationals during the latter years of the Boxer Rebellion, which lasted from between 1898 and 1901...
in 1900-1901, participating in the attack on Peking
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
. He was promoted to captain and assigned to the 106th Coast Artillery Company in July 1901. He served at Forts Walla Walla
Fort Walla Walla
Fort Walla Walla is a fort located in Walla Walla, Washington. It was established in 1858. Today, the complex contains a park, a museum, and a hospital.Fort Walla Walla should be distinguished from Fort Nez Percés or Old Fort Walla Walla ....
and Lawton
Fort Lawton
Fort Lawton is a United States Army fort located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The fort was included in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure list.-History:...
, in Washington state, commanding the latter post in 1901-1902. He was on duty at Camp Skagway
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska, on the Alaska Panhandle. It was formerly a city first incorporated in 1900 that was re-incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 862...
and commanded and was in charge of preliminary work at Fort Seward
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward, also known as Chilkoot Barracks or as AHRS Site No. SKG-001 is a site at Port Chilkoot in Haines, Alaska. It was the last of a series of 11 military posts established in Alaska during the gold rush era....
in Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
. He commanded Fort Flagler in 1902-1903, and then was transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery Battery with duty at Camp Thomas and Fort Myer
Fort Myer
Fort Myer is a U.S. Army post adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. It is a small post by U.S...
in 1903-1905.
Summerall was the senior instructor of artillery tactics at West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
from 1905-1911. He was promoted to major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
in March 1911, and commanded the field artillery of the Maneuver Division at San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,...
. He commanded the summer camps of instruction for Army and National Guard artillery in 1912-1914, was assistant chief of the Militia Bureau and in charge of National Guard artillery in 1915-1917. He was engaged in purchasing artillery ranges, and was a member of the Ordnance Board from 1915–1916, the commission to investigate the manufacture of munitions in 1916, the Board of Ordnance and Fortification in 1917, and the military mission to British and French armies in 1917. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
in 1916, colonel
Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general...
in 1917, and brigadier general
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
in the National Army in August 1917.
World War I
Summerall commanded the 67th Field Artillery Brigade and the 1st Field Artillery Brigade in operations in France in 1917, was promoted to major generalMajor general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
in the National Army, and successively commanded his brigade, the 1st Division, and V Corps, in the Cantigny
Battle of Cantigny
The Battle of Cantigny, fought on 28 May 1918 was the first American offensive of World War I. The U.S. 1st Division, the most experienced of the seven American divisions then in France and in reserve for the French Army near the village of Cantigny, was selected for the attack...
, Soissons
Battle of Soissons (1918)
The Battle of Soissons was a World War I battle, waged during 18 July to 22 July 1918, between the French and the German armies....
, St. Mihiel
Battle of Saint-Mihiel
The Battle of Saint-Mihiel was a World War I battle fought between September 12–15, 1918, involving the American Expeditionary Force and 48,000 French troops under the command of U.S. general John J. Pershing against German positions...
, and Meuse-Argonne operations
Meuse-Argonne Offensive
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire western front.-Overview:...
in 1918. He commanded IX and IV Corps and served on the American Peace Commission
American Commission to Negotiate Peace
The American Commission to Negotiate Peace, successor to The Inquiry, participated in the peace negotiations at the Treaty of Versailles, January 18 — December 9, 1919. Frank Lyon Polk headed the commission in 1919...
at the Peace Conference
Paris Peace Conference, 1919
The Paris Peace Conference was the meeting of the Allied victors following the end of World War I to set the peace terms for the defeated Central Powers following the armistices of 1918. It took place in Paris in 1919 and involved diplomats from more than 32 countries and nationalities...
in 1919.
Post-war career
Summerall commanded the 1st Division in 1919-1921, receiving promotion to brigadier generalBrigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
in February 1919 and to major general
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
in April 1920. He commanded the Hawaiian Department in 1921-1924. Colonel William "Billy" Mitchell visited Summerall during his command in Hawaii, and criticized the lack of air defenses for the islands. This angered the general, who later attempted to preside over Mitchell's court-martial
Court-martial
A court-martial is a military court. A court-martial is empowered to determine the guilt of members of the armed forces subject to military law, and, if the defendant is found guilty, to decide upon punishment.Most militaries maintain a court-martial system to try cases in which a breach of...
in 1925, until the defense won his dismissal by showing his bias. However, he still testified as a witness against Mitchell.
After commanding the Eighth and Second Corps Areas
Corps area
A Corps area was a geographically-based organizational structure of the United States Army used to accomplish domestic administrative, training and tactical tasks from 1920 to 1942. Each corps area included divisions of the Regular Army, Organized Reserve and National Guard of the United States...
in 1924-1926, Summerall was appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army
Chief of Staff of the United States Army
The Chief of Staff of the Army is a statutory office held by a four-star general in the United States Army, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Army, and as such is the principal military advisor and a deputy to the Secretary of the Army; and is in...
, serving from 21 November 1926 until 20 November 1930, with promotion to general
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
in February 1929. During his tenure he directed the formation of a mechanized force and recommended an integrated mobile force of tank, artillery, engineer, and quartermaster elements.
Summerall retired from active service in March 1931, and was president of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina from 1931 until 1953. He died in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, on 14 May 1955.
The elite drill team was named for Summerall named The Summerall Guards
The Summerall Guards
- Unit History and Background :Named after General Charles P. Summerall, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and Citadel president from 1931 until 1953, The Summerall Guards were founded in 1932 and remains The Citadel's elite, silent drill platoon....
.
Awards
General Summerall's decorations include the Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
, the Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (Army)
The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great...
, the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
and numerous foreign decorations. He received the Distinguished Service Cross as commanding general of the 1st Division.
...for extraordinary heroism in action before Berzy-le-SecBerzy-le-SecBerzy-le-Sec is a commune in the department of Aisne in Picardy in northern France.-References:*...
, near SoissonsSoissonsSoissons is a commune in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France, located on the Aisne River, about northeast of Paris. It is one of the most ancient towns of France, and is probably the ancient capital of the Suessiones...
, FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, during the Aisne-Marne offensive, July 19, 1918. General Summerall, commanding the 1st Division, visited, with great gallantry and with utter disregard for his own safety, the extreme front lines of his division and personally made a reconnaissance of the position in the face of heavy hostile machine-gun and artillery fire, exhorting his men to renew the attack on Berzy-le-Sec, promising them a powerful artillery support, and so encouraging them by his presence and example that they declared their readiness to take the town for him. Due to his great courage and utter disregard for his own safety, the men of his division were inspired to enormous and heroic efforts, capturing Berzy-le-Sec the next morning under terrific enemy fire, and later in the day the division reached all its objectives.
In contrast to the official citation, Colonel Conrad S. Babcock, commander of the 28th Infantry Regiment
28th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Since the establishment of the United States Army in 1775, three regiments have held the designation 28th Infantry Regiment. The first was a Provisional unit that was constituted on 29 January 1813 and served during The War of 1812. The second was a reorganization and redesignation of 2nd...
at Berzy-le-Sec
Berzy-le-Sec
Berzy-le-Sec is a commune in the department of Aisne in Picardy in northern France.-References:*...
, contended that General Summerall was not at the front until after the battle.
The only time I saw General Summerall near the front was on the night of the 19th in the Missy-aux-BoisMissy-aux-BoisMissy-aux-Bois is a commune in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France.-References:*...
ravine, PloisyPloisyPloisy is a commune in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France....
had just been captured. If he exhorted any of the 1st Battalion that evening, after their strenuous and fierce 3,000 yard advance, I was never told of it.
External links
- arlingtoncemetery.net : Charles Pelot Summerall, General, United States Army
- World War I: Wasted Lives on Armistice Day by Joseph E. PersicoJoseph E. PersicoJoseph E. Persico is an author. From 1974 to 1977 he was primary speechwriter to Vice President Nelson Rockefeller...
(2005)