Alfred F. Foote

On January 2, 1896, he enlisted as a private in Co D, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment Infantry.[2] At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War he was sent to Cuba. During the war he rose to the rank of sergeant. Upon his return to the U.S., he was promoted to first lieutenant. On November 18, 1911 he became a major and shortly thereafter was placed in charged of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry. He led the outfit during the Border War.[1]

At the outset of World War I, Foote was made acting lieutenant colonel of the 104th Regiment. In 1918 he graduated from the Army General Staff College in Langres and was made a lieutenant colonel. That July he was promoted to colonel and given command of the 104th. He commanded the 104th during the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Third Battle of the Aisne. For his service in France, he was cited for meritorious service by Maj. Gen. Clarence Ransom Edwards, was awarded the Silver Star by the Secretary of War, and decorated as a Commander of the Legion of Honour by the French government.[1] In 1923 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.[4]

After the National Guard was demobilized, Foote was made inspector general of the 26th Infantry Division.[1][2] In 1919, he led the 104th when it was called up by Governor Calvin Coolidge during the Boston Police Strike.[5] On March 24, 1923 he was made a Brigadier General and given command of the 51st Infantry Brigade.[1][2] On May 3, 1928 he was appointed major general in command of the 26th Infantry Division.[1] He resigned from the National Guard on November 14, 1930 to focus on his duties as Commissioner of Public Safety.[6]