Harry Clay Hale

Hale was born on July 10, 1861, in Knoxville, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1883.[1][3]

Hale was originally commissioned in the 12th Infantry Regiment and was stationed at Fort Niagara. He and his regiment went to Fort Bennett in 1886, and he participated in the Sioux Wars while there. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, though he ultimately did not receive it. Hale was in charge of Sioux prisoners in 1891, and he served as an aide to Wesley Merritt from 1893 to 1899, meaning he served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He also served as an aide to Arthur MacArthur Jr. Hale commanded the 44th Volunteer infantry during the Philippine–American War, and he commanded Bilibid Prison in 1902. He also served as the acting commander of the 20th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Luzon.[1][3]

After serving on the General Staff in Washington, D.C., from 1903 to 1906, Hale returned to the Philippines for another three years. In 1910 and 1911, he was the Adjutant-General of the Department of the Lakes and the Department of the Missouri. Hale commanded the 17th Infantry Regiment along the border with Mexico in 1914, and he commanded the 20th Infantry Regiment in 1915. Also in 1915, Hale was sent to China to command the 15th Infantry Regiment, though he returned shortly afterward in order to organize the 84th Division at Camp Zachary Taylor. After going to France in 1917 as a combat observer, Hale returned to the U.S. and took the 84th Division to France.[1][3]

Hale was promoted to the rank of major general on August 5, 1917, shortly after his promotion to brigadier general, and he received the Distinguished Service Medal for his command of the 84th Division.[2] After World War I ended, Hale assumed command of the 26th Infantry Division and brought it back to the U.S. from France.[1] After this, he commanded the 1st Infantry Division and then was the commanding general of the Sixth Corps Area in Chicago.[4] Hale received an LL.D. from Knox College in 1923, and he retired in 1925.[5][3]

Hale lived in Palo Alto, California, or Rockville, Maryland,[3] during his retirement, and he died on March 21, 1946.[5] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[6]

Hale married Elizabeth C. Smith on December 2, 1886. They had no children.[1]