Willard Ames Holbrook


Willard Ames Holbrook was a major general in the United States Army. Coming from a family with long military tradition, he was the father of future Brigadier General Willard Ames Holbrook, Jr. and brother of Major General Lucius Roy Holbrook.

Early life

Holbrook was born on July 23, 1860, in Arkansaw, Wisconsin. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1885 and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment.

Military career

Holbrook was stationed in Cuba during the Spanish–American War. From 1901 to 1902, following the war, he served as Civil Governor of Antique, Philippines.
After America entered World War I in April 1917, Holbrook was promoted to brigadier general in command of the 165th Infantry Brigade. In April 1918, he was further promoted to major general and placed in command of the 9th Infantry Division. Holbrook's final assignment was as Chief of the U.S. Cavalry. He retired from the Army on July 23, 1924.

Marriage and children

In 1902, Holbrook married Anna Huntington Stanley, daughter of Major General David S. Stanley.
Holbrook died at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on July 18, 1932. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery along with his wife, Anna, and son, David.

Awards

His military awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, which he received as commanding general of the Southern Department for his firmness and tact in handling a threatening situation on the Mexican border that materially improved conditions between the United States and Mexico.