James Francis McIndoe

James Francis McIndoe
Brigadier General James Francis McIndoe in his office in Tours, November 25, 1918.
Born(1868-01-18)January 18, 1868
Lonaconing, Maryland, United States
DiedFebruary 5, 1919(1919-02-05) (aged 51)
Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France
Buried
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Army
Years of service1891−1919
Rank Brigadier General
Unit Corps of Engineers
Commands2nd Engineer Battalion
Director of Military Engineers
Battles / warsSpanish–American War
World War I
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal (posthumously)

Brigadier General James Francis McIndoe (January 18, 1868 – February 5, 1919) was a senior officer of the United States Army. He was involved in conflicts in the Philippines and World War I, where he commanded the 2nd Engineers on the Western Front.

Military career

James F. McIndoe was born in Lonaconing, Maryland 18 January 1868. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1891.[1] Among his classmates included several future general officers, such as Andrew Hero Jr., John W. Heavey, Hanson Edward Ely, Edwin B. Winans and John Jewsbury Bradley. He joined the U.S. Engineer School and became second lieutenant with the Corps of Engineers in 1895. During the Spanish–American War in 1898 McIndoe was responsible for submarine defences in New York Harbor.[2]

After his promotion to captain, he had assignments as an instructor and helped with harbour improvements in the US. In 1914 he was stationed in the Philippines. After his return to the United States, he became lieutenant-colonel with the 2nd Regiment of engineers in 1917.[2]

In late 1917, when the United States joined World War I, McIndoe got a temporary promotion to colonel and commanded the 2nd engineers as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. After assignments for preparing training areas for the US troops in France, he became Chief Engineer of the 4th Corps. He took part in the battles around Château-Thierry and was promoted to brigadier general in October 1918. He was appointed as Director of Military Engineering and Engineering Supplies, a position which he held until his death.[2]

James F. McIndoe died of lobar pneumonia on 5[3] or 6 February 1919,[2] almost three months after the Armistice with Germany, in Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France.[2]

References

  1. ^ "James Francis McIndoe" valor.militarytimes.com
  2. ^ a b c d e Bill, Thayer (2016). "James F. McIndoe". penelope.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  3. ^ United States War Department, General Orders 13/8, Washington, 27 March 1922