Andre W. Brewster

Major General Andre Walker Brewster (December 9, 1862 – March 27, 1942) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor. He served in several high-profile assignments throughout his long military career, including Inspector General of the United States Army and Inspector General of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in France during World War I. In addition, he was a veteran of the American Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and Boxer Rebellion. He received the Medal of Honor for his role in the Battle of Tientsin during the Boxer Rebellion.

Early life

Andre Walker Brewster was born on December 9, 1862, in Hoboken, New Jersey. His mother was Mary Bache Walker (1839–1876), great-great-great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin, daughter of Robert J. Walker, and sister of Duncan Stephen Walker. His father was Adrien Deslondes (also spelled Deslonde or Deslandes, etc.), a midshipman in the United States Navy whose family owned sugar plantations in Louisiana.

Start of career In January 1885, Brewster received a direct commission as a second lieutenant in the 10th Infantry Regiment, a post which had also been sought by David L. Brainard. He served on frontier duty, including campaigns against the Apache and Sioux during the American Indian Wars. He took part in the Siege of Santiago and the Battle of San Juan Hill.

Continued career Brewster remained in China for five years as the U.S. military attaché.

When Brewster assessed the combat performance of Brigadier General Robert H. Noble, commander of the 158th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, as ineffective, Pershing relieved Noble. His positive appraisal of Major General Robert Lee Bullard's performance was a major factor in Pershing's decision to recommend Bullard for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as commander of the Second Army.

Later career General of the Armies John J. Pershing and members of his staff standing outside the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, D.C., September 23, 1919. Stood to Pershing's left is Major General Andre W. Brewster.

From 1921 to 1922, Brewster commanded the Second Coast Artillery District, headquartered at Fort Totten, New York. Brewster's final command was the First Corps Area in Boston, Massachusetts, where he succeeded Brigadier General Mark L. Hersey. He retired in 1925 with the rank of major general. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Family In 1885, Brewster married Elizabeth Griffin (1862–1948).

Namesakes In World War II, the United States Navy transport ship was named in Brewster's honor. The ship was also active in the Korean War, earning five battle stars for her service in that conflict.

Honors and awards Brewster's awards included:

Dates of rank Second Lieutenant – 19 January 1885 First Lieutenant – 17 December 1891 Captain, Assistant Quartermaster, Volunteers – 15 October 1898 Captain – 2 March 1899 Discharged from Volunteers – 12 May 1899 Major – 15 March 1908 Lieutenant Colonel – 2 December 1913 Colonel – 1 July 1916 Brigadier General, National Army – 5 August 1917 Major General, National Army – 28 November 1917 Brigadier General, Regular Army – 8 January 1920 Discharged from National Army – 28 February 1920 Major General, Regular Army – 1 December 1922 Major General, Retired List – 9 December 1925