Campbell King

Campbell King (30 August 1871 – 16 October 1953) was an American infantry officer who served with the U.S. Army. He was the commandant at Fort Benning and is known for modernizing its training programs and infrastructure.

Early years Born to Alexander King and Mary Lee Evans King on 30 August 1871, Campbell King grew up in Flat Rock, North Carolina. He attended Charleston High School and the College of Charleston, then was a student at Harvard College from 1889 to 1891. He enlisted in the cavalry as a private in 1897. In 1911, King graduated from the Army War College.

First World War Major General Robert Lee Bullard (center, facing towards the right), the newly appointed commander of the 1st Division, and members of his divisional staff at Gondrecourt, France, January 17, 1918. To Bullard's left is his chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell King, while to Bullard's right is Lieutenant Colonel George C. Marshall, the assistant chief of staff for operations.

Following the American entry into World War I, in April 1917, King was assigned to the 1st Division and Saint Mihiel.

King emerged from the war decorated with the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Croix de Guerre, the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Crown.

Between the wars In 1920, King graduated from the General Staff College and received an honorary M.A. from Harvard. In July 1924, King was permanently promoted to brigadier general, Under his command, and with then-Lieutenant-Colonel George C. Marshall as Assistant Commandant, King ushered in "halcyon days" by modernizing Fort Benning's training programs and infrastructure. He was promoted to major general in 1932

Personal life and death Campbell King married Harriet Laurens King in 1907. Together they had two children, Duncan and Barbara. After his retirement in 1933, Campbell returned to his hometown of Flat Rock, North Carolina, where he died on 16 October 1953.