Dennis Edward Nolan
(1872-1956) United States Army general, American football coach
About Dennis Edward Nolan
Lived 1872 – 1956 (aged 83). Dennis Edward Nolan was an American military personnel and united States Military Academy.
Dennis Edward Nolan (April 22, 1872 – February 24, 1956) was a career officer with the United States Army. He distinguished himself by heading the first modern American military combat intelligence function during World War I. Nolan served as the head football coach at the United States Military Academy in 1902, compiling a record of 6–1–1.
Early life and education Born in Akron, New York, outside of Buffalo, New York, Nolan was the son of an Irish immigrant. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1896.
Spanish–American War Nolan was commissioned a second lieutenant and joined the Third Infantry. He served with the Sanitary Corps, during the Spanish–American War. The New York Times of 1930s noted that many contemporary generals (Nolan, Leon Kromer, Malin Craig, Paul Bunker) were connected by past football experience at West Point.
Later military career General John J. Pershing and members of his staff. Dennis E. Nolan can be seen just behind Pershing, to Pershing's left.
During World War I, Nolan organized the Intelligence Section for the American Expeditionary Forces' general headquarters. He also received the Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Medal of Solidaridad from Panama. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath, a Commander of the Legion of Honour, and a Commander of the Order of the Crown, General Nolan is a member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.
Head coaching record
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Important facts
People in Dennis Edward Nolan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Dennis Edward Nolan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dennis Edward Nolan?
(1872-1956) United States Army general, American football coach
When was Dennis Edward Nolan born?
Dennis Edward Nolan was born on 22 April 1872 in Akron.
When did Dennis Edward Nolan die?
Dennis Edward Nolan died on 24 February 1956 in Manhattan.
What was Dennis Edward Nolan's occupation?
Dennis Edward Nolan was a military personnel and united States Military Academy.
What nationality was Dennis Edward Nolan?
Dennis Edward Nolan was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Dennis Edward Nolan
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dennis Edward Nolan. https://biography.guide/dennis-edward-nolan/
MLA: "Dennis Edward Nolan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dennis-edward-nolan/.
Chicago: "Dennis Edward Nolan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dennis-edward-nolan/.
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