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Dennis Edward Nolan

1872 – 1956

(1872-1956) United States Army general, American football coach

Military personnel United States Military Academy
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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

Birth century
Nationality
Education
United States Military Academy
Awards
Order of the Crown of Italy; Army Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Cross (United States); Silver Star
Also known as
Dennis E. Nolan

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

· Wikidata: Q5258369

· DBpedia: Dennis E. 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/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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