Edward Albert Kreger

Edward Albert Kreger (May 31, 1868 – May 24, 1955) was an American lawyer and career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and World War I, he was most notable for his service as Acting Judge Advocate General of the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War and Judge Advocate General of the United States Army from 1928 to 1931.

A native of Keota, Iowa, Kreger graduated from Iowa State College in 1890 and worked as a school teacher, principal, and superintendent while studying law at several Iowa colleges. He joined the Iowa National Guard in 1893 and was admitted to the bar in 1897. After commanding Company M, 4th Iowa Infantry in the 1890s, he volunteered for federal service during the Spanish–American War as a member of 52nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In 1901, he received an Army commission in the 39th U.S. Volunteer Infantry. Kreger served as a professor of law, judge advocate, and legal advisor for several Army commands in the years before World War I.

During World War I, Kreger served as the Army's Assistant Provost Marshal General and as acting Judge Advocate General of the American Expeditionary Forces. After the war, he continued to serve in judge advocate assignments until 1928, when he was promoted to major general and assigned as Judge Advocate General of the United States Army.

Kreger died in San Antonio, Texas, on May 24, 1955, and was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Kreger was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in the Philippines and the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his World War I service.

Early life and education Edward Albert Kreger was born on May 31, 1868, near Keota, Iowa, the son of William Kreger and Johanna Henrike (Pimme) Kreger. He attended the public schools of Keokuk County and graduated from Keota High School.

Kreger graduated from Iowa State College in 1890 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. In November 1895, he accepted reduction in rank to captain so he could resume command of Company M.

After returning to Iowa, Kreger's company was re-designated as Company M, 52nd Iowa Infantry Regiment. The citation reads:

In addition, he received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for actions during World War I, the citation for which reads:

Quote|The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Edward A. Kreger, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Acting Judge Advocate General for the American Expeditionary Forces, General Kreger has organized and efficiently administered his office, performing exacting duties with marked distinction. His masterful knowledge of military law, his foresight, and practical comprehension of the complex problems involved in his work enabled him to perform it with noteworthy success. His counsel was wise; his decisions were just. His services to the American Expeditionary Forces have been of great value.

His papers are held by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin.