Frank C. Bolles

Frank Crandall Bolles (25 September 1872 – 14 July 1955) was a United States Army major general. A veteran of combat in both the Philippine–American War and World War I, he was awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts.

Early life and education Bolles was born in Elgin, Illinois, but his family soon moved to Rolla, Missouri where he received his early education. He entered the United States Military Academy in June 1891, but struggled through some of the academic and tactical training.

Before participating in World War I, Bolles was a distinguished graduate of the Army School of the Line at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in May 1916. During their first engagement on 19 July, Bolles was exposed to a gas attack. On 28 September, he was wounded in action.

After recovering from his wound, Bolles returned to command the 39th Infantry from November 1918 to August 1919, when he reverted to his permanent rank of major. In 1919, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal with the citation:

Bolles was also made a chevalier of the Legion of Honour and awarded the Croix de guerre with palm and gilt star by France. From August 1926 to November 1927, Bolles was also acting commanding general of the 6th Infantry Brigade. From October 1934 to February 1935, he also served as interim commander of the 6th Corps Area.

In February 1935, Bolles accepted a promotion to major general retroactive to December 1934. He then assumed command of the 2nd Infantry Division and Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He instead went to Omaha, Nebraska to assume command of the 7th Corps Area. Bolles relinquished this final command and retired from active duty on 30 September 1936 after having reached the mandatory retirement age of 64.

Family and later life Bolles married Irene Hobby Pettit (10 January 1880 – 17 December 1954) in Hempstead, New York on 10 January 1909. They had three sons and two daughters. The eldest, Frank C. Bolles Jr. (2 February 1910 – 12 June 1960), was a 1934 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served during World War II and retired as a commander.

After retirement, Bolles and his wife lived in San Antonio, Texas. In 1954, his health began to deteriorate. He was hospitalized in Marlin, Texas after his wife's death and died there in 1955. Bolles, his wife and their eldest son are interred at Arlington National Cemetery.