Frank Ross McCoy

Frank Ross McCoy (October 29, 1874 – June 4, 1954) was a United States Army officer. He served in the Philippines, during World War I, and led an American relief mission to Tokyo after the 1923 earthquake. He initially retired from the military in 1938, though was recalled to service in 1941 at the start of World War II, where he served on the Roberts Commission. In his civilian career, he was president of the Foreign Policy Association and chairman of the Far Eastern Commission.

Early life

McCoy was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1874, the son of Margaret Eleanor (Ross) McCoy and Thomas Franklin McCoy. a veteran of the Mexican–American War and American Civil War who attained the rank of brigadier general by brevet. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1891, then attended the United States Military Academy. He graduated 34th in 1897, received his commission as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the 8th Cavalry. McCoy was later awarded two Silver Stars and the Purple Heart for his combat service in Cuba. In 1911, McCoy was appointed a member of the General Staff and, in 1917, became a member of the General Staff of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, where he commanded the 165th Infantry Regiment in 1918.

From August 1918 to March 1920, McCoy served as a temporary brigadier general. From August to November 1918, he commanded the 63rd Infantry Brigade, 32nd Division.

In September 1929, McCoy was promoted to major general. He was subsequently awarded the Chinese Order of Chia-Ho. McCoy then commanded the Second Army and Sixth Corps Area at Chicago, Illinois until May 1936. He next commanded the Second Corps Area at Governors Island, New York until October 1938. The citation for his first Army DSM reads:

The second DSM citation reads:

For his World War I service, he was made a commander of the Order of the Crown, an honorary companion of the Order of St Michael and St George and an officer of the Legion of Honour. McCoy also received the Croix de Guerre with three palms and the Order of Prince Danilo I.

After retirement, he was conferred honorary doctor of law degrees by Washington & Jefferson College (October 1938), Princeton University (June 1939) and Columbia University (1941).

His birthplace, the McCoy House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. His papers are held by the Library of Congress.