Fred Thaddeus Austin

Fred Thaddeus Austin (December 28, 1866 – February 26, 1938) was an American military officer who attained the rank of major general as the United States Army's Chief of Field Artillery.

Early life Austin was born in Hancock, Vermont, the son of Julius Tilden Austin and Manora (Keith) Austin. He graduated from high school in Rochester, Vermont, and then attended Norwich University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1888, and a Master of Science in 1894. In 1896, Austin received his qualification as a civil engineer.

Early career Austin served in the 1st Regiment of the Vermont National Guard from 1888 to 1894; a musician, he advanced from private to sergeant to drum major before moving to Massachusetts.

Austin practiced architecture in Brockton and Boston, Massachusetts, from 1889 to 1898. From 1894 to 1898 he served in the 5th Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard, first as a drum major, and later as the regimental sergeant major.

Spanish–American War He volunteered to serve in the United States Army for the Spanish–American War. When the 5th Massachusetts was activated for federal service, Austin was commissioned as a first lieutenant and appointed as regimental adjutant. He joined the regular Army after the war; appointed a first lieutenant in the 46th United States Volunteer Infantry on August 17, 1899, he transferred to the Artillery Corps on August 22, 1901. He served as Chief from December 20, 1927, to February 15, 1930.

Family In 1909, Austin married Lenore Harrison of San Antonio. They were the parents of a son, Gordon Harrison Austin (1913–2010), a career officer in the United States Air Force who was a veteran of World War II and attained the rank of major general.