Hamilton Smith Hawkins

Hamilton Smith Hawkins III (September 25, 1872 – October 19, 1950) was a career officer in the United States Army who attained the rank of brigadier general. A veteran of the Philippine–American War, Mexican Border War, World War I, and the Occupation of the Rhineland, Hawkins served from 1894 until retiring in 1936, then was recalled to active duty for World War II and served from 1941 to 1943. Hawkins was a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds he received during the Philippine–American War, and he was a three-time recipient of the Silver Star.

The son of Brigadier General Hamilton S. Hawkins (1834–1910) and grandson of Major Hamilton S. Hawkins (1802–1847), Hawkins graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1894 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Cavalry Branch. Hawkins served in positions of increasing rank and responsibility in the United States and overseas, and completed professional education including the United States Army Command and General Staff College and United States Army War College. In 1912 and 1913, Hawkins took part in an exchange program that enabled him to serve in France and Germany, where he observed advances in Cavalry equipment and tactics immediately prior to the start of World War I. During the war, he served as assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3) on the staff of the 2nd Division, followed by assignment as chief of staff for the 35th Division.

After the First World War, Hawkins continued to serve in high-profile staff and command assignments, including commander of 1st Cavalry Brigade (1929–1934), 1st Cavalry Division (1934–1936), and Eighth Corps Area (1936). He retired in 1936 and resided in Washington, D.C. He was recalled to active duty for World War II, and served as a member of several administrative boards and commissions before retiring again in 1943. In retirement, Hawkins continued to reside in Washington, D.C. He died in Washington on October 19, 1950, and was buried at West Point Cemetery.

Early life Hamilton Smith Hawkins was born at Fort Buford, North Dakota on September 25, 1872, the son of army officer Hamilton S. Hawkins and Annie (Gray) Hawkins. Annie Hawkins was the sister of George Gray, a U.S. senator and federal judge from Delaware. Hawkins' grandfather, also named Hamilton S. Hawkins, was a major and surgeon in the U.S. Army who died in 1847 while serving in the Mexican–American War.

Hawkins was educated at military posts as the Hawkins family traveled for his father's career, and in 1890 received an appointment to the United States Military Academy (West Point). Hawkins received his commission as a second lieutenant of Cavalry and was assigned to the 4th Cavalry Regiment. After returning to the United States, Hawkins performed duty at Fort Meade, South Dakota from July to November 1901, when he was assigned to temporary duty in Washington, D.C., first with the Subsistence Department, then with the Commissary Department. From 1911 to 1912, he attended the Army Staff College (now the United States Army War College). In August 1926, he was assigned to Manila as chief of staff of the Philippine Division. In March and April 1936, Hawkins commanded the Eighth Corps Area. He retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 64 in September 1936. He was recalled to active duty for World War II in 1941 and served on several administrative boards and commissions, including member of the panel that mediated a labor dispute at the Atlanta, Birmingham and Coast Railroad. His effective dates of rank were:

Second Lieutenant (Additional), June 12, 1894 Second Lieutenant, August 30, 1894 First Lieutenant, March 2, 1899 Captain, March 1, 1901 Major, July 1, 1916 Lieutenant Colonel, July 28, 1917 Colonel (Temporary), August 5, 1917 Lieutenant Colonel, September 25, 1919 Colonel, July 1, 1920 Brigadier General, September 5, 1928 Brigadier General (Retired), September 30, 1936 Brigadier General, September 26, 1941 Brigadier General (Retired), November 13, 1943

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