Harold Benjamin Fiske

Harold Benjamin Fiske (November 6, 1871 – May 1, 1960) was a highly decorated United States Army officer with the rank of major general. A veteran of several conflicts, he distinguished himself during the Philippine–American War at the beginning of 20th century and later during the World War I as Chief, Training Section (G-5) of the American Expeditionary Force.

Following the War, he remained in the Army and completed his service in 1935 as major general and commanding general, Panama Canal Department.

On the other hand, General Pershing recognized Fiske as skilled staff officer and administrator and promoted him to the temporary rank of brigadier general on June 26, 1918. Fiske voluntarily served with the 1st Infantry Division during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and Second Battle of the Marne and with 79th and the 2nd Infantry Divisions during Meuse-Argonne Offensive. His first-hand observations of troop performance in combat helped improve the AEF training system.

For his service in France, Fiske was decorated with Army Distinguished Service Medal based on the recommendation of General Pershing and also received several foreign decorations of Allied nations: Legion of Honour, rank Commander, French Croix de Guerre with Palm by the Government of France, the Order of Leopold from Belgium, and the Order of the Crown of Italy.

Retirement

Following his retirement from the Army, Fiske settled in San Diego, California and was active in several retired officers associations. He died on May 1, 1960, and was buried with full military honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. His wife, Lucy Beatrice Keyes (1874–1954) is buried beside him. They had two daughters: Virginia, the wife of Major General Thomas S. Timberman, and Berenice.

Decorations

Here is Major General Fiske's ribbon bar: