Irving Hale

Irving Hale (August 28, 1861 – July 26, 1930) was a brigadier general of the United States of America who served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War and the early stages of the Philippine–American War.

Biography Born in New York, Hale was the son of Horace M. Hale, a teacher who later became the second president of the University of Colorado. Hale's family moved to Colorado in 1865. He graduated at the head of the first class from Denver East High School in 1877.

In September 1889, he took a leave of absence to supervise the construction of the South Broadway line in Denver, Colorado, creating the first successful electric railway there. On April 1, 1890, Hale resigned from the regular army to take a position with General Electric. In 1895, he was awarded the honorary degree of electrical engineer by the Colorado State School of Mines.

Still living in Denver, Hale joined the state militia in May 1897 as lieutenant colonel in the 1st Infantry Regiment, Colorado National Guard. In October 1897, he was promoted to colonel by Governor Alva Adams and given command of the regiment. In December 1897, Hale was promoted to brigadier general in the National Guard.

The First Colorado, like many other state militias, was sworn into service at the beginning of the Spanish–American War in April 1898, with Hale as colonel of U.S. Volunteers in command. The Colorados were sent to the Philippines, along with other militias from western states. The First Colorado secured the American left flank during the Battle of Manila, capturing Fort San Agustin, and raising the first American flag over the city's fortifications; his excellent leadership secured Hale a promotion to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers in command of the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, Eighth Army Corps.

During the Philippine–American War, Hale led troops into battle on several occasions, and was wounded while scouting an enemy position during the battle of Meycauayan on March 26, 1899. He later received a Silver Star for his leadership near Calumpit on April 25, 1899. Hale was also awarded an honorary LL.D. degree by the University of Colorado in 1899. Hale and his wife had three sons and three daughters.

On September 29, 1911, Hale suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered. He died on July 26, 1930, in Denver, and is buried in Denver's Fairmount Cemetery. The neighborhood of Hale, Denver is named for him. In addition, a prominent plaque in his honor was placed on the south side of the Colorado State Capitol Building, in Denver.