John Bacon McDonald

Brigadier General John Bacon McDonald (February 8, 1859 – March 15, 1927) was a senior officer of the United States Army. He was involved in conflicts in the American Western Frontier, the Philippines, and World War I, where he commanded the 181st Infantry Brigade in several battles while serving on the Western Front.

Biography John B. McDonald graduated, 52nd in a class of 53 from the United States Military Academy in 1881 and was stationed with the 25th infantry at Fort Randall, but was transferred to the 10th Cavalry in Texas a year later.

He taught Military Science and Tactics from 1888 to 1890 in Auburn, Alabama, before he became quartermaster with the 10th Cavalry in Fort Grant, Arizona 1891. He held the quartermaster position in different Forts, before becoming Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the Military College of South Carolina from 1897 to 1898. He was promoted to captain in 1898. With the start of the Spanish–American War in 1898, McDonald became lieutenant colonel with the 1st Alabama Volunteer Infantry and was honourably mustered out after the end of the conflict in October 1898. For this action, he was later awarded the Silver Star.

He became a major with the 15th Cavalry in 1907 and was appointed as commander for Fort Ethan Allen the next year.

Post War After the end of World War I, John B. McDonald had several posts, including commander of the Pacific Branch of U. S. Disciplinary Barracks on Alcatraz Island until 1922.

John B. McDonald died on March 15, 1927, in Washington, D.C.