Joseph D. Leitch

Joseph D. Leitch (March 8, 1864 – October 26, 1938) was a career officer in the United States Army.

A veteran of the American Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, United States occupation of Veracruz, World War I, and North Russia intervention, he attained the rank of major general and was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star Italian Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and Czechoslovak Cross of War. Leitch was most notable for his service as commander of the 13th Division and 3rd Division, as well as inspector general and chief of staff for American Expeditionary Force, Siberia.

Early life Joseph Dugald Leitch was born in Montague, Michigan on March 8, 1864, the son of Dugald Leitch and Sarah (Ferguson) Leitch. His family moved to Nebraska when Leitch was six years old, and he was raised and educated in Montague and in Clay Center, Nebraska. He attended Doane College in 1882 and 1883. While at Doane, Leitch took part in the school's military program, the Doane College Light Guards, and advanced through the ranks to become the unit's first lieutenant.

In early 1883, Leitch was an unsuccessful applicant to the United States Military Academy. He applied successfully in late 1883 He graduated in 1889 ranked 44th of 49 and in June 1889 he received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry.

In addition, his Russian service resulted in award of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Officer) from Italy and the Cross of War from Czechoslovakia. Leitch's heroism in the Philippines was recognized with the silver Citation Star. When the Silver Star medal was created, Leitch's award was converted to the new decoration.

In addition to Leitch's awards for service in Russia and heroism the Philippines, he was a recipient of the Indian Campaign Medal, Spanish Campaign Medal, Army of Cuban Occupation Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, and Mexican Service Medal.

Retirement and death In retirement, Leitch was a resident of San Francisco. He died at Letterman General Hospital on October 26, 1938. He was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.

Family In October 1891, Leitch married Margaret Crandal, the daughter of Frederick Mortimer Crandal, a career Army officer who attained the rank of brevet brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. They were the parents of two daughters, Marjory and Dorothy.

Marjory Leitch was the wife of Major General Robert A. McClure. Dorothy Leitch was married to Marquis "Mark" D. Jones.