Louis M. Nuttman

Louis Meredith Nuttman (January 28, 1874 – November 4, 1978) was a high-ranking officer in the United States Army who served for over 43 years. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and World War I, he rose to the rank of brigadier general and was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal. At the time of his death at age 104, he was the oldest living graduate of the United States Military Academy.

Early life and education

Nuttman was born in New Jersey on January 28, 1874. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, entering on June 17, 1891. He graduated on June 12, 1895, ranking 31st in a class of 52 members. During his time at the academy, he demonstrated a strong aptitude for Spanish and English, though he found greater academic challenge in civil engineering and philosophy.

In 1900, he accompanied the 14th Infantry to China as part of the China Relief Expedition during the Boxer Rebellion, earning a fourth citation for gallantry. He returned to the Philippines in late 1900 and continued to serve there intermittently until 1908, including participation in the Battle of Bayan in 1902.

He was promoted to the permanent rank of brigadier general on May 1, 1932. His final assignments included commanding the 22nd Infantry Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and the 18th Infantry Brigade in Boston. He retired from active duty on January 31, 1938.

Awards and decorations Nuttman's decorations include: Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (Four citations for gallantry, later converted to the Silver Star medal) Spanish Campaign Medal Philippine Campaign Medal China Relief Expedition Medal World War I Victory Medal