Milton J. Foreman

Milton J. Foreman (1863–1935) was a Lieutenant General, who served as Commander in Chief of the Illinois National Guard. Prior to that, he led the 33rd Division, Illinois National Guard. Foreman attended the Paris Caucuses in 1919 of the American Legion as the Illinois representative and was one of its early leaders. He was also active in Illinois politics and served as a Chicago alderman.

Early life Foreman was born in Chicago to Joseph Foreman and Mary née Hoffman on Jan. 26, 1863. The family lost all of their possessions in the Chicago Fire.

His first job was as an errand boy for Keith Brothers. He would be appointed to the council's Transportation Committee when it was formed in 1901. The unit was ordered into national service on July 25, 1917. On September 21, it was designated the 122nd Field Artillery and assigned to the Fifty-eighth Field Artillery Brigade. Foreman commanded the field artillery regiment during its World War I service.

During World War I, his regiment received six unit citations.

Distinguished Service Cross General Pershing recommended Foreman for the Distinguished Service Cross for his command efficiency during the Saint Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives.

Distinguished Service Medal The award citation reads: "For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services. Commanding the 122nd Field Artillery, he gave proof of eminent technical attainments and assidious zeal. Though handicapped by many adverse conditions due to difficult terrain and determined hostile resistance, he kept his batteries in close support of the Infantry and thereby rendered services of inestimable value during the St. Mihiel Offensive.

His second citation was for "Meuse-Argonne, September 26 to November 11, 1918."

After World War I After World War I, Foreman continued his service with the Illinois National Guard. He was promoted to Brigadier General on June 23, 1920, and Major General on March 19, 1921. Having presided as a temporary chairman at the caucuses in 1919, he was named a Past National Commander of the Legion in 1921. He was the National Executive Committeeman from Illinois for the years 1920–1922. He also served as chairman of the Legion's National Finance Committee in 1921. Foreman was active with this committee between 1920 and 1922.

Personal life Foreman collected rare books. He was buried in Rosehill, Cemetery.

During World War II, he was honored by having a merchant liberty ship named the S.S. Foreman.