Richard M. Blatchford

Richard Milford Blatchford (August 17, 1859 – August 31, 1934) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, and World War I, he attained the rank of major general. He was most notable for his command of the American Expeditionary Forces Line of Communications in France during World War I and his post-war command of the Panama Canal Department.

A native of Fort Hamilton, New York and a member of a family prominent in law, politics, religion, and academia, Blatchford attended Williston Seminary and Claverack College, and was an 1882 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After graduating, Blatchford successfully applied for a commission as a second lieutenant in the 11th Infantry Regiment. At the start of his career, Blatchford served with his regiment on the western frontier, including postings to Dakota Territory, Kansas, and Arizona.

Blatchford was promoted to captain in 1898 and during the Spanish–American War he served two tours of duty in Puerto Rico. During the Philippine–American War, Blatchford served for three years in both field and garrison assignments. During the Mexican Border War, he commanded the 12th Infantry Regiment in Arizona and arranged the August 1914 peace conference between U.S. commander John J. Pershing and Mexican generals Pancho Villa and Álvaro Obregón.

During World War I, Blatchford received promotions to brigadier general and major general, and commanded the Line of Communications for the American Expeditionary Forces in France. His unsatisfactory performance in this role led to his return to the United States, where he commanded the 158th Depot Brigade. After the war, Blatchford commanded the Panama Canal Department, Presidio of San Francisco, 8th Infantry Brigade and Camp Lewis, and 5th Infantry Brigade and Vancouver Barracks before retiring in 1922. He died in San Francisco on August 31, 1934, and was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.

Early life and education Richard Milford Blatchford was born at Fort Hamilton, New York on August 17, 1859,