Robert Emmet Callan

Major General Robert Emmet Callan (March 24, 1874 – November 20, 1936) was a distinguished United States Army Coast Artillery officer who served in the United States and overseas in places such as Puerto Rico, France and the Philippines. He saw frontline action in the Spanish–American War and World War I.

Early career

Callan was born on March 24, 1874, in Baltimore, Maryland, but his family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1877. He attended the University of Tennessee from 1888 to 1891. Before graduating from this school, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated there, fourth in a class of 73, in June 1896.

After graduating from West Point, Callan became a commissioned officer of the United States Army. He was a Second Lieutenant in the Fifth U.S. Artillery. He was in camp at Port Tampa, Florida, from May to June 2, 1898. He participated in the Puerto Rican Campaign of the Spanish–American War and was in action at Hormigueros, Puerto Rico on August 10, 1898. He also served in Cuba. Callan became a First Lieutenant on March 2, 1899, while serving in the Fifth U.S. Artillery. In 1917, he became chief of staff of the Philippine Department.

World War I During World War I, Callan served as a temporary colonel from August 1917 to August 1918 and temporary brigadier general from August 1918 to May 1919. He was on duty in France and was Chief of Staff of the 1st Army Artillery, Commanding General of the 33rd Artillery Brigade and participated in the Montdidier-Noyon Defensive and in the Aisne-Marne Offensive. He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his service during World War I. The citation for the medal reads:

Later career

After World War I, Callan reverted to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel. He was soon promoted to colonel in June 1920. After graduating from the United States Army War College in June 1921, Callan was promoted to brigadier general.

Awards and honors In addition to receiving the Distinguished Service Medal, Callan was honored by the military in several other ways. Camp Callan, a World War II artillery training center, was named in his honor. He was also memorialized by the troopship .

France made him an officer of the Legion of Honour.

Italy recognized him with the Order of the Crown of Italy.