Russell P. Hartle

Major General Russell Peter Hartle (June 26, 1889 – November 23, 1961) was a senior United States Army officer who fought in World War I and World War II, where he commanded the 34th Infantry Division and V Corps in the European Theater of Operations.

Early life and military career Hartle graduated from St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1910, and received a commission as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Branch of the United States Army in the same year. Soon thereafter, he was sent to the Philippine Islands as the American military government was still attempting to stabilize the country nine years after the end of the Philippine–American War, yet still in turmoil due in large part to the Moro Rebellion.

In 1912, Hartle served with the 10th Infantry Regiment, then at Fort Douglas, Utah. From 1913 to 1916, he served with the 20th Infantry Regiment on the United States border with Mexico during the Mexican Border War.

Promoted to the rank of colonel on August 15, 1939, The recommendation was authorized by General George C. Marshall, the United States Army Chief of Staff, in May 1942.

On May 20, 1942, Hartle was promoted to the command of V Corps under Major General James E. Chaney, who commanded United States Army Forces in the United Kingdom. Hartle continued to serve in that capacity under Lieutenant General Dwight D. Eisenhower from June 15 to October 24, 1942.

On November 2, 1942, Hartle became Deputy Commander of American troops in the ETOUSA. Hartle commanded V Corps until his reassignment effective July 7, 1943, to Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, Washington D.C. On July 17, 1943, Hartle was reassigned to Camp Fannin, Texas, to train replacement troops. The exact reason for the reassignment is unclear; however, it was most likely due to Marshall's dissatisfaction with Hartle as a potential battlefield commander. Marshall was believed to keep a "little black book" containing the names of key officers he deemed worthy of battlefield command. It is possible that Hartle just did not make it into the book. Major General Hartle retired from the army with a physical disability on June 30, 1946, while living in Tyler, Texas.

Postwar Upon his retirement from the military, Hartle returned to Washington County, Maryland.

On December 14, 1945, at the Scottish Rite Temple, in Wichita, Kansas, Hartle was awarded his 33rd Degree Rank of Freemasonry.

In 1950, Hartle made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat to become Congressman for the 6th Congressional District of Maryland.

Hartle died on November 23, 1961, at the age of 72 in Bethesda, Maryland, and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland.

Medals and decorations

Army Distinguished Service MedalLegion of MeritMexican Border Service MedalWorld War I Victory MedalArmy of Occupation of Germany MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalAmerican Campaign MedalEuropean–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one service starWorld War II Victory Medal