Upton Birnie Jr.

Upton Birnie Jr. (7 July 1877 – 15 October 1957) was a career officer in the United States Army. A 1900 graduate of the United States Military Academy, he served from 1900 to 1938 and attained the rank of major general. Birnie was a veteran of World War I and was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal.

A native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Birnie was raised and educated in Philadelphia and was a 1900 graduate of the United States Military Academy. Assigned to the Field Artillery, Birnie served in the United States Military Government in Cuba and Mexican Border War as he worked his way through the ranks in command and staff assignments of increasing responsibility. During World War I, he served in the Operations section (G-3) on the American Expeditionary Forces staff and took part in several battles. After duty during the Occupation of the Rhineland, he returned to the United States, where he continued to command Field Artillery units and carry out high-level staff assignments.

In 1934, Birnie was appointed Chief of Field Artillery with the temporary rank of major general. He retired as a major general in 1938, and resided in Washington, D.C. and Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania. Birnie died in Washington on 15 October 1957 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early life

Upton Birnie Jr. was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on 7 July 1877, a son of clothing store manager Upton Birnie and Susan (Galt) Birnie. His brother Samuel Galt Birnie (1875–1938) was a prominent attorney in Philadelphia. His uncle Rogers Birnie (1851–1939) was a career U.S. Army officer who retired as a colonel.

Birnie was raised and educated in Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School in 1896. After graduating, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy from US Representative John E. Reyburn of Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district. Birnie graduated in 1900 ranked 23rd of 54 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Field Artillery.

Among Birnie's classmates who also attained general officer rank were: Robert E. Wood; Walter S. Grant; Charles M. Wesson, Archibald H. Sunderland; and Augustine McIntyre Jr.

Start of career Birnie was initially assigned to the 6th Artillery Regiment and posted to Havana during the United States Military Government in Cuba, and he remained in Havana until January 1902. He was promoted to first lieutenant in July 1901.

In October 1904 Birnie was detailed for temporary duty with the Ordnance Corps. From June to September 1908, he was posted to Fort Riley, Kansas and Camp Alexander Hays Jr., Pennsylvania as instructor of National Guard units and umpire of National Guard war games.

In August 1917, Birnie received promotion to temporary colonel and assignment to the American Expeditionary Forces staff in France. He successively commanded the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, and 1st Field Artillery Brigade as they completed their post-war drawdown and demobilization. From December 1931 to March 1934, he served in the Philippines as commander of the 24th Field Artillery Regiment (Philippine Scouts). After a successful demonstration at the Artillery School with General George C. Marshall in attendance, Marshall, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, directed Robert M. Danford, Birnie's successor, to implement the reforms. He died in Washington on 15 October 1957. Birnie was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Family In April 1903, Birnie married Sue Taylor Schenck. She died in 1950, and he did not remarry. Margaret Birnie was the wife of John M. Capron; they later divorced, and she was a longtime employee of the United States International Trade Commission.

Awards U.S. awards Birnie's U.S. awards included:

Army Distinguished Service Medal

Effective dates of promotion Birnie's effective dates of promotion were:

Second Lieutenant, June 13, 1900 First Lieutenant, July 1, 1901 Captain, January 25, 1907 Major, May 15, 1917 Colonel (temporary), August 5, 1917 Lieutenant Colonel, September 28, 1919 (continued to serve as temporary colonel) Lieutenant Colonel, June 30, 1920 (reduced from temporary colonel) Colonel, February 11, 1929 Major General (temporary), March 10, 1934 Major General (retired), August 31, 1938

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