William Auman

William Auman (1838-1920) was an American brigadier general of during the American Civil War and Spanish–American War. He was known for commanding the 13th Infantry Regiment during the Battle of San Juan Hill and was the first officer to reach the top of the hill.

Origin William Auman was born on October 17, 1838, at Amityville, Pennsylvania Before the American Civil War broke out, William moved to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, at some point and worked as a clerk there.

American Civil War Auman enlisted in the Union Army on September 11, 1861, within Company G of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment at 22 years of age. On April 18, 1862, he was briefly a private within Company B at the 25th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment until July 29 when he placed back in the 48th Pennsylvania at Company G with the ranks of sergeant and corporal from September 29, 1862, to July 23, 1864. The next day, Auman was promoted to second lieutenant and to first lieutenant on September 12, 1864. Finally, he was promoted to captain on June 4, 1865, after being brevetted captain on April 2, 1864, for "gallant and meritorious services" during the Siege of Petersburg but was also wounded in the mouth in the campaign.

Spanish-American War Despite retiring at his own request, upon the outbreak of the Spanish–American War, he re-enlisted as a major on April 26, 1898. Given command of the 13th Infantry Regiment, the regiment was the last division of Major General William Rufus Shafter and landed at Siboney on June 25 with further orders to advance to Santiago de Cuba. During the Battle of San Juan Hill, he was given command of the 13th Infantry Regiment and lead the regiment during the battle. Auman reportedly said "Forward, Thirteenth!" as he led the initial charge against the Spanish forces on the hill, managing to become the first commander to reach the hill. Auman's forces also managed to capture the Spanish flag, block house and entrenchments. Later on, Auman was transferred to the 21st Infantry Regiment and promoted to lieutenant colonel on September 7, 1900, but was placed back on the 13th Infantry Regiment on March 11, 1901. Auman was then placed on the 29th Infantry Regiment as its colonel on October 16, 1901. Auman was then given his highest promotion to brigadier general on April 16, 1902, before retiring on May 10 of the same year. In 1906, Auman was spotted as a guest within the Potter Hotel at Santa Barbara, California.