William Remsburg Grove

William Remsburg Grove (May 16, 1872 – August 6, 1952) was an American soldier who received the Medal of Honor. During the Philippine–American War, he charged against a group of rebels and assisted his commanding officer (J. Franklin Bell) in killing or capturing all of them while armed with only a pistol. For this he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1902.

Early life William Grove was born in Montezuma, Iowa, on May 16, 1872. He was the second of ten children born to Silas Wright and Angeline (née Crowell) Grove. Silas Grove fought with Company E, 15th Iowa Infantry during the American Civil War.

In his youth, Grove's family owned various newspapers in Iowa, Kansas and Colorado. All family members were expected to assist the fledgling newspapers, and Grove began working as a printer's devil at eight years old. In 1892, he enlisted in the Colorado National Guard, rising from the rank of private to captain by May 1, 1898.

Military career At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War, Grove was serving as the assistant adjutant general for Colorado. Colorado's initial contribution of troops to the war came in the form of the 1st Colorado Infantry Regiment. Grove's promotion to captain came at this time, and the unit was deployed to the Philippines in June. After the end of hostilities with Spain, the unit was retained to prepare for the Philippine Insurrection expected to follow. During this preparation, Grove was promoted to major on September 27, 1898. After the 1st Colorado Infantry were relieved by the 36th U. S. Volunteer Infantry, Grove joined that unit and was subsequently promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 5, 1899. On December 24, 1899, he was promoted to colonel. While in the Philippines, Grove participated in 32 hostile engagements, was wounded once, promoted three times, received five citations for bravery, and was twice recommended for the Medal of Honor. He was also recommended for brevet promotions and specifically called out by J. Franklin Bell, future Chief of Staff of the United States Army, for his heroism. Then Colonel Bell was Grove's commanding officer, and was the colonel mentioned in Grove's Medal of Honor citation. Then Major General Douglas MacArthur agreed, and personally recommended him for commission in the regular army.

Following his return to the United States in March 1901, Grove accepted a regular army commission as a captain and went on to serve various tours as quartermaster and commissary. One of these included his return to the Philippines, where he received high praise from Major General John F. Weston. He was promoted to major in December 1911. In April 1913, he was placed in charge of subsistence (food service) in support of the 1913 Gettysburg reunion, again receiving high praise from many, including Major General Leonard Wood and Pennsylvania Governor John K. Tener.

Personal life On December 7, 1897, Grove married Flora Graham in Denver, Colorado. They had two sons: William Remsburg Grove Jr. (1902–1978) and Graham Crowell Grove (1904–1915). William Remsburg Grove Jr. graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1923, served in the U.S. Army

Distinguished Service Medal Citation: For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services as assistant to the Chief of the Supply Division, Quartermaster General’s Office, a position of great responsibility. He was charged with the procurement of the subsistence supplies of the army in the United States and France, and to him is due the organization of the subsistence division of the Office of the Quartermaster General. In cooperation with the Food Administration, he made arrangements for the procurement of all subsistence supplies required for the Army. He rendered services of much value.

Silver Star citations For gallantry in action in connection with operations against a hostile force, August 1898, near Fort San Antonio de Abad, Philippine Islands.

For gallantry in action against Insurgent forces near Manila, Philippine Islands, February 5, 1899.

For gallantry in action against Insurgent forces at Bacolor, Luzon, Philippine Islands, August 9, 1899.

For gallantry in action against Insurgent forces near Porac, Luzon, Philippine Islands, October 17, 1899.

For gallantry in action against Insurgent forces near Porac, Luzon, Philippine Islands, November 3, 1899.

Other military awards Spanish Campaign Medal Philippine Campaign Medal World War I Victory Medal