William Renwick Smedberg Jr.

William Renwick Smedberg Jr. (January 3, 1871 – October 9, 1942) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and World War I, he attained the rank of brigadier general and was most notable for his command of the 305th Infantry Regiment, 153rd Infantry Brigade, 63rd Infantry Brigade, Military District of Arizona, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and 2nd Cavalry Brigade.

Early life Smedberg was born in San Francisco, California on January 3, 1871, the son of Fanny Marie (Raymond) Smedberg and Colonel William Renwick Smedberg. The senior Smedberg was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War who was wounded and lost a leg at the Battle of the Wilderness. The younger Smedberg attended the schools of San Francisco and graduated from Lowell High School. While attending high school, Smedberg gained his initial military experience as a member of the California National Guard's Company K (Cadet Company), 1st Infantry Regiment, which he rose to command with the rank of captain.

In August 1888, Smedberg was appointed to the United States Military Academy by Congressman William W. Morrow. He began attendance in 1889 and graduated in 1893, ranked 16 of 51. He was noted for his athletic prowess, and early in his military career he took part in sports including baseball, and horse racing. In 1896, Smedberg was assigned to the West Point staff, first as a cadet tactical officer, then as an instructor in modern languages. Smedberg received the Citation Star to recognize his wartime heroism. Subsequent investigation of possible atrocities by the U.S. military highlighted Smedberg's efforts to prevent soldiers from looting Filipino homes and personal property. In 1903, he returned to the Philippines and was assigned to the Department of Mindanao. From 1910 to 1912, he commanded a troop of the 14th Cavalry at Fort Stotsenburg in the Philippines. and he reverted to the permanent rank of colonel. In 1921, he graduated from the Command and General Staff College, and he subsequently completed the course at the Army War College. In 1930, the U.S. Congress enacted a law allowing World War I general officers to retire at the highest rank they had held during the war. As a result, Smedberg was promoted to brigadier general on the Army's retired list.

Retirement and death In retirement, Smedberg was a resident of Washington, D.C. He died at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington on October 9, 1942.

Family In 1901, Smedberg married Louise Gore Chaffin (1879–1977). They remained married until his death. Smedberg's grandson, William R. Smedberg IV (1929–2008), attained the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy,

Smedberg's sister Helen Howard Smedberg (1869–1953) was the husband of George W. McIver. McIver was an 1882 West Point graduate who attained the rank of brigadier general before retiring in 1922.