Charles A. Doyen
| Charles Augustus Doyen | |
|---|---|
 BGen Charles A. Doyen | |
| Born |
September 3, 1859 Concord, New Hampshire |
| Died |
October 6, 1918 (aged 59) Quantico, Virginia |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1881-1918 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General |
| Commands held |
5th Regiment 4th Brigade, 2nd Division(RA) 2nd Division(RA) |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
Charles Augustus Doyen (3 September 1859 – 6 October 1918) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Brigadier general and the first recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
Biography
Born in Concord, New Hampshire, BGen. Doyen was a member of the Naval Academy class of 1881, later commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He organized and commanded the 5th Marine Regiment in World War I, and in France took command of the 4th Brigade, 2d Division, composed of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and the 6th Gun Battalion. From 26 October to 8 November 1917, he served as Commanding General, US 2d Division(RA), the first Marine officer to command a US Army division. He returned to the United States, dying of influenza on 6 October 1918 at Quantico, VA.[1] The 4th Brigade went on to win a historic victory in Belleau Wood. BGen. Doyen's contribution to these victories was recognized by the posthumous award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the first to ever be awarded.
Namesake
Two ships have been named USS Doyen for him.
References
- ↑ New York Times, October 8, 1918 (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D04E0DE1539E13ABC4053DFB6678383609EDE)
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
- "Doyen". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History & Heritage Command, Department of the Navy. Retrieved 2006-11-19.
- United States Army records of World War I-www.history.army.mil/books/wwi/ob/2-cdr-OB.htm
- Bastedo, Russell (2007). "General Charles Augustus Doyen". Publications - Likenesses of New Hampshire War Heroes & Personages in the Collections of the New Hampshire State House & State Library. New Hampshire State Curator. Retrieved 2009-03-27.