William G. Haan
Encyclopedia
William George Haan was a general in World War I. He graduated from West Point
in 1889, from the Army War College in 1905, and was commissioned in the Artillery. He served in Cuba and the Philippines, and in 1903 went to Panama at the request of Theodore Roosevelt. He was Acting Chief of Staff of the Pacific Division during the Army's relief work following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
.
, and after graduating from West Point, was promoted to First Lieutenant in August 1896. In 1898-1901 he served as Captain of Volunteers, in both Cuba
and the Philippines
. He was made a Captain of the Regular Army
in February 1901, and was mustered out of the Volunteer service the next month.
From 1903–06 he served as a member of the General Staff and went to Panama
for Theodore Roosevelt
. As Acting Chief of Staff of the Pacific Division, he assisted with relief work after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
. For the next several years, he was responsible for several coastal defense positions. In April 1907, he became a Major
and in December 1911 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
. He again served on the General Staff from 1912–14, and in July 1916 was promoted to a Colonel
in the Coast Artillery.
and assigned to command the 57th Field Artillery Brigade of the 32nd Infantry Division at Camp MacArthur, Texas. Troop E commanded by Captain John S. Coney was formed in Kenosha on May 10, 1917, and the Division was officially formed on May 29, 1917. On August 26, 1917, Major General
James Parker assumed command. General Parker had previously been awarded the Medal of Honor
during the Philippine-American War
. Only two months later, the 32nd Division was activated in July 1917 at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas
of National Guard units from Wisconsin and Michigan. In December 1917, Haan was promoted again to the temporary rank of Major General
and commander of the Division.
Division leadership was switched several times between Parker and Haan before the unit arrived in France in February 1918 under Haan's leadership, becoming the sixth U.S. division to join the Allied Expeditionary Force
. In July, it entered the line with the French 6th Army
.
of defense. Major General James Parker reassumed command on December 7, 1917, leading the unit into Alsace in May 1918, attacking 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) in seven days.
, the 32nd Division captured Fismes, and during August their successful capture of Juvigny earned it the nickname "Le Terribles". A French general, impressed by their accomplishment, commented that they ""shot through every line the Germans put before it." The division was nicknamed Les Terribles, honoring them for their unrelenting and successful attacks against the Germans. The division's shoulder patch, a line shot through with a red arrow, signifies its tenacity during World War I. It was the only American unit in General Charles Mangin
s famous 10th French Army
, it fought in the Battle of Oise-Battle of Aisne offensive.
The Division fought continuously for 20 days during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive
and penetrated the last German defensive stronghold, the Kriemhilde Stellung, crossing the Meuse River
. Up to this point much of the war had been a stalemate, fought from static trench lines over the same few kilometers of terrain.
Their next objective was to flank the Germans at Metz. The division was the front line element of the Third U.S. Army. Members of the Division marched 300 kilometres (186.4 mi) to the Rhine River. They were the first Allied Army Unit to pierce the famed German Hindenburg Line
of defense. There they occupied the center sector in the Colbenz bridgehead for four months, during which they held 400 square kilometers and 63 towns. From May through November 1918, they were given only 10 days of rest. The Division fought in three major offensives, engaging and defeating 23 German divisions. They took 2,153 prisoners and gained 32 kilometres (19.9 mi), pushing back every German counterattack. Their success was remarkable.
In November, following the armistice, Hann became commander of VII Corps for occupation duty. A few days later he was promoted to permanent Brigadier General. In April 1919 he returned to the US with 32nd Division, and after its inactivation again, assigned to the General Staff.
was finally signed. The division suffered a total of 13,261 casualties, including 2,250 men killed in action
and 11,011 wounded
, placing it third in the number of battle deaths among U.S. Army divisions. The American, French, and Belgian governments decorated more than 800 officers and enlisted men for their gallantry in combat.
All four division infantry regiments, the three artillery regiments, and the division's three machine gun battalions were awarded the Croix de guerre
by the Republic of France. The flag and standard of every unit in the division was authorized four American battle streamers.
and named Director of the War Plans Division. He retired in May 1922 and was for a time associated with the Milwaukee Journal. He died at Washington, D.C.
, on October 26, 1924. He was buried in Section 4 of Arlington National Cemetery
.
The , launched March 1945, was named in his honor.
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
in 1889, from the Army War College in 1905, and was commissioned in the Artillery. He served in Cuba and the Philippines, and in 1903 went to Panama at the request of Theodore Roosevelt. He was Acting Chief of Staff of the Pacific Division during the Army's relief work following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was a major earthquake that struck San Francisco, California, and the coast of Northern California at 5:12 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 1906. The most widely accepted estimate for the magnitude of the earthquake is a moment magnitude of 7.9; however, other...
.
Early military service
He was born in Crown Point, IndianaCrown Point, Indiana
As of the census of 2010, there were 27,317 people and 10,976 households in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 88.20% White, 6.30% African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.80% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.90% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races...
, and after graduating from West Point, was promoted to First Lieutenant in August 1896. In 1898-1901 he served as Captain of Volunteers, in both Cuba
Spanish-American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
and the Philippines
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
. He was made a Captain of the Regular Army
Regular Army
The Regular Army of the United States was and is the successor to the Continental Army as the country's permanent, professional military establishment. Even in modern times the professional core of the United States Army continues to be called the Regular Army...
in February 1901, and was mustered out of the Volunteer service the next month.
From 1903–06 he served as a member of the General Staff and went to Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
for Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
. As Acting Chief of Staff of the Pacific Division, he assisted with relief work after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was a major earthquake that struck San Francisco, California, and the coast of Northern California at 5:12 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 1906. The most widely accepted estimate for the magnitude of the earthquake is a moment magnitude of 7.9; however, other...
. For the next several years, he was responsible for several coastal defense positions. In April 1907, he became a Major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
and in December 1911 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
. He again served on the General Staff from 1912–14, and in July 1916 was promoted to a Colonel
Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general...
in the Coast Artillery.
32nd Division Commander during World War I
In April 1917, he was given the temporary rank of Brigadier GeneralBrigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
and assigned to command the 57th Field Artillery Brigade of the 32nd Infantry Division at Camp MacArthur, Texas. Troop E commanded by Captain John S. Coney was formed in Kenosha on May 10, 1917, and the Division was officially formed on May 29, 1917. On August 26, 1917, Major General
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
James Parker assumed command. General Parker had previously been awarded the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
during the Philippine-American War
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
. Only two months later, the 32nd Division was activated in July 1917 at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas
Waco, Texas
Waco is a city in and the county seat of McLennan County, Texas. Situated along the Brazos River and on the I-35 corridor, halfway between Dallas and Austin, it is the economic, cultural, and academic center of the 'Heart of Texas' region....
of National Guard units from Wisconsin and Michigan. In December 1917, Haan was promoted again to the temporary rank of Major General
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
and commander of the Division.
Division leadership was switched several times between Parker and Haan before the unit arrived in France in February 1918 under Haan's leadership, becoming the sixth U.S. division to join the Allied Expeditionary Force
American Expeditionary Force
The American Expeditionary Forces or AEF were the United States Armed Forces sent to Europe in World War I. During the United States campaigns in World War I the AEF fought in France alongside British and French allied forces in the last year of the war, against Imperial German forces...
. In July, it entered the line with the French 6th Army
Sixth Army (France)
The Sixth Army was a Field army of the French Army during World War I and World War II.-World War I:*General Maunoury *General Dubois *General Fayolle...
.
32nd Division combat in France and Germany
The Division's men were the first American soldiers to enter cross the German border, piercing the famed and until this time invincible German Hindenburg LineHindenburg Line
The Hindenburg Line was a vast system of defences in northeastern France during World War I. It was constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916–17. The line stretched from Lens to beyond Verdun...
of defense. Major General James Parker reassumed command on December 7, 1917, leading the unit into Alsace in May 1918, attacking 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) in seven days.
Origin of the 32nd Division nickname
During the Battle of MarneSecond Battle of the Marne
The Second Battle of the Marne , or Battle of Reims was the last major German Spring Offensive on the Western Front during the First World War. The German attack failed when an Allied counterattack led by France overwhelmed the Germans, inflicting severe casualties...
, the 32nd Division captured Fismes, and during August their successful capture of Juvigny earned it the nickname "Le Terribles". A French general, impressed by their accomplishment, commented that they ""shot through every line the Germans put before it." The division was nicknamed Les Terribles, honoring them for their unrelenting and successful attacks against the Germans. The division's shoulder patch, a line shot through with a red arrow, signifies its tenacity during World War I. It was the only American unit in General Charles Mangin
Charles Mangin
Charles Emmanuel Marie Mangin was a French general during World War I.-Early career:...
s famous 10th French Army
Tenth Army (France)
The Tenth Army was a Field army of the French Army during World War I. It took part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. After the armistice it was part of the occupation of the Rhineland...
, it fought in the Battle of Oise-Battle of Aisne offensive.
The Division fought continuously for 20 days during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive
Meuse-Argonne Offensive
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire western front.-Overview:...
and penetrated the last German defensive stronghold, the Kriemhilde Stellung, crossing the Meuse River
Meuse River
The Maas or Meuse is a major European river, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea...
. Up to this point much of the war had been a stalemate, fought from static trench lines over the same few kilometers of terrain.
Their next objective was to flank the Germans at Metz. The division was the front line element of the Third U.S. Army. Members of the Division marched 300 kilometres (186.4 mi) to the Rhine River. They were the first Allied Army Unit to pierce the famed German Hindenburg Line
Hindenburg Line
The Hindenburg Line was a vast system of defences in northeastern France during World War I. It was constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916–17. The line stretched from Lens to beyond Verdun...
of defense. There they occupied the center sector in the Colbenz bridgehead for four months, during which they held 400 square kilometers and 63 towns. From May through November 1918, they were given only 10 days of rest. The Division fought in three major offensives, engaging and defeating 23 German divisions. They took 2,153 prisoners and gained 32 kilometres (19.9 mi), pushing back every German counterattack. Their success was remarkable.
In November, following the armistice, Hann became commander of VII Corps for occupation duty. A few days later he was promoted to permanent Brigadier General. In April 1919 he returned to the US with 32nd Division, and after its inactivation again, assigned to the General Staff.
Casualties and decorations
The 32nd Division was still engaging German troops east of the Meuse River when the ArmisticeArmistice
An armistice is a situation in a war where the warring parties agree to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, but may be just a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace...
was finally signed. The division suffered a total of 13,261 casualties, including 2,250 men killed in action
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
and 11,011 wounded
Wounded in action
Wounded in action describes soldiers who have been wounded while fighting in a combat zone during war time, but have not been killed. Typically it implies that they are temporarily or permanently incapable of bearing arms or continuing to fight....
, placing it third in the number of battle deaths among U.S. Army divisions. The American, French, and Belgian governments decorated more than 800 officers and enlisted men for their gallantry in combat.
All four division infantry regiments, the three artillery regiments, and the division's three machine gun battalions were awarded the Croix de guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
by the Republic of France. The flag and standard of every unit in the division was authorized four American battle streamers.
Division deactivation and reorganization
Following the war's end, the division served in the Army of Occupation in Germany, commanded by Maj. Gen. William Lassiter. The division was inactivated on April 5, 1919. On July 24, 1924, the 32nd Division was reorganized again, composed of National Guard units from Wisconsin and Michigan. Its headquarters was home stationed at Lansing, Michigan.Final years and retirement
In July 1920, Haan was promoted to Major GeneralMajor general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
and named Director of the War Plans Division. He retired in May 1922 and was for a time associated with the Milwaukee Journal. He died at Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, on October 26, 1924. He was buried in Section 4 of Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
.
The , launched March 1945, was named in his honor.