USMA Class of 1885. Cullum No. 3074.
He was the son of Willard Francis Holbrook (1827-1886) and Mary Ames Holbrook (1840-1893) of Arkansaw, Wisconsin.
On October 1, 1896, he married Anna H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at the District of Columbia.
They were the parents of two children.
In 1909, he married Josephine H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at New Jersey.
They had no children.
Sixty-Fourth Annual Report of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, June 12, 1933, The Moore Printing Company, Newburgh, New York.
Willard Ames Holbrook
No. 3074. Class of 1885.
Died July 18, 1932, at Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C., aged 71 years.
In midsummer just fifty-two years ago, in a little town of northern Wisconsin, a young fellow of twenty-one picked up a bit of newspaper wrapper on which he read a notice by the congressman of the district of a competitive examination in a nearby town, for a vacant cadetship at West Point in September. Yes, Willard, said the postmaster, his friend (the young fellow's known clean, fair, manly, straight forward character had made friends of all who knew him) and I hope you'll go try for it. I think you'll win it. But, after a moment, I don't know. I understand no matter who wins in the competitive examination, the congressman is planning to give the place to young -----.
The young fellow went away. He thought little or not at all about West Point and doubted that he could win in the competitive examination; but he thought that it would be a lot of fun to get a wagon load of his fellows to go with him and take that examination to scare young ----- and the congressman about the way the thing was reported as laid out. He did and the other fellows quickly dropping out, he won. To his great surprise the congressman, as good as his advertisement, gave him the appointment. He accepted.
As every Sep, he started under the disadvantage of taking the usual cadet jumping, his academic studies and the first hard beast drills all at the same time. But he came on well at first and always, displaying ever a balance and developed discretion unusual in cadets. He did his work and study never apparently in a spirit of beating or surpassing someone else, to get class standing or to impress people; but as if simply to meet his own sense of what was right, duty and becoming – a remarkable, an unusual way. And to this high standard as to that sense of fair dealing that had moved him to take the competitive examination he was to hold through life.
A good rider when he came to West Point, he there took more than ever to the horse and on graduation chose the cavalry, considered the arme d'elite in that day, to become, as life went on, a veritable centaur.
He was at western posts as the Indian days ended. One clash only fell to him, with the Crows, in Montana; but the romance and the traditions of the cavalry in Indian days came down to him increasing his devotion to his arm.
In 1891 he was Honor Graduate, Infantry and Cavalry School. He also graduated in 1912 from the Army War College. In 1921 he received the degree of M.M.S., from Norwich University. In 1922 he graduated from the Cavalry School.
He soon after the Infantry and Cavalry School became aide de camp to that able and distinguished old officer, General David S. Stanley – a broadening association for any young officer. Next, he had four years duty at West Point as instructor and tactical officer. It bound his heart closely and forever to his alma mater.
He married [October 1, 1896 in the District of Columbia] Anna, General Stanley's daughter. After some years she died, leaving two sons, who both, like their father, went to West Point, graduated and took the cavalry. In time again he married [1909 in New Jersey] another of General Stanley's daughters, Josephine, who also died before him, leaving no children.
In the Spanish American War he became at once a captain in the Adjutant General's Department in a Southern camp and in Cuba. In the Philippine War he became at once major of the 38th United States Volunteers and was recommended for brevet lieutenant colonelcy for gallantry in his first fight. He afterward commanded or took part in a dozen or more action in one of which the writer, looking at his stern fighting countenance and determined actions, thought, I should hate to encounter that man in a fight.
But warrior though he was in fight, it was in pacification that he was to render the most valuable service to his country. His father had died soon after his graduation and he, on account of the trust and confidence which he seemed ever able to inspire, became counselor, director, the effective head and reliance of the family. Nor did it stop with his family; he gradually came to fill the same capacity, counselor, toward others associated with him at his old home and those near or under him in the service. The man's manner and way commanded appeal, trust, confidence. Wherever in the Philippines, when the main fighting was over, he appeared as commander, his presence and character had a trust winning, calming, pacifying effect upon the natives. The United States government probably noting this, put him in charge of both the military and the civil affairs of a province. The natives, won by the fairness, big heartedness and consideration that he always showed, were soon found yielding to his lead and governing. Thirty years after they were still sending him messages of love and confidence.
Not less remarkably calming, pacifying and successful was his management years after of a tense strike situation in Colorado. Just a little lack of understanding, an ill-considered word or act would have precipitated fierce rioting and bloodshed. But there was no lack of understanding in this man, there came no ill-considered word or act from him, only sound reasoning and firmness. So he stood out to all as a man to be trusted and followed. He was and he controlled the situation.
Not quitting this subject and passing over with a bare mention of his quick effective organization of a cavalry regiment and training of a brigade of infantry for the World War, turn for a moment to conditions at that time on our Mexican border. For two or more years, as the United States was being drawn into the World War, all kinds of Mexican troops, federal and state, regulars, irregulars, revolutionists and bandits had been accumulating on the border from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Pacific Coast at San Diego. Whatever their differing national or local purposes, all were imbued with hostility to the United States and they repeatedly raided or shot into our territory killing or wounding citizens and many American soldiers put there to prevent their raiding and violations of our territory.
Moved by this hostility and especially by Germany's offer in the celebrated intercepted Zimmerman dispatch, the Mexicans seemed about to break into open war and invasion of us. Under this threat large numbers, perhaps 100,000 American troops had long been held right on that border, 200,000 more were now in camps in the interior United States training for the war in Europe. One day about this time Brigadier General Holbrook happened to be in an office of the War Department when in came the Secretary of War. Mr. Baker talked to him a few minutes, asked some apparently casual questions and departed but almost at once sent for Holbrook and said, I am sending you as major general to command on the Mexican border. You know the threat there. A war now with Mexico would tremendously unsettle the country. By all means avoid it. A great trust! One wonders whether the Secretary knew Holbrook's record or like many others, was led to his action by the man's look of strength, nobility and character. In any case he judged aright. Wisely and firmly, though under great provocation, the Secretary's one order was carried out; there was no war with Mexico. Along with Mr. Baker, Holbrook merited the Nobel Peace Prize beside the gratitude of his country.
In the end, the Distinguished Service Medal with the citation Major General Willard A. Holbrook. For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service as Commanding General, Southern Department, where his firmness and tact in handling a threatening situation on the Mexican Border materially improved the conditions between the United States and Mexico.
If we believe and we do, that the highest function, the final purpose of the soldier is to end war and fighting and bring back peace, then this man must be placed very, very high on the list of great soldiers that West Point has given to the service of country.
After the Mexican border and the World War various important assignments and last Chief of Cavalry, the service and spirit of which he greatly benefited. The cavalry will long mourn him.
After retirement for age in 1924, death resulted from cancer after long, excruciating suffering, heroically borne.
A great soul.
R.L.B.
He was the son of Willard Francis Holbrook (1827-1886) and Mary Ames Holbrook (1840-1893) of Arkansaw, Wisconsin.
On October 1, 1896, he married Anna H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at the District of Columbia.
They were the parents of two children.
In 1909, he married Josephine H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at New Jersey.
They had no children.
Sixty-Fourth Annual Report of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, June 12, 1933, The Moore Printing Company, Newburgh, New York.
Willard Ames Holbrook
No. 3074. Class of 1885.
Died July 18, 1932, at Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C., aged 71 years.
In midsummer just fifty-two years ago, in a little town of northern Wisconsin, a young fellow of twenty-one picked up a bit of newspaper wrapper on which he read a notice by the congressman of the district of a competitive examination in a nearby town, for a vacant cadetship at West Point in September. Yes, Willard, said the postmaster, his friend (the young fellow's known clean, fair, manly, straight forward character had made friends of all who knew him) and I hope you'll go try for it. I think you'll win it. But, after a moment, I don't know. I understand no matter who wins in the competitive examination, the congressman is planning to give the place to young -----.
The young fellow went away. He thought little or not at all about West Point and doubted that he could win in the competitive examination; but he thought that it would be a lot of fun to get a wagon load of his fellows to go with him and take that examination to scare young ----- and the congressman about the way the thing was reported as laid out. He did and the other fellows quickly dropping out, he won. To his great surprise the congressman, as good as his advertisement, gave him the appointment. He accepted.
As every Sep, he started under the disadvantage of taking the usual cadet jumping, his academic studies and the first hard beast drills all at the same time. But he came on well at first and always, displaying ever a balance and developed discretion unusual in cadets. He did his work and study never apparently in a spirit of beating or surpassing someone else, to get class standing or to impress people; but as if simply to meet his own sense of what was right, duty and becoming – a remarkable, an unusual way. And to this high standard as to that sense of fair dealing that had moved him to take the competitive examination he was to hold through life.
A good rider when he came to West Point, he there took more than ever to the horse and on graduation chose the cavalry, considered the arme d'elite in that day, to become, as life went on, a veritable centaur.
He was at western posts as the Indian days ended. One clash only fell to him, with the Crows, in Montana; but the romance and the traditions of the cavalry in Indian days came down to him increasing his devotion to his arm.
In 1891 he was Honor Graduate, Infantry and Cavalry School. He also graduated in 1912 from the Army War College. In 1921 he received the degree of M.M.S., from Norwich University. In 1922 he graduated from the Cavalry School.
He soon after the Infantry and Cavalry School became aide de camp to that able and distinguished old officer, General David S. Stanley – a broadening association for any young officer. Next, he had four years duty at West Point as instructor and tactical officer. It bound his heart closely and forever to his alma mater.
He married [October 1, 1896 in the District of Columbia] Anna, General Stanley's daughter. After some years she died, leaving two sons, who both, like their father, went to West Point, graduated and took the cavalry. In time again he married [1909 in New Jersey] another of General Stanley's daughters, Josephine, who also died before him, leaving no children.
In the Spanish American War he became at once a captain in the Adjutant General's Department in a Southern camp and in Cuba. In the Philippine War he became at once major of the 38th United States Volunteers and was recommended for brevet lieutenant colonelcy for gallantry in his first fight. He afterward commanded or took part in a dozen or more action in one of which the writer, looking at his stern fighting countenance and determined actions, thought, I should hate to encounter that man in a fight.
But warrior though he was in fight, it was in pacification that he was to render the most valuable service to his country. His father had died soon after his graduation and he, on account of the trust and confidence which he seemed ever able to inspire, became counselor, director, the effective head and reliance of the family. Nor did it stop with his family; he gradually came to fill the same capacity, counselor, toward others associated with him at his old home and those near or under him in the service. The man's manner and way commanded appeal, trust, confidence. Wherever in the Philippines, when the main fighting was over, he appeared as commander, his presence and character had a trust winning, calming, pacifying effect upon the natives. The United States government probably noting this, put him in charge of both the military and the civil affairs of a province. The natives, won by the fairness, big heartedness and consideration that he always showed, were soon found yielding to his lead and governing. Thirty years after they were still sending him messages of love and confidence.
Not less remarkably calming, pacifying and successful was his management years after of a tense strike situation in Colorado. Just a little lack of understanding, an ill-considered word or act would have precipitated fierce rioting and bloodshed. But there was no lack of understanding in this man, there came no ill-considered word or act from him, only sound reasoning and firmness. So he stood out to all as a man to be trusted and followed. He was and he controlled the situation.
Not quitting this subject and passing over with a bare mention of his quick effective organization of a cavalry regiment and training of a brigade of infantry for the World War, turn for a moment to conditions at that time on our Mexican border. For two or more years, as the United States was being drawn into the World War, all kinds of Mexican troops, federal and state, regulars, irregulars, revolutionists and bandits had been accumulating on the border from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Pacific Coast at San Diego. Whatever their differing national or local purposes, all were imbued with hostility to the United States and they repeatedly raided or shot into our territory killing or wounding citizens and many American soldiers put there to prevent their raiding and violations of our territory.
Moved by this hostility and especially by Germany's offer in the celebrated intercepted Zimmerman dispatch, the Mexicans seemed about to break into open war and invasion of us. Under this threat large numbers, perhaps 100,000 American troops had long been held right on that border, 200,000 more were now in camps in the interior United States training for the war in Europe. One day about this time Brigadier General Holbrook happened to be in an office of the War Department when in came the Secretary of War. Mr. Baker talked to him a few minutes, asked some apparently casual questions and departed but almost at once sent for Holbrook and said, I am sending you as major general to command on the Mexican border. You know the threat there. A war now with Mexico would tremendously unsettle the country. By all means avoid it. A great trust! One wonders whether the Secretary knew Holbrook's record or like many others, was led to his action by the man's look of strength, nobility and character. In any case he judged aright. Wisely and firmly, though under great provocation, the Secretary's one order was carried out; there was no war with Mexico. Along with Mr. Baker, Holbrook merited the Nobel Peace Prize beside the gratitude of his country.
In the end, the Distinguished Service Medal with the citation Major General Willard A. Holbrook. For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service as Commanding General, Southern Department, where his firmness and tact in handling a threatening situation on the Mexican Border materially improved the conditions between the United States and Mexico.
If we believe and we do, that the highest function, the final purpose of the soldier is to end war and fighting and bring back peace, then this man must be placed very, very high on the list of great soldiers that West Point has given to the service of country.
After the Mexican border and the World War various important assignments and last Chief of Cavalry, the service and spirit of which he greatly benefited. The cavalry will long mourn him.
After retirement for age in 1924, death resulted from cancer after long, excruciating suffering, heroically borne.
A great soul.
R.L.B.
USMA Class of 1885. Cullum No. 3074.
He was the son of Willard Francis Holbrook (1827-1886) and Mary Ames Holbrook (1840-1893) of Arkansaw, Wisconsin.
On October 1, 1896, he married Anna H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at the District of Columbia.
They were the parents of two children.
In 1909, he married Josephine H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at New Jersey.
They had no children.
Sixty-Fourth Annual Report of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, June 12, 1933, The Moore Printing Company, Newburgh, New York.
Willard Ames Holbrook
No. 3074. Class of 1885.
Died July 18, 1932, at Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C., aged 71 years.
In midsummer just fifty-two years ago, in a little town of northern Wisconsin, a young fellow of twenty-one picked up a bit of newspaper wrapper on which he read a notice by the congressman of the district of a competitive examination in a nearby town, for a vacant cadetship at West Point in September. Yes, Willard, said the postmaster, his friend (the young fellow's known clean, fair, manly, straight forward character had made friends of all who knew him) and I hope you'll go try for it. I think you'll win it. But, after a moment, I don't know. I understand no matter who wins in the competitive examination, the congressman is planning to give the place to young -----.
The young fellow went away. He thought little or not at all about West Point and doubted that he could win in the competitive examination; but he thought that it would be a lot of fun to get a wagon load of his fellows to go with him and take that examination to scare young ----- and the congressman about the way the thing was reported as laid out. He did and the other fellows quickly dropping out, he won. To his great surprise the congressman, as good as his advertisement, gave him the appointment. He accepted.
As every Sep, he started under the disadvantage of taking the usual cadet jumping, his academic studies and the first hard beast drills all at the same time. But he came on well at first and always, displaying ever a balance and developed discretion unusual in cadets. He did his work and study never apparently in a spirit of beating or surpassing someone else, to get class standing or to impress people; but as if simply to meet his own sense of what was right, duty and becoming – a remarkable, an unusual way. And to this high standard as to that sense of fair dealing that had moved him to take the competitive examination he was to hold through life.
A good rider when he came to West Point, he there took more than ever to the horse and on graduation chose the cavalry, considered the arme d'elite in that day, to become, as life went on, a veritable centaur.
He was at western posts as the Indian days ended. One clash only fell to him, with the Crows, in Montana; but the romance and the traditions of the cavalry in Indian days came down to him increasing his devotion to his arm.
In 1891 he was Honor Graduate, Infantry and Cavalry School. He also graduated in 1912 from the Army War College. In 1921 he received the degree of M.M.S., from Norwich University. In 1922 he graduated from the Cavalry School.
He soon after the Infantry and Cavalry School became aide de camp to that able and distinguished old officer, General David S. Stanley – a broadening association for any young officer. Next, he had four years duty at West Point as instructor and tactical officer. It bound his heart closely and forever to his alma mater.
He married [October 1, 1896 in the District of Columbia] Anna, General Stanley's daughter. After some years she died, leaving two sons, who both, like their father, went to West Point, graduated and took the cavalry. In time again he married [1909 in New Jersey] another of General Stanley's daughters, Josephine, who also died before him, leaving no children.
In the Spanish American War he became at once a captain in the Adjutant General's Department in a Southern camp and in Cuba. In the Philippine War he became at once major of the 38th United States Volunteers and was recommended for brevet lieutenant colonelcy for gallantry in his first fight. He afterward commanded or took part in a dozen or more action in one of which the writer, looking at his stern fighting countenance and determined actions, thought, I should hate to encounter that man in a fight.
But warrior though he was in fight, it was in pacification that he was to render the most valuable service to his country. His father had died soon after his graduation and he, on account of the trust and confidence which he seemed ever able to inspire, became counselor, director, the effective head and reliance of the family. Nor did it stop with his family; he gradually came to fill the same capacity, counselor, toward others associated with him at his old home and those near or under him in the service. The man's manner and way commanded appeal, trust, confidence. Wherever in the Philippines, when the main fighting was over, he appeared as commander, his presence and character had a trust winning, calming, pacifying effect upon the natives. The United States government probably noting this, put him in charge of both the military and the civil affairs of a province. The natives, won by the fairness, big heartedness and consideration that he always showed, were soon found yielding to his lead and governing. Thirty years after they were still sending him messages of love and confidence.
Not less remarkably calming, pacifying and successful was his management years after of a tense strike situation in Colorado. Just a little lack of understanding, an ill-considered word or act would have precipitated fierce rioting and bloodshed. But there was no lack of understanding in this man, there came no ill-considered word or act from him, only sound reasoning and firmness. So he stood out to all as a man to be trusted and followed. He was and he controlled the situation.
Not quitting this subject and passing over with a bare mention of his quick effective organization of a cavalry regiment and training of a brigade of infantry for the World War, turn for a moment to conditions at that time on our Mexican border. For two or more years, as the United States was being drawn into the World War, all kinds of Mexican troops, federal and state, regulars, irregulars, revolutionists and bandits had been accumulating on the border from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Pacific Coast at San Diego. Whatever their differing national or local purposes, all were imbued with hostility to the United States and they repeatedly raided or shot into our territory killing or wounding citizens and many American soldiers put there to prevent their raiding and violations of our territory.
Moved by this hostility and especially by Germany's offer in the celebrated intercepted Zimmerman dispatch, the Mexicans seemed about to break into open war and invasion of us. Under this threat large numbers, perhaps 100,000 American troops had long been held right on that border, 200,000 more were now in camps in the interior United States training for the war in Europe. One day about this time Brigadier General Holbrook happened to be in an office of the War Department when in came the Secretary of War. Mr. Baker talked to him a few minutes, asked some apparently casual questions and departed but almost at once sent for Holbrook and said, I am sending you as major general to command on the Mexican border. You know the threat there. A war now with Mexico would tremendously unsettle the country. By all means avoid it. A great trust! One wonders whether the Secretary knew Holbrook's record or like many others, was led to his action by the man's look of strength, nobility and character. In any case he judged aright. Wisely and firmly, though under great provocation, the Secretary's one order was carried out; there was no war with Mexico. Along with Mr. Baker, Holbrook merited the Nobel Peace Prize beside the gratitude of his country.
In the end, the Distinguished Service Medal with the citation Major General Willard A. Holbrook. For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service as Commanding General, Southern Department, where his firmness and tact in handling a threatening situation on the Mexican Border materially improved the conditions between the United States and Mexico.
If we believe and we do, that the highest function, the final purpose of the soldier is to end war and fighting and bring back peace, then this man must be placed very, very high on the list of great soldiers that West Point has given to the service of country.
After the Mexican border and the World War various important assignments and last Chief of Cavalry, the service and spirit of which he greatly benefited. The cavalry will long mourn him.
After retirement for age in 1924, death resulted from cancer after long, excruciating suffering, heroically borne.
A great soul.
R.L.B.
He was the son of Willard Francis Holbrook (1827-1886) and Mary Ames Holbrook (1840-1893) of Arkansaw, Wisconsin.
On October 1, 1896, he married Anna H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at the District of Columbia.
They were the parents of two children.
In 1909, he married Josephine H. Stanley, daughter of General David S. Stanley at New Jersey.
They had no children.
Sixty-Fourth Annual Report of the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, June 12, 1933, The Moore Printing Company, Newburgh, New York.
Willard Ames Holbrook
No. 3074. Class of 1885.
Died July 18, 1932, at Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C., aged 71 years.
In midsummer just fifty-two years ago, in a little town of northern Wisconsin, a young fellow of twenty-one picked up a bit of newspaper wrapper on which he read a notice by the congressman of the district of a competitive examination in a nearby town, for a vacant cadetship at West Point in September. Yes, Willard, said the postmaster, his friend (the young fellow's known clean, fair, manly, straight forward character had made friends of all who knew him) and I hope you'll go try for it. I think you'll win it. But, after a moment, I don't know. I understand no matter who wins in the competitive examination, the congressman is planning to give the place to young -----.
The young fellow went away. He thought little or not at all about West Point and doubted that he could win in the competitive examination; but he thought that it would be a lot of fun to get a wagon load of his fellows to go with him and take that examination to scare young ----- and the congressman about the way the thing was reported as laid out. He did and the other fellows quickly dropping out, he won. To his great surprise the congressman, as good as his advertisement, gave him the appointment. He accepted.
As every Sep, he started under the disadvantage of taking the usual cadet jumping, his academic studies and the first hard beast drills all at the same time. But he came on well at first and always, displaying ever a balance and developed discretion unusual in cadets. He did his work and study never apparently in a spirit of beating or surpassing someone else, to get class standing or to impress people; but as if simply to meet his own sense of what was right, duty and becoming – a remarkable, an unusual way. And to this high standard as to that sense of fair dealing that had moved him to take the competitive examination he was to hold through life.
A good rider when he came to West Point, he there took more than ever to the horse and on graduation chose the cavalry, considered the arme d'elite in that day, to become, as life went on, a veritable centaur.
He was at western posts as the Indian days ended. One clash only fell to him, with the Crows, in Montana; but the romance and the traditions of the cavalry in Indian days came down to him increasing his devotion to his arm.
In 1891 he was Honor Graduate, Infantry and Cavalry School. He also graduated in 1912 from the Army War College. In 1921 he received the degree of M.M.S., from Norwich University. In 1922 he graduated from the Cavalry School.
He soon after the Infantry and Cavalry School became aide de camp to that able and distinguished old officer, General David S. Stanley – a broadening association for any young officer. Next, he had four years duty at West Point as instructor and tactical officer. It bound his heart closely and forever to his alma mater.
He married [October 1, 1896 in the District of Columbia] Anna, General Stanley's daughter. After some years she died, leaving two sons, who both, like their father, went to West Point, graduated and took the cavalry. In time again he married [1909 in New Jersey] another of General Stanley's daughters, Josephine, who also died before him, leaving no children.
In the Spanish American War he became at once a captain in the Adjutant General's Department in a Southern camp and in Cuba. In the Philippine War he became at once major of the 38th United States Volunteers and was recommended for brevet lieutenant colonelcy for gallantry in his first fight. He afterward commanded or took part in a dozen or more action in one of which the writer, looking at his stern fighting countenance and determined actions, thought, I should hate to encounter that man in a fight.
But warrior though he was in fight, it was in pacification that he was to render the most valuable service to his country. His father had died soon after his graduation and he, on account of the trust and confidence which he seemed ever able to inspire, became counselor, director, the effective head and reliance of the family. Nor did it stop with his family; he gradually came to fill the same capacity, counselor, toward others associated with him at his old home and those near or under him in the service. The man's manner and way commanded appeal, trust, confidence. Wherever in the Philippines, when the main fighting was over, he appeared as commander, his presence and character had a trust winning, calming, pacifying effect upon the natives. The United States government probably noting this, put him in charge of both the military and the civil affairs of a province. The natives, won by the fairness, big heartedness and consideration that he always showed, were soon found yielding to his lead and governing. Thirty years after they were still sending him messages of love and confidence.
Not less remarkably calming, pacifying and successful was his management years after of a tense strike situation in Colorado. Just a little lack of understanding, an ill-considered word or act would have precipitated fierce rioting and bloodshed. But there was no lack of understanding in this man, there came no ill-considered word or act from him, only sound reasoning and firmness. So he stood out to all as a man to be trusted and followed. He was and he controlled the situation.
Not quitting this subject and passing over with a bare mention of his quick effective organization of a cavalry regiment and training of a brigade of infantry for the World War, turn for a moment to conditions at that time on our Mexican border. For two or more years, as the United States was being drawn into the World War, all kinds of Mexican troops, federal and state, regulars, irregulars, revolutionists and bandits had been accumulating on the border from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the Pacific Coast at San Diego. Whatever their differing national or local purposes, all were imbued with hostility to the United States and they repeatedly raided or shot into our territory killing or wounding citizens and many American soldiers put there to prevent their raiding and violations of our territory.
Moved by this hostility and especially by Germany's offer in the celebrated intercepted Zimmerman dispatch, the Mexicans seemed about to break into open war and invasion of us. Under this threat large numbers, perhaps 100,000 American troops had long been held right on that border, 200,000 more were now in camps in the interior United States training for the war in Europe. One day about this time Brigadier General Holbrook happened to be in an office of the War Department when in came the Secretary of War. Mr. Baker talked to him a few minutes, asked some apparently casual questions and departed but almost at once sent for Holbrook and said, I am sending you as major general to command on the Mexican border. You know the threat there. A war now with Mexico would tremendously unsettle the country. By all means avoid it. A great trust! One wonders whether the Secretary knew Holbrook's record or like many others, was led to his action by the man's look of strength, nobility and character. In any case he judged aright. Wisely and firmly, though under great provocation, the Secretary's one order was carried out; there was no war with Mexico. Along with Mr. Baker, Holbrook merited the Nobel Peace Prize beside the gratitude of his country.
In the end, the Distinguished Service Medal with the citation Major General Willard A. Holbrook. For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service as Commanding General, Southern Department, where his firmness and tact in handling a threatening situation on the Mexican Border materially improved the conditions between the United States and Mexico.
If we believe and we do, that the highest function, the final purpose of the soldier is to end war and fighting and bring back peace, then this man must be placed very, very high on the list of great soldiers that West Point has given to the service of country.
After the Mexican border and the World War various important assignments and last Chief of Cavalry, the service and spirit of which he greatly benefited. The cavalry will long mourn him.
After retirement for age in 1924, death resulted from cancer after long, excruciating suffering, heroically borne.
A great soul.
R.L.B.
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