The "Boy Colonel" Dies at the Podium-- Part 1

From the September 5th Wisconsin State Journal (Madison) "Odd Wisconsin: 'Boy Colonel' died while speaking during regiment reunion."

Died 100 years ago today.

General Arthur MacArthur (1845-1912) was the celebrated "Boy Colonel."  At age 18, he won the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery at the Battle of Missionary Ridge outside Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the next year given command of his regiment.

After the war, he fought in the west for thirty years and was promoted to general in 1898 and sent to the Philippines.  The U.S. had gotten the islands in the Spanish-American War and refused to turn the government over to the Filipinos who started a guerrilla war against the Americans.

MacArthur was there to suppress it and was extremely harsh, establishing concentration camps, deporting agitators, executed civilians and committed other inhumane actions.

As details of the occupation became known and American deaths surpassed 4,000, Washington declared its military mission accomplished and withdrew.

More to Come.  --Old Secesh