Spring Militaria, Art, Rock Music Auction
Lot 78:
Description
17×13 in Framed portraits. Major General Robert Alexander (1863–1941) was a distinguished officer in the United States Army, best known for commanding the 77th Infantry Division during World War I—the same division that included the famed "Lost Battalion" on the Western Front in 1918.Born on October 17, 1863, in Baltimore, Maryland, Alexander was the son of Judge William Alexander, a respected member of both the Baltimore City Circuit Court and the Maryland Court of Appeals. Though initially trained in law under the guidance of J.B. and Edwin H. Brown in Centreville, Maryland, Alexander chose a military path instead, enlisting as a private in the 4th Infantry Regiment in 1886.He advanced rapidly through the enlisted ranks, becoming a first sergeant by 1887 and receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in 1889. His early service included assignments during the American Indian Wars and deployments to Puerto Rico during the Spanish–American War.In the Philippine–American War, Alexander served with the 11th Infantry Regiment, seeing combat on Leyte and Samar, where he was wounded in action during a clash with insurgents. His later duties included service along the Texas–Mexico border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.A seasoned officer, Alexander completed studies at both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College, preparing him for senior leadership roles.During World War I, he initially served as Inspector General in the Zone of Communications from late 1917 into early 1918. His leadership and service led to a series of promotions—brigadier general in February 1918, and major general in August 1918. Under his command, the 77th Division earned distinction in key operations in France.
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