Introduction
Clement Alexander Finley Flagler (August 17, 1867 – May 7, 1922) was a United States Army Major General who was noteworthy as regimental, brigade and division commander in World War I.
Early life
He was born Clement Alexander Finley Flagler in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Brigadier General Daniel Webster Flagler, for whom Fort Flagler, Washington was named.
The younger Flagler was named for his maternal grandfather, Army Surgeon General Clement Alexander Finley. Known as Clement Flagler, Clement A.F. Flagler, and C.A.F Flagler, he grew up in Iowa while his father commanded the Rock Island Arsenal.
In 1885 he received a bachelor of science degree from Griswold College, afterwards accepting appointment to the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1889.
While at West Point Flagler was nicknamed "Sioux" as a testament to his dark eyes, hair and complexion, his having been raised in Iowa, and his self-professed Native American heritage, and his classmates used it with him for the rest of his life.
Start of military career
Assigned as an Engineer officer, Flagler served as instructor in civil and military engineering at West Point, and as engineer officer at Chickamauga, Georgia.
Spanish–American War
During the Spanish–American War Flagler was temporarily promoted to Major and assigned as engineer officer on the staff of the U.S. Army commander in Puerto Rico.
Post–Spanish–American War
Following the Spanish–American War Flagler continued to carry out Engineer assignments, including serving as officer in charge of the federal lighthouse district based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a posting as chief engineering officer for the Army's Department of the East. Flagler also played a role in choosing the route for enlarging the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal.
In 1914 Flagler graduated from the Army War College.
After his War College graduation Flagler served as engineer officer for the District of Columbia Engineer District.
Pancho Villa Expedition
During Mexican border skirmishes of 1914–1916, Flagler served on General Funston's staff in the Vera Cruz Expedition.
World War I
During World War I, Flagler successively commanded the 7th Engineer Regiment, 5th Infantry Division Artillery, III Corps Artillery, and the 42nd (Rainbow) Infantry Division, attaining the temporary rank of Major General.
Post World War I
After World War I Flagler served as commandant of the Army's Engineer School at Camp Humphreys, Virginia and then chief engineer of the department based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
In 1921 Flagler was assigned to Baltimore as chief engineer of the Eastern Division, the post in which he was serving when he died.
Military awards
General Flagler was a recipient of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre for his World War I service.
Death and interment
General Flagler died at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section West E Site 147.
External Resources
- Clement Flagler at Find a Grave
- Clement Alexander Finley Flagler page, Arlington National Cemetery.net web site, accessed March 20, 2011