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{{short description|United States Army general}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name=Russell Peter Hartle
| name = Russell P. Hartle
⚫
| image = Russell P Hartle.jpg
|birth_date=June 26, 1889
⚫
| image_size = 180px
|death_date=November 23, 1961 (aged 72)
| alt =
⚫
|image=Russell P Hartle.jpg
⚫
| caption =
⚫
|image_size=180px
⚫
| nickname = "Scrappy"
⚫
|caption=
| birth_date = {{birth date|1889|06|26}}
⚫
|nickname="Scrappy"
|birth_place=[[Chewsville, Maryland]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = [[Chewsville, Maryland]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1961|11|23|1889|06|26}}
|death_place=[[Bethesda, Maryland]], United States
|placeofburial=Rose Hill Cemetery, [[Hagerstown, Maryland]], United States
| death_place = [[Bethesda, Maryland]]
| placeofburial = Rose Hill Cemetery, [[Hagerstown, Maryland]]
|placeofburial_label=
|allegiance={{flag|United States}}
| allegiance = United States
|branch={{army|United States}}
| branch = [[United States Army]]
|serviceyears=1910–1946
| serviceyears = 1910–1946
|rank=[[File:US-O8 insignia.svg|25px]] [[Major general (United States)|Major General]]
| rank = [[Major general (United States)|Major General]]
| servicenumber = 0-2914
|unit=[[File:USA - Army Infantry Insignia.png|25px]] [[Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Branch]]
|commands=[[31st Infantry Regiment (United States)|31st Infantry Regiment]]<br/>[[64th Infantry Regiment (United States)|64th Infantry Regiment]]<br/>[[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]]<br/>[[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]]
| unit = [[Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Branch]]
| commands = [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]]<br/>[[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]]<br/>[[64th Infantry Regiment (United States)|64th Infantry Regiment]]<br/>[[31st Infantry Regiment (United States)|31st Infantry Regiment]]
|battles=[[Pancho Villa Expedition]]<br/>[[World War I]]<br/>[[World War II]]
| battles = [[Philippine&ndash;American War]]<br/>[[Mexican Border War|Border War]]<br/>[[World War I]]<br/>[[World War II]]
|awards=[[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]]
| awards = [[Army Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]]
|relations=
| relations =
|laterwork=
| laterwork =
}}
}}
[[Major general (United States)|Major General]] '''Russell Peter Hartle''' (June 26, 1889 – November 23, 1961) was a senior [[United States Army]] [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] who fought in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]], where he commanded the [[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]] and [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]] in the [[European Theater of Operations, United States Army|European Theater of Operations]] (ETO).
[[Major general (United States)|Major General]] '''Russell Peter Hartle''' (June 26, 1889 – November 23, 1961) was a senior [[United States Army]] officer who fought in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]], where he commanded the [[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]] and [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]] in the [[European Theater of Operations, United States Army|European Theater of Operations]].


⚫
==Early life and military career==
==Biography==
⚫
Hartle graduated from [[St. John's College (Annapolis/Santa Fe)|St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland]], in 1910, and received a [[Officer (armed forces)|commission]] as a [[second lieutenant]] into the [[Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Branch]] of the [[United States Army]] in the same year.<ref name=WHILBR>{{cite web|title=Western Maryland's Historical Library|url=http://www.whilbr.org/GeneralHartle/index.aspx|work=General Russell Hartle|accessdate=16 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Officers of the United States Army">{{cite web|url=https://www.unithistories.com/officers/US_Army_officers_H01.html#Hartle_RP|title=United States Army officer histories|publisher=Unit Histories}}</ref> Soon thereafter, he was sent to the Philippine Islands as the American military government was still attempting to stabilize the country nine years after the end of the [[Campaigns of the Philippine–American War|Philippine–American War]], yet still in turmoil due in large part to the [[Moro Rebellion]].<ref name=Miller>{{cite journal|last=Miller|first=Daniel|title=American Military Strategy During the Moro Insurrection in the Philippines 1903-1913|journal=Fort Leavenworth Kansas: Combat Studies Institute Press|year=2009|page=2}}</ref>
⚫
===Early life and military career===
⚫
Hartle graduated from [[St. John's College (Annapolis/Santa Fe)|St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland]] in 1910, and received a [[Officer (armed forces)|commission]] as a [[second lieutenant]] into the [[Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Branch]] of the [[United States Army]].<ref name=WHILBR>{{cite web|title=Western Maryland’s Historical Library|url=http://www.whilbr.org/GeneralHartle/index.aspx|work=General Russell Hartle|accessdate=16 May 2013}}</ref> Soon thereafter, he was sent to the Philippine Islands as the American military government was still attempting to stabilize the country nine years after the end of the [[Campaigns of the Philippine–American War|Philippine–American War]], yet still in turmoil due in large part to the [[Moro Rebellion]].<ref name=Miller>{{cite journal|last=Miller|first=Daniel|title=American Military Strategy During the Moro Insurrection in the Philippines 1903-1913|journal=Fort Leavenworth Kansas: Combat Studies Institute Press|year=2009|page=2}}</ref>


In 1912, Hartle served with the [[10th Infantry Regiment (United States)|10th Infantry Regiment]], then at [[Fort Douglas, Utah]]. From 1913 to 1916, he served with the [[20th Infantry Regiment (United States)|20th Infantry Regiment]] on the [[Mexico–United States border|US border with Mexico]] during the [[Border War (1910–19)|Mexican Border War]].<ref name=WHILBR />
In 1912, Hartle served with the [[10th Infantry Regiment (United States)|10th Infantry Regiment]], then at [[Fort Douglas, Utah]]. From 1913 to 1916, he served with the [[20th Infantry Regiment (United States)|20th Infantry Regiment]] on the [[Mexico–United States border|United States border with Mexico]] during the [[Border War (1910–19)|Mexican Border War]].<ref name=WHILBR />


During [[World War I]], Hartle served as a [[Captain (United States)|captain]] in the [[13th Infantry Division (United States Army, World War I)|13th Infantry Division]] as it was preparing to leave for France in 1919. After World War I, he was a professor of Military Science and Tactics at [[Utah State University|Utah Agricultural College]] (now Utah State University).<ref name=WHILBR />
During [[World War I]], Hartle served as a [[Captain (United States)|captain]] in the [[13th Infantry Division (United States Army, World War I)|13th Infantry Division]] as it was preparing to leave for France in 1919. After World War I, he was a professor of Military Science and Tactics at [[Utah State University|Utah Agricultural College]] (now Utah State University).<ref name=WHILBR />


===Between the wars===
==Between the wars==
Hartle graduated from the [[United States Army Infantry School|Army Infantry School]] in 1924, the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|U.S. Army Command and General Staff School]] in 1925, and the [[United States Army War College|U.S. Army War College]] in 1930. He returned to the Philippines in 1930, was promoted to the rank of [[Major (United States)|major]], and went on to Shanghai in 1932, as senior battalion commander of the [[31st Infantry Regiment (United States)|31st Infantry]], under orders to protect American lives and property as the Japanese invaded China.<ref name=WHILBR />
Hartle graduated from the [[United States Army Infantry School|Army Infantry School]] in 1924, the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|United States Army Command and General Staff School]] in 1925, and the [[United States Army War College]] in 1930. He returned to the Philippines in 1930, was promoted to the rank of [[Major (United States)|major]], and went on to Shanghai in 1932, as senior battalion commander of the [[31st Infantry Regiment (United States)|31st Infantry]], under orders to protect American lives and property as the Japanese invaded China.<ref name=WHILBR />


In 1934, Hartle graduated from the [[Naval War College]], and from 1934 to 1938, he served as a member of the [http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/WCP/ChapterII.htm War Plans Division] of the [[United States Department of War|War Department]] General Staff. Hartle was the first person to graduate from both the Army and Naval War Colleges.<ref name=WHILBR />
In 1934, Hartle graduated from the [[Naval War College]], and from 1934 to 1938, he served as a member of the [http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/WCP/ChapterII.htm War Plans Division] of the [[United States Department of War|War Department]] General Staff. Hartle was the first person to graduate from both the Army and Naval War Colleges.<ref name=WHILBR /> During that time he received a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel on July 13, 1935.<ref name="Generals of World War II">{{cite web|url=https://generals.dk/general/Hartle/Russell_Peter/USA.html|title=Biography of Major General Russell Peter Hartle (1889−1961), USA|website=generals.dk}}</ref>


Promoted to the rank of [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]], Hartle commanded the [[65th Infantry Regiment (United States)|65th Infantry Regiment]] in Puerto Rico from 1939 to August 1941. His mission was to pull together American and Puerto Rican forces and prepare them to defend the Caribbean and eastern coast of the United States from any Axis aggression. In October 1940, while serving as commander of the mobile forces of Puerto Rico, Hartle was promoted to the [[one-star rank|one-star]] [[general officer]] rank of [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]].<ref name=WHILBR />
Promoted to the rank of [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]] on August 15, 1939,<ref name="Generals of World War II"/> Hartle commanded the [[65th Infantry Regiment (United States)|65th Infantry Regiment]] in Puerto Rico from 1939 to August 1941.<ref name="Officers of the United States Army" /> His mission was to pull together American and Puerto Rican forces and prepare them to defend the Caribbean and eastern coast of the United States from any [[Axis powers|Axis]] aggression. In October 1940, while serving as commander of the mobile forces of Puerto Rico, Hartle was promoted to the temporary [[one-star rank|one-star]] [[general officer]] rank of [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]].<ref name=WHILBR /><ref name="Generals of World War II"/><ref name="Officers of the United States Army" />


In April 1941, war plan [[United States color-coded war plans|RAINBOW 5]] was issued to counter further military assault by Germany against England. On August 5, 1941, Hartle was promoted to the [[two-star rank]] of [[Major general (United States)|major general]] and placed in command of the [[34th Infantry Division (United States)|34th Infantry Division]], an [[Army National Guard]] formation, while the 34th was on [[Louisiana Maneuvers|maneuvers in Louisiana]].<ref name="Generals of World War II"/><ref name="Officers of the United States Army" />
==WWII==


==World War II==
In April 1941, war plan [[United States color-coded war plans|RAINBOW 5]] was issued to counter further military assault by Germany against England. On August 5, 1941, Hartle was promoted to Major General and placed in command of the 34th Infantry Division while the 34th was on [[Louisiana Maneuvers|maneuvers in Louisiana]]. Following the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] on December 7, 1941, and the declaration of war by Germany against the United States on December 11, 1941, war plan [http://www.history.army.mil/reference/ireland/IRECHR.htm MAGNET Force] was activated. Pursuant to that war plan, in January 1942, the 34th Division under Hartle’s command was the first U.S. division shipped overseas – to Northern Ireland to begin the ETOUSA.
Following the Japanese [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] on December 7, 1941, and the German [[German declaration of war against the United States (1941)|declaration of war against the United States on December 11, 1941]], war plan [http://www.history.army.mil/reference/ireland/IRECHR.htm MAGNET Force] was activated. Pursuant to that war plan, in January 1942, the 34th Division under Hartle's command was the first United States division shipped overseas–to [[Northern Ireland]] to begin the [[European Theater of Operations, United States Army|European Theater of Operations]].


In the Spring of 1942, Hartle recommended his aide-de-camp, artillery Captain [[William Orlando Darby|William Darby]], to organize and train the first modern-day American Ranger unit, the [[1st Ranger Battalion (United States)|1st Ranger Battalion]].<ref name=King>{{cite journal|last=King|first=Michael|title=Rangers: Selected Combat Operations in World War II|journal=The Leavenworth Papers: Combat Studies Institute|date=June 1985|issue=11|page=7}}</ref> The recommendation was authorized by General [[George Marshall]] in May 1942.
In the spring of 1942, Hartle recommended his [[aide-de-camp]], artillery Captain [[William Orlando Darby|William O. Darby]], to organize and train the first modern-day [[United States Army Ranger]] unit, the [[1st Ranger Battalion (United States)|1st Ranger Battalion]].<ref name=King>{{cite journal|last=King|first=Michael|title=Rangers: Selected Combat Operations in World War II|journal=The Leavenworth Papers: Combat Studies Institute|date=June 1985|issue=11|page=7}}</ref> The recommendation was authorized by General [[George Marshall|George C. Marshall]], the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Army|United States Army Chief of Staff]], in May 1942.


On May 20, 1942, Hartle was designated commanding general of V Corps under Major General James E. Chaney, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces in the British Isles.<ref name=Chaney>{{cite web|title=Biographies|url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=4973|work=MAJOR GENERAL JAMES E. CHANEY|publisher=U.S. Air Force|accessdate=16 May 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/CgFbY|archivedate=2013-06-26}}</ref> Hartle continued to serve in that capacity under Lt. General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] from June 15, 1942, to October 24, 1942.
On May 20, 1942, Hartle was promoted to the command of [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]] under Major General [[James E. Chaney]], who commanded United States Army Forces in the United Kingdom.<ref name=Chaney>{{cite web|title=Biographies|url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=4973|work=MAJOR GENERAL JAMES E. CHANEY|publisher=U.S. Air Force|accessdate=16 May 2013|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130626170821/http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=4973|archivedate=2013-06-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hartle continued to serve in that capacity under Lieutenant General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] from June 15 to October 24, 1942.


On November 2, 1942, Hartle became Deputy Commander of American troops in the ETOUSA. Hartle commanded V Corps until his reassignment effective July 7, 1943, to Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, Washington D.C. On July 17, 1943, Hartle was reassigned to [[Camp Fannin]], Texas to train replacement troops. The exact reason for the reassignment is unclear; however, it was most likely due to General Marshall's dissatisfaction with Hartle as a potential battlefield commander.<ref>{{cite news|last=Greene|first=Julie|title=Local WWII general had an impact on history|url=http://articles.herald-mail.com/2009-11-21/news/25154549_1_documents-eisenhower-letters|accessdate=2 June 2013|newspaper=The Herald-Mail|date=November 21, 2009}}</ref> Marshall was believed to keep a "little black book" containing the names of key officers he deemed worthy of battlefield command. It is possible that Hartle just did not make it into the book.<ref name=MHMag>{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Mark|title=Louisiana Maneuvers (1940-41)|url=http://www.historynet.com/louisiana-maneuvers-1940-41.htm|publisher=Military History Magazine|accessdate=17 June 2013}}</ref> Major General Hartle retired from the Army with a physical disability on June 30, 1946, while living in Tyler, Texas.<ref name=WHILBR />
On November 2, 1942, Hartle became Deputy Commander of American troops in the ETOUSA. Hartle commanded V Corps until his reassignment effective July 7, 1943, to Headquarters, [[Army Ground Forces]], [[Washington D.C.]] On July 17, 1943, Hartle was reassigned to [[Camp Fannin]], [[Texas]], to train replacement troops. The exact reason for the reassignment is unclear; however, it was most likely due to Marshall's dissatisfaction with Hartle as a potential battlefield commander.<ref>{{cite news|last=Greene|first=Julie|title=Local WWII general had an impact on history|url=http://articles.herald-mail.com/2009-11-21/news/25154549_1_documents-eisenhower-letters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228225231/http://articles.herald-mail.com/2009-11-21/news/25154549_1_documents-eisenhower-letters|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 28, 2014|accessdate=2 June 2013|newspaper=The Herald-Mail|date=November 21, 2009}}</ref> Marshall was believed to keep a "little black book" containing the names of key officers he deemed worthy of battlefield command. It is possible that Hartle just did not make it into the book.<ref name=MHMag>{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Mark|title=Louisiana Maneuvers (1940-41)|date=25 November 2008 |url=http://www.historynet.com/louisiana-maneuvers-1940-41.htm|publisher=Military History Magazine|accessdate=17 June 2013}}</ref> Major General Hartle retired from the army with a physical disability on June 30, 1946, while living in [[Tyler, Texas]].<ref name=WHILBR /><ref name="Generals of World War II"/>


For his services during the war, and in particular during the period from April 1942 to March 1943, Hartle was awarded the [[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]], the citation for which reads:
== Post military ==

{{Blockquote|The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Russell P. Hartle (ASN: 0-2914), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during the period from April 1942 to March 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hartle reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/105641|title=Valor awards for Russell P. Hartle|publisher=Military Times}}</ref>}}

==Postwar==
Upon his retirement from the military, Hartle returned to [[Washington County, Maryland]].
Upon his retirement from the military, Hartle returned to [[Washington County, Maryland]].


On December 14, 1945 at the [[Scottish Rite Temple (Wichita, Kansas)|Scottish Rite Temple, in Wichita, Kansas]], Hartle was awarded his 33rd Degree Rank of Freemasonry.
On December 14, 1945, at the [[Scottish Rite Temple (Wichita, Kansas)|Scottish Rite Temple, in Wichita, Kansas]], Hartle was awarded his 33rd Degree Rank of Freemasonry.


In 1950, Hartle made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat to become Congressman for the [[Maryland's 6th congressional district|6th Congressional District of Maryland]].
In 1950, Hartle made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat to become Congressman for the [[Maryland's 6th congressional district|6th Congressional District of Maryland]].


He died November 23, 1961 in Bethesday, Maryland, and was buried in [http://www.rosehillcemeteryofmd.org/] Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland.
Hartle died on November 23, 1961, at the age of 72 in Bethesda, Maryland, and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland.


==Medals and decorations==
==Medals and decorations==
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{|
{|
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}
|[[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]]
|[[Army Distinguished Service Medal]]
|-
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=60}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=60}}
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|[[Army of Occupation of Germany Medal]]
|[[Army of Occupation of Germany Medal]]
|-
|-
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=American Defense Service ribbon.svg|width=60}}
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=60}}
|[[American Defense Service Medal]]
|[[American Defense Service Medal]]
|-
|-
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|}
|}


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
*[http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/Matthews_op22.pdf The US Army on the Mexican Border: A Historical Perspective]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111013032214/http://cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/Matthews_op22.pdf The US Army on the Mexican Border: A Historical Perspective]
*[http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/Clay/Ord_Battle_Vol1.pdf U.S. Army Order of Battle 1919 – 1941, Volume 1. The Arms: Major Commands and Infantry Organizations]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101202051611/http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/Clay/Ord_Battle_Vol1.pdf U.S. Army Order of Battle 1919 – 1941, Volume 1. The Arms: Major Commands and Infantry Organizations]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/001/1-3/CMH_Pub_1-3.pdf Strategic Planning For Coalition Warfare 1941-1942]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/001/1-3/CMH_Pub_1-3.pdf Strategic Planning For Coalition Warfare 1941-1942]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/reference/ireland/IRECHR.htm United States Army in World War II: United States Army Forces in Northern Ireland - Chronology]
*[http://www.history.army.mil/reference/ireland/IRECHR.htm United States Army in World War II: United States Army Forces in Northern Ireland - Chronology]
*[https://generals.dk/general/Hartle/Russell_Peter/USA.html Generals of World War II]
*[https://www.unithistories.com/officers/US_Army_officers_H01.html#Hartle_RP United States Army Officers 1939–1945]

{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Ellard A. Walsh]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[34th Infantry Division (United States)|Commanding General 34th Infantry Division]]|years=1941–1942}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Charles W. Ryder]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[William S. Key]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[V Corps (United States)|Commanding General V Corps]]|years=1942–1943}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Leonard T. Gerow]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartle, Russell P.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartle, Russell P.}}
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[[Category:1961 deaths]]
[[Category:1961 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Washington County, Maryland]]
[[Category:People from Washington County, Maryland]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Maryland]]
[[Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army War College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army War College alumni]]
[[Category:Naval War College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army Infantry Branch personnel]]
[[Category:American military personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:American military personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (United States)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Burials at Rose Hill Cemetery (Hagerstown, Maryland)]]
[[Category:Burials at Rose Hill Cemetery (Hagerstown, Maryland)]]
[[Category:United States Army generals of World War II]]
[[Category:Utah State University faculty]]
[[Category:Naval War College alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army generals]]

Latest revision as of 02:09, 13 December 2024

Russell P. Hartle
Nickname(s)"Scrappy"
Born(1889-06-26)June 26, 1889
Chewsville, Maryland
DiedNovember 23, 1961(1961-11-23) (aged 72)
Bethesda, Maryland
Buried
Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1910–1946
RankMajor General
Service number0-2914
UnitInfantry Branch
CommandsV Corps
34th Infantry Division
64th Infantry Regiment
31st Infantry Regiment
Battles / warsPhilippine–American War
Border War
World War I
World War II
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit

Major General Russell Peter Hartle (June 26, 1889 – November 23, 1961) was a senior United States Army officer who fought in World War I and World War II, where he commanded the 34th Infantry Division and V Corps in the European Theater of Operations.

Early life and military career

[edit]

Hartle graduated from St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1910, and received a commission as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Branch of the United States Army in the same year.[1][2] Soon thereafter, he was sent to the Philippine Islands as the American military government was still attempting to stabilize the country nine years after the end of the Philippine–American War, yet still in turmoil due in large part to the Moro Rebellion.[3]

In 1912, Hartle served with the 10th Infantry Regiment, then at Fort Douglas, Utah. From 1913 to 1916, he served with the 20th Infantry Regiment on the United States border with Mexico during the Mexican Border War.[1]

During World War I, Hartle served as a captain in the 13th Infantry Division as it was preparing to leave for France in 1919. After World War I, he was a professor of Military Science and Tactics at Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University).[1]

Between the wars

[edit]

Hartle graduated from the Army Infantry School in 1924, the United States Army Command and General Staff School in 1925, and the United States Army War College in 1930. He returned to the Philippines in 1930, was promoted to the rank of major, and went on to Shanghai in 1932, as senior battalion commander of the 31st Infantry, under orders to protect American lives and property as the Japanese invaded China.[1]

In 1934, Hartle graduated from the Naval War College, and from 1934 to 1938, he served as a member of the War Plans Division of the War Department General Staff. Hartle was the first person to graduate from both the Army and Naval War Colleges.[1] During that time he received a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel on July 13, 1935.[4]

Promoted to the rank of colonel on August 15, 1939,[4] Hartle commanded the 65th Infantry Regiment in Puerto Rico from 1939 to August 1941.[2] His mission was to pull together American and Puerto Rican forces and prepare them to defend the Caribbean and eastern coast of the United States from any Axis aggression. In October 1940, while serving as commander of the mobile forces of Puerto Rico, Hartle was promoted to the temporary one-star general officer rank of brigadier general.[1][4][2]

In April 1941, war plan RAINBOW 5 was issued to counter further military assault by Germany against England. On August 5, 1941, Hartle was promoted to the two-star rank of major general and placed in command of the 34th Infantry Division, an Army National Guard formation, while the 34th was on maneuvers in Louisiana.[4][2]

World War II

[edit]

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the German declaration of war against the United States on December 11, 1941, war plan MAGNET Force was activated. Pursuant to that war plan, in January 1942, the 34th Division under Hartle's command was the first United States division shipped overseas–to Northern Ireland to begin the European Theater of Operations.

In the spring of 1942, Hartle recommended his aide-de-camp, artillery Captain William O. Darby, to organize and train the first modern-day United States Army Ranger unit, the 1st Ranger Battalion.[5] The recommendation was authorized by General George C. Marshall, the United States Army Chief of Staff, in May 1942.

On May 20, 1942, Hartle was promoted to the command of V Corps under Major General James E. Chaney, who commanded United States Army Forces in the United Kingdom.[6] Hartle continued to serve in that capacity under Lieutenant General Dwight D. Eisenhower from June 15 to October 24, 1942.

On November 2, 1942, Hartle became Deputy Commander of American troops in the ETOUSA. Hartle commanded V Corps until his reassignment effective July 7, 1943, to Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, Washington D.C. On July 17, 1943, Hartle was reassigned to Camp Fannin, Texas, to train replacement troops. The exact reason for the reassignment is unclear; however, it was most likely due to Marshall's dissatisfaction with Hartle as a potential battlefield commander.[7] Marshall was believed to keep a "little black book" containing the names of key officers he deemed worthy of battlefield command. It is possible that Hartle just did not make it into the book.[8] Major General Hartle retired from the army with a physical disability on June 30, 1946, while living in Tyler, Texas.[1][4]

For his services during the war, and in particular during the period from April 1942 to March 1943, Hartle was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the citation for which reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Russell P. Hartle (ASN: 0-2914), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during the period from April 1942 to March 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hartle reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.[9]

Postwar

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Upon his retirement from the military, Hartle returned to Washington County, Maryland.

On December 14, 1945, at the Scottish Rite Temple, in Wichita, Kansas, Hartle was awarded his 33rd Degree Rank of Freemasonry.

In 1950, Hartle made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat to become Congressman for the 6th Congressional District of Maryland.

Hartle died on November 23, 1961, at the age of 72 in Bethesda, Maryland, and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland.

Medals and decorations

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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Mexican Border Service Medal
World War I Victory Medal
Army of Occupation of Germany Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Bronze star
 European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one service star
World War II Victory Medal

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Western Maryland's Historical Library". General Russell Hartle. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "United States Army officer histories". Unit Histories.
  3. ^ Miller, Daniel (2009). "American Military Strategy During the Moro Insurrection in the Philippines 1903-1913". Fort Leavenworth Kansas: Combat Studies Institute Press: 2.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Biography of Major General Russell Peter Hartle (1889−1961), USA". generals.dk.
  5. ^ King, Michael (June 1985). "Rangers: Selected Combat Operations in World War II". The Leavenworth Papers: Combat Studies Institute (11): 7.
  6. ^ "Biographies". MAJOR GENERAL JAMES E. CHANEY. U.S. Air Force. Archived from the original on 2013-06-26. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  7. ^ Greene, Julie (November 21, 2009). "Local WWII general had an impact on history". The Herald-Mail. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  8. ^ Perry, Mark (25 November 2008). "Louisiana Maneuvers (1940-41)". Military History Magazine. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Valor awards for Russell P. Hartle". Military Times.
[edit]
Military offices
Preceded by Commanding General 34th Infantry Division
1941–1942 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Commanding General V Corps
1942–1943 		Succeeded by
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