Draft:Hjalmer Erickson

Hjalmer Erickson
Hjalmer Erickson
Born	May 25, 1873; Tønsberg, Norway
Died	March 2, 1949 (aged 75); Reno, Nevada, U.S.
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Years of service	1898–1930s
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	26th Infantry Regiment
Battles / wars	Spanish–American War; Philippine–American War; World War I
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army);

Magnus Hjalmer Erickson (May 25, 1873 – March 2, 1949) was a decorated officer in the United States Army whose career spanned from the Spanish–American War through World War I and into the interwar years. He is best remembered for his leadership of the 26th Infantry Regiment during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in World War I, for which he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal.

Early Life and Pre-War Service

Erickson was born in Tønsberg, Norway, and immigrated to the United States as a young man. He joined the U.S. Army during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and later served in the Philippine–American War and subsequent U.S. garrisons in the Philippines. In 1908, he married Adriana Lopez Zayas, a Cuban national, while stationed abroad. By 1910, he was posted at Fort William McKinley in the Philippines as a lieutenant, developing expertise in logistics and leadership that would guide his career through the next decades:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

World War I Service

At the outbreak of American involvement in World War I, Erickson was a seasoned officer appointed as a lieutenant colonel in the Quartermaster Corps of the newly formed 32nd Division. He was the first staff officer to report for duty at Camp MacArthur, Texas, in August 1917 and played a central role in equipping the division for overseas deployment:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

After arriving in France, Erickson was reassigned from logistics to a combat command. On September 20, 1918, he assumed command of the 26th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Division. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive from October 1–11, 1918, Erickson's leadership was noted for "tactical ability, courage, and resourcefulness." His regiment advanced steadily through heavy resistance east of the Aire River:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

For these actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army). The official citation praised his “exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services” and credited his skill and bravery with ensuring the success of the 26th Infantry's mission:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Acting Brigade Command and Final Operations

From October 18 to November 21, 1918, Erickson served as acting commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade, leading the unit during the final phase of the war and the advance toward Sedan. He is notably remembered for identifying and releasing then-Colonel Douglas MacArthur after MacArthur was temporarily detained during a friendly-fire confusion incident near the front:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Following the Armistice, Erickson continued in leadership roles within the 1st Division, serving on staff and again commanding the 26th Infantry Regiment through the division’s demobilization in early 1920:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Post–World War I Career

After the war, Erickson remained in the Regular Army. His rank was confirmed as colonel, and he held a number of staff and training roles. He authored at least one article in the Infantry Journal in 1922 and served as G-3 (operations) officer in the Sixth Division during the 1920s:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. He was photographed alongside prominent figures such as George C. Marshall during interwar maneuvers.

Erickson retired in the late 1930s with the rank of brigadier general. During World War II, though in his late 60s, he remained in contact with senior Army leadership and contributed informally to military planning efforts:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Personal Life

Erickson and his wife Adriana had at least two children, including Hjalmer J. Erickson Jr., who served as a decorated officer in World War II and Korea. The elder Erickson passed away on March 2, 1949, in Reno, Nevada, and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Legacy

Brigadier General Erickson is remembered for his exceptional leadership during America’s most significant military campaigns of the early 20th century. His military career serves as a reflection of the professionalization of the U.S. Army from frontier duty to modern warfare.

Honors and Awards

Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)
World War I Victory Medal with campaign clasps (including Meuse-Argonne)
Spanish–American War and Philippine Service Medals

References

External links