McAlexander, Ulysses Grant, 1864-1936

Ulysses Grant McAlexander (b. Aug. 30, 1864, Dundas, Minnesota-d. Sept. 18, 1936, Portland, Oregon), Major General in the U.S. Army, graduated from West Point in 1887 and served for several periods as an instructor in military science and tactics. He saw action during the Spanish-American War and in the Philippines. During World War I, he commanded the 18th Infantry, served on the Inspector General's staff, and was then given command of the 38th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, on the Marne River where the great German offensive (July 1918) took place. The courageous action of his troops there earned him and the 38th the name “Rock of the Marne.” He later commanded a Brigade in the 90th Infantry Division through other battles and remained overseas for occupation duty in Germany until June 1919. General McAlexander retired in 1924.

From the description of McAlexander, Ulysses Grant, 1864-1936 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10574157

Military hero known as the "Rock of the Marne", U.G. McAlexander served as Commandant of Cadets at Oregon Agricultural College from 1907 to 1911 and 1915 to 1916. He graduated from West Point in 1887 and served at Fort Meade, Dakota Territory, and Forts Custer and Missoula, Montana. McAlexander fought in Cuba during the Spanish American War and later served in the Phillipines. In 1907, he was appointed Commandant of Cadets and Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Oregon Agricultural College. In July 1918, Colonel McAlexander commanded the greatly outnumbered 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment against German forces at the second Battle of the Marne, for which he was promoted to Brigadier General, awarded many military honors, and became known as the "Rock of the Marne." McAlexander retired from the Army in 1924 and moved to Newport, Oregon. Oregon State Agricultural College conferred an honorary doctorate upon him in 1930.

From the description of Ulysses Grant McAlexander collection, 1883-1964 (bulk 1883-1940). (Eugene Public Library). WorldCat record id: 48805090

Military hero known as the Rock of the Marne, McAlexander served as Commandant of Cadets at Oregon Agricultural College from 1907 to 1911 and again from 1915 to 1916.

Major-General Ulysses Grant McAlexander was born 30 August 1864 at Dundas, Minnesota and graduated from West Point in 1887. He served at Fort Meade in the Dakota Territory and Fort Custer and Fort Missoula, Montana. McAlexander fought in Cuba during the Spanish American War and served in the Phillipines from 1900 to 1907.

In 1907, he was appointed Commandant of Cadets and Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Oregon Agricultural College. He was greatly admired by the students and the 1912 Orange was dedicated to him. The armory, built in 1911, was also dedicated to him and in 1971 was renamed the McAlexander Fieldhouse.

In July 1918, Colonel McAlexander commanded the greatly outnumbered 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment against German forces at the second Battle of the Marne, for which he was promoted to Brigadier General, awarded many military honors, and became known as the "Rock of the Marne".

McAlexander retired from the Army in 1924 and chose Newport, Oregon as his home. Oregon State Agricultural College conferred an honorary doctorate upon him in 1930. He was an unsuccessful candidate in the 1934 Republican gubernatorial primary election. McAlexander died at his home in Portland, Oregon, on 18 September 1936 and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.

From the guide to the Ulysses Grant McAlexander Collection, 1883-1964, 1883-1940, (Oregon State University University Archives)