Born in 1877 in Putnam County, Indiana. Enlisted in the 40th U.S. Volunteer Infantry in 1899 and served in the Philippines until July 1901. While in Manila, Turner took the examination for a commission and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 23rd Infantry Regiment. Served with the 23rd Infantry Regiment in the Philippines in Jolo and Mindanao and promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Served as Adjutant of the 23rd Infantry Regiment which did duty patrol on the Mexico-U.S. border during the Madero Revolution, 1909-1912. Detailed as inspector-instructor of the North Dakota National Guard, 1912-1916. Promoted to Captain and rejoined the 23rd Infantry Regiment as Commanding Officer, Company K, 1916. Sent overseas with the 23rd Infantry Regiment Machine Gun Company and promoted to Major, 1917. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 3rd Division as Assistant Chief of Staff. Promoted to Colonel and became the 3rd Division's Chief of Staff, 1918. Returned to Camp Pike, Ohio with the 3rd Division, 1919.
In July 1920 reverted to his regular army rank of Captain. Later that year was promoted to Major and detailed inspector-instructor of infantry of the Ohio National Guard.
From the description of The Fred Hays Turner papers, 1877-1920. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 23928530
