Drum, Hugh Aloysius, 1879-1951

Hugh Aloysius Drum (1879-1951) was born at Fort Brady, Michigan. He commissioned from the ranks in the infantry in 1898. He graduated from the Army Staff College in 1912. During World War I, he served as deputy chief of staff, then chief of staff of First Army, temporarily holding the rank of brigadier general in 1918. The Army promoted him again to brigadier general in December 1922. Between 1930 and 1931, he was inspector general of the Army. He made major general in December 1931. He commanded the First Army, from 1931 to 1933, and then served as deputy chief of staff of the Army, until 1935. Between 1935 and 1938, he served as commander of Hawaiian Department and then commanding general of the Second Army. At the time of his promotion to lieutenant general in August 1939, he became commander of the First Army, a position he held until his retirement in September 1943. His awards included two Distinguished Service Medals and the Silver Star.

From the description of Drum, Hugh Aloysius, 1879-1951 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10610655

Lieutenant General (LTG) Hugh A. Drum was born at Fort Brady, MI on 19 September 1879. He attended Boston College and accepted a commission into the Regular Army at the age of eighteen. He served three tours of duty with the Philippines with the Infantry. In 1911, he graduated with honor from the School of the Line, then in the following year, graduated from the General Staff College, thereafter serving as Instructor, Director, Assistant Commandant, and Commandant of the Command. Following the American entry into World War I, General Persing selected Drum, then a Major, to accompany him to France on his personal staff. He served on the front lines with the British and French Forces and with the American 42nd Division until he was selected as Chief of Staff of the First American Army. He was promoted to Brigadier General in October 1918. After the First Army was disbanded in 1919, Drum was assigned to a series of staff positions, culminating with being assigned Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army. From 1935 to 1937, Drum was Commander of the Hawaiian Department and in 1938 assumed command of the First Army and Second Corps area. In 1940, he relinquished command of the Second Corps area, but continued to command the First Army and Eastern Defense Command. Following his retirement from active duty, Drum spent several years and the commanding officer of the New York National Guard with the National Guard rank of full General.

From the description of Hugh A. Drum photograph collection, 1901-1943. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 60036208