William L. Kenly
William Lacy Kenly (February 18, 1864 – January 10, 1928) was a major general in the United States Army. During World War I, he was a leader of the United States Army Air Service, the progenitor of the United States Air Force.[1]
William Lacy Kenly | |
|---|---|
 Kenly circa 1918 | |
| Born | February 18, 1864 Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Died | January 10, 1928 (aged 63) Washington, D.C., United States |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1889–1919 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) |
Early life
William L. Kenly was born on February 18, 1864, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Major William L. Kenly and Marion Hook. His father participated in the American Civil War. His immigrant ancestor was his great great grandfather Rev. Daniel Kenly who emigrated from Scotland to Maryland in the 1700s.[2] Kenly was married to Julie Closson, the daughter of Brigadier General Henry W. Closson.[3]
Military career
He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, 12 June 1889, in field artillery and took part on August 16, 1899, in the Battle of Angeles, in the Pampanga Province during the Philippine–American War.[4][2]
On September 3, 1917, Brigadier General Kenly became the first Chief of Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France, effectively taking control away from the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps. Previously a field artillery commander, he did not have experience leading an air force, and General Billy Mitchell wielded a large amount of influence in the AEF's operational decisions. Kenly was replaced a short time later by Brig. Gen. Benjamin Foulois.
Kenly then returned to the United States to become Director of Military Aeronautics from May 20, 1918, to August 28, 1918.[2] During this period, he was the titular head of the newly established United States Army Air Service. He retired in 1919 and King George of Great Britain awarded Kenly the honor of Companion of the Order of the Bath.[5]
Death
Kenly died of a heart attack on January 10, 1928, in Washington, D.C.[1] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
References
- "Col. Kenly Dies Of Heart Attack. Former Chief of Air Service of American Forces in France Stricken in Washington. Won Three Decorations. Veteran Served As Director Of Military Aeronautics Before His Retirement In 1919". New York Times. January 12, 1928. Retrieved 2012-10-23.
Colonel William L. Kenly, first chief of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Forces in France and later director of military aeronautics for the duration of the war, died suddenly ...
- Davis, Henry Blaine Jr. (1998). Generals in Khaki. Pentland Press, Inc. pp. 209–210. ISBN 1571970886. OCLC 40298151.
- Who Was Who In America. Vol. 2. Chicago, IL: Marquis Who's Who, Inc. 1950. p. 294 – via Google Books.
- Philippine-American War, 1899–1902 by Arnaldo Dumindin
- The Los Angeles Times, KING GEORGE HONORS OFFICER WE OUSTED, Apr 17, 1919, page 1.
External links
- "Burial Record, William L. Kenly, died January 10, 1928". Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington, VA: Office of Army Cemeteries. Retrieved August 1, 2021.