Ralph McT. Pennell
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Ralph McT. Pennell (August 18, 1882 – May 17, 1973) was a career officer in the
United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...
. A veteran of
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
and
World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
, he attained the rank of
major general Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...
, and was a recipient of the
Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...
and two awards of the
Army Distinguished Service Medal The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration of the United States Army that is presented to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. Th ...
. His career spanned 1906 to 1946, and included command of the: 34th Field Artillery Regiment; 1st Field Artillery Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment; 15th Field Artillery Regiment; 52nd Field Artillery Brigade; 27th Infantry Division; Hawaii District; Field Artillery Replacement Training Center at
Fort Sill Fort Sill is a United States Army post north of Lawton, Oklahoma, about 85 miles (136.8 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. It covers almost . The fort was first built during the Indian Wars. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark ...
; and
United States Army Field Artillery School The United States Army Field Artillery School (USAFAS) trains Field Artillery Soldiers and Marines in tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of fire support systems in support of the maneuver commander. The school further develop ...
.


Early life

Ralph McTyeire Pennell was born in
Belton, South Carolina Belton is a city in eastern Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 4,134 at the 2010 census. History In 1845 a group was created to connect the Piedmont region of South Carolina by rail to the existing rail system wh ...
on August 18, 1882, a son of James Robert Pennell and Nannie Melvina (Browne) Pennell. He was raised and educated in the Martin Grove hamlet of
Iva, South Carolina Iva is a town in Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,218 at the 2010 census. Geography Iva is located in southern Anderson County at (34.307159, -82.664001). According to the United States Census Bureau, the tow ...
, and attended the Martin Grove School. In 1901, Pennell competed for appointment to the
United States Military Academy The United States Military Academy (USMA), also known metonymically as West Point or simply as Army, is a United States service academy in West Point, New York. It was originally established as a fort, since it sits on strategic high groun ...
(West Point) and was chosen as an alternate. He was subsequently selected for the appointment, and he completed his entrance examination in April 1902. He passed, and joined the Class of 1906 in June 1902. Pennell's classmates nicknamed him "Hap," short for "Happy," because of his demeanor and used the nickname throughout his life. He graduated from West Point in June 1906 ranked 54th of 78 students. Among his classmates were Jonathan M. Wainwright and
Adna R. Chaffee Jr. Adna Romanza Chaffee Jr. (September 23, 1884 – August 22, 1941) was an officer in the United States Army, called the "Father of the Armored Force" for his role in developing the U.S. Army's tank forces. Early life and education Chaffee was bor ...
Pennell was commissioned as a
second lieutenant Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces, comparable to NATO OF-1 rank. Australia The rank of second lieutenant existed in the military forces of the Australian colonies and Australian Army until ...
of
Cavalry Historically, cavalry (from the French word ''cavalerie'', itself derived from "cheval" meaning "horse") are soldiers or warriors who fight mounted on horseback. Cavalry were the most mobile of the combat arms, operating as light cavalry ...
and assigned to the
13th Cavalry Regiment The 13th Cavalry Regiment ("13th Horse") is a unit of the United States Army. The 2nd Squadron is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. History The 13th Cavalry Regimen ...
. From September 1906 to July 1907 he attended the
Mounted Service School The United States Army Cavalry School was part of a series of training programs and centers for its horse mounted troops or cavalry branch. History In 1838, a Cavalry School of Practice was established at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, which i ...
at Fort Riley.


Start of career

In July 1907, Pennell was promoted to
first lieutenant First lieutenant is a commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces; in some forces, it is an appointment. The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations, but in most forces it is sub-divided into a s ...
of
Field Artillery Field artillery is a category of mobile artillery used to support armies in the field. These weapons are specialized for mobility, tactical proficiency, short range, long range, and extremely long range target engagement. Until the early 20t ...
and assigned to the 6th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Riley. Pennell remained with the 6th Field Artillery until July 1911, when he was assigned as secretary of the School of Fire for Field Artillery at
Fort Sill Fort Sill is a United States Army post north of Lawton, Oklahoma, about 85 miles (136.8 km) southwest of Oklahoma City. It covers almost . The fort was first built during the Indian Wars. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark ...
. He was transferred to the
5th Field Artillery Regiment The 5th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted as part of the Regular Army in January 1907. Individual battalions have lineages which date back further. Currently, it is a parent regiment under the U.S. Army Regimental System, with a single ...
in June 1912, but continued to serve as secretary. From July 1915 to May 1917, Pennell was assigned to duty in the
Philippines The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...
as a member of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment. He was promoted to
captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police department, election precinct, e ...
in July 1916. From June to July 1917, Pennell was assigned to
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
duty with the
18th Field Artillery Regiment The 18th Field Artillery Regiment is a field artillery regiment of the United States Army first formed in 1916. History The '18th Field Artillery was organized 1 June 1917 in the Regular Army. Lineage Distinctive unit insignia *Description A ...
at
Fort Bliss Fort Bliss is a United States Army post in New Mexico and Texas, with its headquarters in El Paso, Texas. Named in honor of William Wallace Smith Bliss, LTC William Bliss (1815–1853), a mathematics professor who was the son-in-law of President ...
, Texas. In July 1917, he returned to the School of Fire as secretary and instructor, where he remained until April 1918. He was promoted to temporary
major Major (commandant in certain jurisdictions) is a military rank of commissioned officer status, with corresponding ranks existing in many military forces throughout the world. When used unhyphenated and in conjunction with no other indicators ...
and
lieutenant colonel Lieutenant colonel ( , ) is a rank of commissioned officers in the armies, most marine forces and some air forces of the world, above a major and below a colonel. Several police forces in the United States use the rank of lieutenant colone ...
in August 1917. He served on the staff of the Chief of Field Artillery in
Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...
from April to September 1918. In July 1918, he received promotion to temporary
colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...
. From September to December 1918, he commanded the 34th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort McClellan, Alabama. The Armistice of November 11, 1918 ended the war, and in December Pennell was assigned to duty in Europe as a member of the Armament Board, which was chaired by Brigadier General William I. Westervelt. The Westervelt Board assessed the experiences of field artillery units during the war and planned the future direction of U.S. Army artillery. The board's work took Pennell to France, England, Italy, and Germany, and he returned to the United States in June 1919. From July to November 1919, Pennell was head of the Materiel section in office of the Chief of Field Artillery. In November 1919, he took command of the 1st Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, which he commanded until June 1921. In February 1920, Pennell was reduced to the permanent rank of major.


Continued career

From September 1920 to September 1922, Pennell served as a member of the Field Artillery Board that reviewed artillery weapons and equipment and made procurement recommendations to the Chief of Field Artillery. He was then assigned as a student at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, which he completed in August 1923 as a Distinguished Graduate. From August 1923 to February 1924, Pennell was executive officer of the 1st Field Artillery Brigade at
Fort Hoyle Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) (sometimes erroneously called Aberdeen Proving ''Grounds'') is a U.S. Army facility located adjacent to Aberdeen, Harford County, Maryland, United States. More than 7,500 civilians and 5,000 military personnel work at ...
, Maryland. From February 1924 to August 1926, he served as the Chief of Field Artillery's liaison officer to the Ordnance Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. From August 1927 to June 1927, Pennell was a student at the
United States Army War College The United States Army War College (USAWC) is a U.S. Army educational institution in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the 500-acre (2 km2) campus of the historic Carlisle Barracks. It provides graduate-level instruction to senior military offic ...
. He was then assigned to take the course at the Naval War College, from which he graduated in September 1928. From October 1928 to December 1930, Pennell served on the staff of the
Hawaiian Division The Hawaiian Division was a division of the United States Army, dedicated to the defense of Hawaii. This division was named rather than numbered, as were the Philippine, Panama Canal and Americal Divisions. It was first activated under the peacet ...
at Schofield Barracks. In January 1930, he was promoted to permanent lieutenant colonel. In December 1930, he was assigned to the
Eighth Corps Area A Corps area was a geographically-based organizational structure (military district) of the United States Army used to accomplish administrative, training and tactical tasks from 1920 to 1942. Each corps area included divisions of the Regular Army ...
at Fort Sam Houston, Texas as assistant chief of staff for logistics (G-4).


Later career

In September 1932, Pennell was assigned to command 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sam Houston. In February 1935, he assumed command of the 15th Field Artillery at
Fort Bragg Fort Bragg is a military installation of the United States Army in North Carolina, and is one of the largest military installations in the world by population, with around 54,000 military personnel. The military reservation is located within Cum ...
, North Carolina, and in August he received promotion to
colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...
. In July 1936, Pennell was appointed president of a board that considered options for modernizing the Field Artillery branch and made recommendations to the Chief of Field Artillery. In July 1939, he resumed command of the 15th Artillery. In September 1939, he was assigned as a student at a refresher course for Field Artillery officers. After graduating in November, he performed detached staff duty at Fort Sill. In October 1940, Pennell was assigned to Fort McClellan, Alabama as commander of the 52nd Field Artillery Brigade, a unit of the 27th Infantry Division. In January 1941, he was promoted to
brigadier general Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...
, and he continued to lead the brigade during its pre-
World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
organization and training. In November 1941, he was assigned to command the 27th Division during its organization and training at Fort Ord, California. He was promoted to
major general Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...
in February 1942. In March 1942, Pennell was appointed to command the Hawaii District, the army command formed after the December 1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor The attack on Pearl HarborAlso known as the Battle of Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, j ...
to coordinate the territory's defenses. In October 1942, Pennell was assigned to
Newark, New Jersey Newark ( , ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey and the seat of Essex County and the second largest city within the New York metropolitan area. In March 1943, he was posted to Fort Sill as commander of the Field Artillery Replacement Training Center, which provided initial skill training to trainees prior to their deployment overseas. In November 1944, Pennell was named commandant of the Field Artillery School, an assignment he carried out while continuing to command the replacement center. He completed his command assignments in August 1945, after which he performed special duties as assigned while he awaited retirement. He retired in August 1946.


Awards

Pennell was a recipient of the
Army Distinguished Service Medal The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is a military decoration of the United States Army that is presented to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. Th ...
for his First World War service. He received a second award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his command of the 52nd Field Artillery Brigade, 27th Infantry Division, and Hawaii District. In addition, he received the
Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...
to commend his service of the Field Artillery Replacement Center and Field Artillery School.


Distinguished Service Medal citation (1922)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Field Artillery) Ralph McTyeire Pennell, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Assistant to the Chief of Field Artillery from 16 April 1918 to 4 September 1918, Colonel Pennell planned and executed those measures which provided a balanced production of different types of field artillery material and equipment and the selection of the types to be produced, and which determined the priorities of distribution of same. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 31 (1922)


Distinguished Service Medal citation (1943)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Ralph McTyeire Pennell (ASN: 0-2150), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of an Infantry Division in the Hawaiian Department during the period 15 March 1942 to 1 November 1942. By outstanding ability, leadership, and energy, General Pennell brought his Division to a high degree of training and readiness for combat conditions. He showed remarkable ability in the disposition of his troops and in the location of positions with his command. As representative of the Military Governor of the Island of Hawaii, he personally solved the problems concerned with the government of this island, which has a large alien and alien descendent population. By reason of his qualities as an officer, a very difficult situation was handled in a superior manner and military civilian relationships were greatly improved. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Pennell reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 2 (1943)


Legion of Merit citation

Major General Ralph McT. Pennell performed outstanding service from April 1943 to August 1945 as commanding general, Field Artillery Replacement Center and as commandant, Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He restored the replacement training center, instituting a centralized personnel system which increased the efficiency of operations and effected savings of overhead personnel, and inaugurated training inspection teams to uncover flaws in procedures and to eliminate incompetent instructors. In all, some 40,000 replacements for the field artillery were trained under his supervision. As commandant of the field artillery school he carried out many important projects including the Metro Augmentation program, the expansion of the department of air training, the field artillery radar program and the redeployment short courses for officers and enlisted men scheduled for combat in the Pacific area. General Orders: War Department, General Orders (1946)


Effective dates of promotions

Pennell's effective dates of rank were: *
Second Lieutenant Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces, comparable to NATO OF-1 rank. Australia The rank of second lieutenant existed in the military forces of the Australian colonies and Australian Army until ...
, June 12, 1906 *
First Lieutenant First lieutenant is a commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces; in some forces, it is an appointment. The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations, but in most forces it is sub-divided into a s ...
, July 6, 1907 *
Captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police department, election precinct, e ...
, July 1, 1916 *
Major Major (commandant in certain jurisdictions) is a military rank of commissioned officer status, with corresponding ranks existing in many military forces throughout the world. When used unhyphenated and in conjunction with no other indicators ...
(temporary), August 5, 1917 *
Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel ( , ) is a rank of commissioned officers in the armies, most marine forces and some air forces of the world, above a major and below a colonel. Several police forces in the United States use the rank of lieutenant colone ...
(temporary), August 5, 1917 *
Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...
(temporary), July 30, 1918 *
Major Major (commandant in certain jurisdictions) is a military rank of commissioned officer status, with corresponding ranks existing in many military forces throughout the world. When used unhyphenated and in conjunction with no other indicators ...
, February 24, 1920 *
Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant colonel ( , ) is a rank of commissioned officers in the armies, most marine forces and some air forces of the world, above a major and below a colonel. Several police forces in the United States use the rank of lieutenant colone ...
, January 21, 1930 *
Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge of ...
, August 1, 1935 *
Brigadier General Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...
(temporary), January 29, 1941 *
Major General Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...
(temporary), February 26, 1942 *
Major General Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of a ...
(retired), August 31, 1946


Later life

After retiring from the army, Pennell resided in
Lawton, Oklahoma Lawton is a city in and the county seat of Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma Oklahoma (; Choctaw language, Choctaw: ; chr, ᎣᎧᎳᎰᎹ, ''Okalahoma'' ) is a U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Ce ...
and served as vice chairman and president of the Fort Sill National Bank. He died in
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...
, Georgia on May 17, 1973 after he was stricken with a heart attack at the city's airport while en route to a family reunion in South Carolina. Pennell was buried at
Fort Sill National Cemetery Fort Sill National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Elgin in Comanche County, Oklahoma. Administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, it encompasses , and as of 2021 had more than 8,000 inte ...
.


Family

In 1909, Pennell married Norma Scott Bestor; she died in 1967, and Pennell did not remarry. They were the parents of: *Norma Katherine (1911–1978), the wife of Colonel Richard Klemm Boyd. *Colonel Robert Pennell (1915–1961). *Elizabeth (1918–1970), the wife of Major General
Osmund A. Leahy Osmund Alfred Leahy (31 August 1915 – 9 December 1989) was a retired United States Army major general (United States), major general. He was a highly decorated airborne infantry leader during World War II. Leahy later commanded II Corps (United ...
. *Margaret (1920-1953), whose health condition caused her to reside with her parents throughout her life.


Works by

* * *


Notes


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Pennell, Ralph McT. 1882 births 1973 deaths People from Belton, South Carolina People from Lawton, Oklahoma United States Military Academy alumni United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni United States Army War College alumni Naval War College alumni United States Army generals United States Army personnel of World War I United States Army personnel of World War II Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army) Recipients of the Legion of Merit Burials in Oklahoma