Brigadier General Hanford MacNider: Iowa Time Machine August 17, 1942

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: Hanford “Jack” MacNider promoted to brigadier general. A celebrated veteran of World War I, a former national commander of the American Legion, an assistant secretary of war, and a diplomat, MacNider left a legacy of service.

Born in Mason City on October 2, 1889, he attended Milton Academy and graduated from Harvard in 1911 before returning home to work in his father’s bank. His military experience began with the Iowa National Guard during the 1916–1917 Mexican border campaign. In France during World War I, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and received two Distinguished Service Crosses among his many decorations.

After the armistice, he became Iowa American Legion commander in 1920 and national commander in 1921, then held national posts in Republican politics and government, including assistant secretary of war from 1925 to 1928 and U.S. minister to Canada from 1930 to 1932. After Pearl Harbor, he pressed the War Department to recall him to active duty and was sent to the Southwest Pacific. His new rank preceded service in New Guinea, where he commanded the Buna Task Force during the hard-fought Buna campaign.

On November 23, 1942, a Japanese grenade wounded him severely, leaving him with lasting damage to his left eye. The episode made him the first American general officer wounded in the Pacific theater. Following his recovery, he returned to operational service and later commanded the 158th Regimental Combat Team, the “Bushmasters,” in campaigns that helped liberate the Philippines. #Iowa #OTD #History #Military #WorldWar2