Yala University
OCT SO 1904
library.
Roosevelfs

Military Record

By

Brigadier-General
HENRY V. BOYNTON

ROOSEVELT'S MILITARY
RECORD

BY

Brigadier- General Henry V. Boynton
President Roosevelt is not running on his military record —
though there is everything in that to commend him to his
countrymen — but upon his whole career in the service of the
public, culminating in the Presidency. He is the youngest
American to have auained his present position. As the coun
try well knows, his long record has been successful and bril
liant at every stage. From his youth he has done with his
might whatever his hand found to do for the public good.
Upon this continuing service, whose last years have made his
personality and his merits known to the world, his party, with
enthusiastic acclaim, now appeals to the voters of the land to
give him a term in the Presidency wholly on his own account.
But veterans of the civil war and of the war with Spain,
while fully appreciating his long and brilliant civil record, will
hold this in chief remembrance to his credit : that promptly,
upon the declaration of war, he put behind him high and at
tractive office, and the many ties of a typical American home,
and accepted a subordinate regimental position that he might
serve as a soldier under his country's flag. And those who
know the hearts of veterans will understand that this, to them,
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will be higher commendation than any success in civil life,
even that great success obtained in the Presidential chair.
As school children know, and as veterans keep clearly in
mind, every war has furnished its President, Washington for
the Revolution, Jackson and Harrison for 1812, Taylor for
Mexico, and every successful Republican candidate since the
close of the civil war — Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison, Mc
Kinley — all of these entering with regimental rank, except
McKinley, who had the greater honor of enlisting as a private
soldier. Rated on the basis of land fighting, the war with Spain
was a little war. Estimated by results, it takes exalted rank.
The civil war made us a nation. The war with Spain ad
vanced us to front rank as a world power. When that war
closed and important international questions followed each
other in quick succession, foreign sneering at the United
States and its " shirt-sleeves diplomacy " ended, and the chan
celleries of Europe thereafter asked first concerning the prob
able position of our Administration. The nation had ad
vanced in a day a century's march in ordinary national
progress. Shall not such a war have its President?
The civil war is a memory — a memory of great days of the
Republic that will always live and grow brighter as the years
pass — but its leaders are either at rest or nearing the limit of
life. A grateful nation can not longer select its President from
those honored ranks.
While Vice-President Roosevelt gave helpful strength and
enthusiasm to the ticket upon which he ran, it was not a ticket
formed especially to recognize the war with Spain. That was
not its predominating feature. President Roosevelt did not
reach the executive office as a result of a personal election to
it. That honor now awaits him. When it is conferred, vete
rans of the country's battles then can feel that, following the
unbroken record of the nation, its last war has furnished a
President in the person of a brilliant soldier, elected at the head
of his party's ticket.

There are those who have amused themselves by making
light of the President's part at Santiago, but let it be remem
bered that with all their ribaldry they have never ventured to
question his reckless courage there. Honor in war, as every
true soldier views it, is not a matter of rank, but the fact of
promptly rallying at the country's call, and faithfully and effici
ently executing all orders, whether on the battlefield or else
where under the flag. Once enrolled, and subject to orders,
it is not in the power of any soldier to control his career. At
every step his sole duty is to obey. The humblest private places
his life at the disposal of the Government ; the commanders of
armies can not do more. In the ultimate of offering life, if need
be, they stand on a common plane.
At Santiago, and the battles which led up to it, Colonel
Roosevelt's place in the lines was assigned him. In each of
them he displayed the extreme of soldierly endeavor. For his
part in each he was warmly commended by his superior officers,
and recommended for brevets up to the rank of Brigadier-Gen
eral by an Army Board. Those who sneer at such accomplish
ment show a total want of appreciation of services for the coun
try performed at the risk of life ; and such merit only the con
tempt of their fellow men. The veterans of our wars will surely
resent their insults.
The year before the declaration of war with Spain, he
sought the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy. For
this he had fitted himself by years of study of Naval affairs,
during" which, in the opinion of naval experts, he wrote the
best history then extant of the Naval War of 1812. He was
sharply opposed by public officials who now fawn about him.
Had their active hostility succeeded, the months preceding the
outbreak of the war would not have been utilized by untiring
gun practice of our battleships at sea, and other numerous and
strenuous preparations for naval war, which Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt insisted upon and secured. It was this practice which
made possible the marvelous victories which accurate gunnery
gave the nation at Manila Bay and Santiago, and gained for

the American Navy the admiration and wholesome respect oi
the world.
Having accomplished what the restricted limits of an Assist
ant Secretary's office would allow, upon the declaration of war
he sought opportunity to take the field. It was not position
which allured him, for he chose subordinate place when he could
as easily have started at the head of a regiment. He desired
first to learn field duties and thus fit himself for the head. To
this end he devoted himself unceasingly and successfully.
It must, of necessity, be true that soldiers who have served
on the battlefields of the country have in some respects a higher
appreciation than others can have of the elements of character
which fit a man for conducting the affairs of the nation which
they saved. Such must find in the character and career of
President Roosevelt, all that soldiers admire, all which inspires
their confidence in one holding the highest civil position. In
this day of the reign of money, and corporate interests good
and bad, soldiers glory in courage, independence, prompt and
honest dealings — all flashing out upon the country as from a
well served battery. So, also, soldiers stand the more solidly
for civil virtues, because they feel, as no others can, the value
of a country saved or advanced by duties performed on the
field of battle.
Having served on the Army Board of Brevets and Medals
of Honor it is possible to speak with precision concerning the
conduct of Colonel Roosevelt in the Santiago campaign.
Voluminous papers were submitted to that Board by his su
perior officers and his immediate associates. There was perfect
agreement among them all. With one accord they celebrated
his conduct under fire in terms of which any officer of any
field of renown might well be proud. But the highest eulogy
will be found in the papers themselves which make full answer
to the sneers and ribaldry of writers, who, solely for political
effect, have been willing to unman themselves by ridiculing the
manly and meritorious conduct of a soldier in action.
The following are from the papers in the case of General
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Joe Wheeler's recommendation that promotion for Las
Guasimas, and a Medal of Honor for his conduct in the battle
of San Juan Hill be given to Colonel Roosevelt. They fairly
represent the entire record.
Headquarters, Cavalry Division, U. S. Army.
Fort San Juan, Cuba, July 17, 1898.
The Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
(Through military channels.)
Sir: I have the honor to invite attention to the following list
of officers and enlisted men who specially distinguished them
selves in the action at Las Guasimas, Cuba, June 24, 1898.
These officers and men have been recommended for favor
able consideration by their immediate commanding officers in
their respective reports, and I would respectfully urge that
favorable action be taken.
Officers: In 1st U. S. Volunteer Cavalry.
Colonel Leonard Wood, Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore
Roosevelt. ******* Very respectfully, Jos. Wheeler,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
The Board of Brevets, etc., convened by Par. 19, S. O., 255,
A. G. O., 1898, recommended that brevets " For gallantry in
battle, Las Guasimas, Cuba, June 24, 1898," be awarded to the
within named officers, as follows :
*******
Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, 1st U. S. Vol.
Cavalry, to be brevetted Colonel, U. S. V.

Upon the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt of the
part taken by his regiment in the assault of July I, 1898,
against the Spanish forces at Santiago, Major-General ""Jos.
Wheeler placed his indorsement :
"Respectfully forwarded. Colonel Roosevelt and his en
tire command deserve high commendation."
Colonel Wood, commanding 1st United States Volunteer
Cavalry, in his report, states that Lieutenant-Colonel Roose
velt, commanding 1st squadron, and Major Alexander O.
Brodie, commanding 2d squadron, deserved great credit for
the intelligence and courage with which they handled their
men. Colonel Wood also specially mentioned Lieutenant-Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt for " conspicuous gallantry in leading a
charge on one of the hills."
And subsequently the Board of Brevets added Las Guasimas
to the actions at Santiago for which the brevet of Brigadier-
General was recommended. Headquarters, Second Brigade.
Trenches in Front of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
July 6, 1898.
To the Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
(Through military channels.)
Sir: I have the honor to recommend Lieutenant-Colonel Theo
dore Roosevelt, 1st U S. Vol. Cavalry, for a medal of honor,
for distinguished gallantry in leading a charge on one of the
entrenched hills to the east of the Spanish position in the
suburbs of Santiago de Cuba, July 1, 1898.
Very respectfully,
Leonard Wood,
Colonel, 1st U. S. Vol. Cavalry, Commanding 2d Cav. Brigade.
8

(ist Endorsement.)
Headquarters, Cavalry Division.
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 9, 1898.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General, 5th Army
Corps, earnestly recommended. Jos. Wheeler,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers,
(2d Endorsement.)
Headquarters, 5th Army Corps.
Camp near Santiago de Cuba, July 9, i£
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the
Army, approved.
Wm. R. Shafter,
Major-General, U. S. J' 'olunieers , Commanding.
Record and Pension Office, War Department.
Washington, September 17, 1898.
Respectfully submitted to the Honorable the Secretary of
War, with report inclosed. F. C. Ains WORTH,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office.
The Board on Brevets, etc., convened by Par. 19, S. O., 255,
A. G. O., 1898, recommended that brevets " For gallantry in
battle, Santiago de Cuba, July 1, 1898," be awarded the within
named officers of the ist Vol. Cavalry, as follows:
Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, to be brevetted
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
Headquarters, ist Division, 2d Army Corps.
Camp MacKenzie, Ga., Dec. 30, 1898.
Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to recommend Hon. Theodore Roosevelt,
late Colonel, ist U. S. Vol. Cavalry, for a medal of honor, as a
9

reward for conspicuous gallantry at the battle of San Juan,
Cuba, on July i, 1898.
Colonel Roosevelt by his example and fearlessness inspired
his men, and both at Kettle Hill and the ridge known as San
Juan, he led his command in person. I was an eye witness of
Colonel Roosevelt's action.
As Colonel Roosevelt has left the service, a brevet com
mission is of no particular value in his case.
Very respectfully,
Samuel S. Sumner,
Major-General, U. S. V.
Headquarters, Department of Santiago de Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba, December 30, 1898.
To the Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to make the following statement relative to
the conduct of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, late First U. S.
Volunteer Cavalry, during the assault upon San Juan Hill,
July 1, 1898.
I have already recommended this officer for a Medal of
Honor, which, I understand has been denied him, upon the
ground that my previous letter was too indefinite. I based my
recommendation upon the fact that Colonel Roosevelt, accom
panied only by four or five men, led a very desperate and ex
tremely gallant charge on San Juan Hill, thereby setting a
splendid example to the troops and encouraging them to pass
over the open country intervening between their position and
the trenches of the enemy. In leading this charge, he started
off first, as he supposed, with quite a following of men, but
soon discovered that he was alone. He then returned and
gathered up a few men and led them to the charge as above
stated. The charge in itself was an extremely gallant one,
and the example set a most inspiring one to the troops in that
part of the line, and while it is perfectly true that every-

body finally went up the hill in good style, yet there is no
doubt that the magnificent example set by Colonel Roosevelt
had a very encouraging effect and had great weight in bring
ing up the troops behind him. During the assault, Colonel
Roosevelt was the first to reach the trenches in his part of the
line and killed one of the enemy with his own hand.
I earnestly recommend that the medal be conferred upon
Colonel Roosevelt, for I believe that he in every way deserves
it, and that his services on the day in question were of great
value and of a most distinguished character.
Very respectfully,
Leonard Wood,
Major-General, U. S. V '., Commanding Department of San
tiago de Cuba.
Headquarters, U. S. Military Academy.
West Point, N. Y., April 5, 1899.
Lieutenant-Colonel W H. Carter, Assistant Adjutant-General,
U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
Sir: *******
My duties on July 1, 1898, brought me in constant observa
tion of and contact with Colonel Roosevelt from early morning
until shortly before the climax of the assault of the Cavalry
Division on the San Juan Hill — the so-called Kettle Hill. Dur
ing this time, while under the enemy's artillery fire at El Poso
and while on the march from El Poso by the San Juan ford to
the point from which his regiment moved to the assault — about
two miles, the greater part under fire — Colonel Roosevelt was
conspicuous above any others I observed in his regiment in the
zealous performance of duty, in total disregard of his personal
danger and in his eagerness to meet the enemy. At El Poso,
when the enemy opened on that place with artillery fire, a
shrapnel bullet grazed and bruised one of Colonel Roosevelt's
wrists. The incident did not lessen his hazardous exposure,

but he continued so exposed until he had placed his command
under cover. In moving to the assault of San Juan Hill,
Colonel Roosevelt was most conspicuously brave, gallant and
indifferent to his own safety. He, in the open, led his regiment ;
no officer could have set a more striking example to his men
or displayed greater intrepidity.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. L. Mills,
Colonel, U. S. Army, Superintendent.
Young Island, S. C, December 2S, 1898.
To the Adjutant-General, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Believing that information relating to superior conduct on
the part of any of the higher officers who participated in the
Spanish-American War (and which information may not have
been given) would be appreciated by the Department over
which you preside, I have the honor to call your attention to
the part borne by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt of the late ist
U. S. Vol. Cav., in the battle of July 1 last. I do this not only
because I think you ought to know, but because his regiment as
a whole were very proud of his splendid actions that day and
believe they call for the most coveted distinction of the
American officer, the Medal of Honor. Held in support, he
brought his regiment, at exactly the right time, not only up to
the line of regulars, but went through them and headed, on
horseback, the charge on Kettle Hill ; this being done on his
own initiative, the regulars as well as his own men following.
He then headed the charge on the next hill, both regulars
and the ist U. S. Vol. Cav. following. He was so near the
entrenchments on the second hill, that he shot and killed
with a revolver one of the enemy before they broke completely.
He then led the cavalry on the chain of hills overlooking
Santiago, where he remained in charge of all the cavalry that
was at the extreme front for the rest of that day and night.
12

His unhesitating gallantry in taking the initiative against
entrenchments lined by men armed with rapid fire guns
certainly won him the highest consideration and admiration of
all who witnessed his conduct throughout that day.
What I here write I can bear witness to from personally
having seen. Very respectfully, M. J. Jenkins,
Major, late ist U. S. Vol. Cav.
West Point, N. Y., December 17, 1898.
The Adjutant-General, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to recommend that a " Congressional
Medal of Honor " be given to Theodore Roosevelt, (late)
Colonel, First Volunteer Cavalry, for distinguished conduct
and conspicuous bravery, while in command of his regiment
and in leading it in the charge on San Juan Hill, Cuba, July
1, 1898. In. compliance with G. O. 135, 1898, I enclose my
certificate, showing my personal knowledge of Colonel Roose
velt's conduct. Very respectfully,
Robt. L. Howze.
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. V. (1st Lieu
tenant, 6th U. S. Cavalry).
West Point, N. Y., December 17, 1898.
I hereby certify that on July 1, 1898, Colonel (then Lieu
tenant-Colonel) Theodore Roosevelt, First Volunteer Cavalry,
distinguished himself throughout the action, and on two oc
casions during the battle when I was an eye witness, his con
duct was most conspicuous and clearly distinguished above
other men, as follows :
I. At the base of the San Juan, or first hill, there was a
strong wire fence, or entanglement, at which the line hesitated
13

under a galling fire, and where the losses were severe. Colonel
Roosevelt jumped through the fence and by his enthusiasm,
his example and courage succeeded in leading to the crest of
the hill a line sufficiently strong to capture it. In this charge
the Cavalry Division suffered its greatest loss, and the Col
onel's life was placed in extreme jeopardy, owing to the con
spicuous position he took in leading the line, and being the
first to reach the crest of that hill, while under heavy fire of the
enemy at close range.
II. At the extreme advanced position occupied by our lines,
Colonel Roosevelt found himself the senior and under instruc
tions from General Sumner to hold that position. He displayed
the greatest bravery and placed his life in extreme jeopardy
by unavoidable exposure to severe fire while adjusting and
strengthening the line, placing the men in positions which
afforded best protection, etc. His conduct and example
steadied the men and on one occasion by severe, but necessary
measures, prevented a small detachment from stampeding to
the rear.
He displayed the most conspicuous gallantry, courage and
coolness in performing extraordinarily hazardous duty.
Robt. L. Howze.
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. V. (First
Lieutenant, 6th U. S. Cavalry).
Fort Sam Houston.
San Antonio, Tex., January 17, 1899.
Adjutant-General, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to certify that I accompanied Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt during the engagements of our troops
with the Spaniards at Las Guasimas and at San Juan Hill.
At San Juan Hill, July 1, 1898, Colonel Roosevelt (M't'd)
marched his regiment out of a sunken road, where he had been
ordered earlier in the day, toward the hill — in doing so it was
14

necessary to pass through a regular regiment who were lying
at the foot of the hill awaiting orders. Arriving there Col
onel Roosevelt, upon his own initiative, ordered and led the
charge up the hill — he there collected as quickly as possible as
many men as he could irrespective of regiments and led and
won the final charge.
During the night attack of July 2 Colonel Roosevelt showed
conspicuous bravery in walking up and down the line of
trenches commanding and cautioning his. men under a most
galling fire and in great peril of his life.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Maxwell Keyes,
Late First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 1st U. S. Vol. Cav.
Huntsville, Ala., January 4, 1899.
The Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to recommend that a " Congressional
Medal of Honor " be given to Theodore Roosevelt (late Colonel
1st Vol. Cav.), for distinguished conduct and conspicuous
bravery in command of his regiment in the charge on San Juan
Hill, Cuba, July 1, 1898.
In compliance with G. O. 135, A. G. O, 1898, I inclose my
certificate showing my personal knowledge of Colonel Roose
velt's conduct. Very respectfully, C. J. Stevens,
Captain, 2d Cavalry.
I hereby certify that on July 1, 1898, at the battle of San
Juan, Cuba, I witnessed Colonel (then Lieutenant-Colonel)
Theodore Roosevelt, ist Vol. Cavalry, U. S. A., mounted,
leading his regiment to the charge on San Juan. By his gal
lantry and strong personality he contributed most materially
to the success of the charge of the Cavalry Division up San
Juan Hill. IS

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Colonel Roosevelt was among the very first to reach the
crest of the hill, and his dashing example, his absolute fearless
ness and gallant leading rendered his conduct conspicuous and
clearly distinguished above other men.
C. J. Stevens,
Captain, 2d Cavalry (late First Lieutenant, gth Cav.)
Under the methods of awarding Medals of Honor in the
Civil War this record would have been accepted as meeting
every requirement. There are scores and scores on the medal
list of that war whose specific deeds did not measure up to that
high standard which the official record of Colonel Roosevelt
discloses. But the orders under which the Medal Board for
the War with Spain acted were of an extremely restrictive
character, so much so, as to class many acts for which medals
were formerly awarded as the ordinary duty of an officer.
Bound by these restrictions of the orders under which they
acted, the Board of Medals and Brevets recommended that
Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt should receive a brevet as Colonel
for Las Guasimas, and at a -later session, recommended the
brevets of Colonel and Brigadier-General for the battle of San
Juan. Under the restrictions named these brevets took rank
above great numbers of the medals of honor of the Civil War.