Harry Taylor
Major General, U.S. Army
Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1924-1926)

Harry Taylor was born on 26 June 1862 in Tilton, NH.

Upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy in 1884, Taylor joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From 1891 to 1900, he served on various projects, including East Coast defenses and the Columbia River project. In the Philippines, he supervised all fortification work there in 1904 to 1905 and was District Engineer in New London, CT, from 1906-11.

In 1916, at the rank of Colonel, he was Assistant Chief of Engineers in charge of the River and Harbor Division. At the start of America's participation in World War I, he was promoted to Brigadier General and sailed for France as Chief Engineer Officer, American Expeditionary Force. In this capacity, he supervised the construction of railways, barracks, wharves, and shelters throughout France for the entire war.

On 19 June 1921, he was appointed Major General, Chief of Army Corps of Engineers and remained in post until retiring in 1926.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Honor (France)

Honors

The transport ship USS General Harry Taylor (AP-145), was named in his honor on 10 October 1943.

Death and Burial

Major General Harry Taylor died on 27 January 1930 in Washington, DC. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.