A Soldier's Story: Major General Fox Conner

Major General Fox Conner could be considered the most influential general.

Born on November 2, 1874, in Slate Springs, Mississippi, and graduated from West Point in 1898.

Initially, he wanted to be a Calvary officer. However, the Army decided otherwise and placed General Fox Conner in the infantry.

He served in the Spanish American War, Panama, and World War I, with his after-action report on WWI influencing the National Defense Act of 1920.

While General Fox Conner had an outstanding career and was very well awarded, he is most known for his mentoring. Taking some of the most promising soldiers under his wing, he is the role model for some of the most famous generals of World War II, including Marshall, Patton, and Eisenhower.

Major General Fox Conner is also known for his three principles of war :

1. Never fight unless you have to.
2. Never fight alone.
3. Never fight for long.

A lifelong learner, Major General Fox Conner also taught himself French, German, and Spanish.

He retired from the US Army in 1938 after 40 years of service.

Major General Fox Conner died on October 13, 1951, at Walter Reed, and his ashes were scattered throughout Brandeth Park, a private nature preserve in upstate New York.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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