Today in Wheeling History: September 28--Walter C. Sweeney Sr., born in Wheeling, West Virginia, distinguished himself by gallantry in action during World War I while serving as Chief of Staff of the 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and was awarded the Silver Star (1918).
Walter Campbell Sweeney Sr. was born on November 16, 1876, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Andrew J. and Maria Sweeney. His father, Andrew J. Sweeney, was the founder of Wheeling Electric and served multiple terms as the mayor of Wheeling. Walter Sweeney Sr. was educated locally and did not attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which was uncommon for senior officers of his time. He enlisted as a private in the 1st West Virginia Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and was later commissioned as a second lieutenant. Sweeney served in various conflicts, including the Philippine–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I, and World War II. On September 28, 1918, during World War I, Sweeney distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Chief of Staff of the 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Apremont, France. He voluntarily went out in the open under heavy shell fire to rally and encourage the troops and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery. Sweeney’s military career saw him rise to the rank of Major General, and he received numerous awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He passed away on April 10, 1963, in San Francisco, California.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/3utshe6s)
Photo credits: Lewis Army Museum Website
Walter Campbell Sweeney Sr. was born on November 16, 1876, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Andrew J. and Maria Sweeney. His father, Andrew J. Sweeney, was the founder of Wheeling Electric and served multiple terms as the mayor of Wheeling. Walter Sweeney Sr. was educated locally and did not attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which was uncommon for senior officers of his time. He enlisted as a private in the 1st West Virginia Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and was later commissioned as a second lieutenant. Sweeney served in various conflicts, including the Philippine–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I, and World War II. On September 28, 1918, during World War I, Sweeney distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Chief of Staff of the 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Apremont, France. He voluntarily went out in the open under heavy shell fire to rally and encourage the troops and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery. Sweeney’s military career saw him rise to the rank of Major General, and he received numerous awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He passed away on April 10, 1963, in San Francisco, California.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/3utshe6s)
Photo credits: Lewis Army Museum Website
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