Lt. Gen. Andrew Davis Bruce (September 14, 1894-July 27, 1969) Originator of tank destroyer corps; "Father of Fort Hood." Brilliant battlefield leader and educator. Born in St. Louis, Mo.; graduated 1916 from Texas A. and M.; in 1917, began 37 years of active military duty. In France with 2nd Infantry Division, World War I, attained (at 24) temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Served in German occupation, 1919. In 1920s-30s, taught and wrote texts in military science and tactics; and served with 33rd Infantry Division, Panama Canal Zone. When assigned to start tank destroyer center, he situated it at Killeen, Feb. 1942, because of terrain and climate, naming the camp (now a fort) for Gen. John Bell Hood (1831-79), "Whose enemies never saw his back." Made a Major General, Sept. 9, 1942, Bruce commanded 77th Infantry Division in World War II battles of Guam, Leyte, Kerama Rotto, Ie Shima, and Okinawa. As in World War I, he won many decorations, including two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross. He was Governor of Hokkaido, Japan, 1945-46; Deputy Commander, 4th Army, 1947-51; commandant of Armed Forces Staff College from 1951 until his retirement in 1954. (1972) In distinguished civilian career, served University of Houston as president, 1954-56; chancellor, 1956-61. He and wife Roberta (Kennedy) had three children.
Bruce, Lt. Gen. Andrew Davis
The roadside stories worth pulling over for.
Bruce, Lt. Gen. Andrew Davis is a historical marker in Killeen, Bell County, dedicated in 1972. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.1389, -97.7703 near Killeen. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Cavalry Division (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Second Armored Division, United States Army, Avenue D School, and Oveta Culp Hobby and the Women's Army Corps.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5027003143. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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