Albert H. Blanding
| Albert Hazen Blanding | |
|---|---|
Blanding as commander of 2nd Florida Infantry, 1916
|
|
| Born |
November 9, 1876 Lyons, Iowa |
| Died | December 26, 1970 (aged 94) Bartow, Florida |
| Place of burial | Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, Florida |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1895-1940 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Commands held | 2nd Florida Infantry Regiment 53rd Infantry Brigade 31st Infantry Division National Guard Bureau |
| Battles/wars |
Pancho Villa Expedition World War I World War II |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Albert Hazen Blanding (November 9, 1876 – December 26, 1970) was a United States Army officer. Among the most distinguished military figures in Florida's history, he was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal.
Blanding was born in Lyons, Iowa, but his family moved to Florida when he was two years old. Blanding attended East Florida Seminary, now known as the University of Florida, in Gainesville, graduating in 1894. He was commissioned a captain in the Florida National Guard in 1899. At the time, he was a phosphate company executive. he advanced through the ranks in a variety of staff and command positions, receiving promotion to major in 1906 and lieutenant colonel in 1908.
Blanding was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1909 and ran a turpentine, sawmill, and lumber business from 1910 to 1914 while active on the National Guard roster. In the Pancho Villa Expedition, Blanding commanded the Second Florida Infantry.
On August 5, 1917, Blanding was called up to serve in World War I, where he commanded the 53rd Brigade, 27th Division, as a brigadier general.
In France, he commanded the 185th Infantry Brigade, which included the 370th Infantry Regiment from Illinois.
After hostilities ceased, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and was discharged from the Army on March 1, 1919, after which he resumed his service to the Florida National Guard.
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