2nd great-grandfather is John George Heidt, I, Salzburger who came to Georgia Colony in 1749. Grandson of Reverend, Georgia Assemblyman Emanuel Heidt. Son of Reverend, Lawyer, University President John Wesley Heidt.
Attended West Point, dropped out because of astigmatism, later corrected by his sister Carobel's brother-in-law, Dr. Calhoun. Enlisted as Private, 13th Infantry, served in U.S. Army, rose to rank of Sergeant Major, then earned commission as 2nd Lieutenant, eventually rising to rank of full Colonel.
Fought in Spanish American War, served in Philippines and Panama, 1st Cavalry "Rough Riders" Division, 6th Regiment. As a 2nd Lieutenant, was with the regular troops of the U.S. Army around Santiago, and his command figured conspicuously in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. It is known that he was in the midst of the heaviest of the fighting around Santiago, as the 6th Regiment was in the very foremost of the charge of the Spanish lines. When his Commanding officer, Captain Torrey, was severely wounded and carried from the field, James Villard Heidt took command and continued the attack. It is documented that he led the 6th Regiment "...…up San Juan Hill, amid a storm of shot and shell and brought them within a few hundred yards of Santiago", and "Lt. Heidt was in the gallant charge at San Juan where many fell". For this, he received his first Silver Star, and was brevetted to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant, when President William McKinley submitted his name to Congress for promotion.
On December 12, 1901, he was a member of the mounted citizens escort under Marshall Andrew Parker, for the parade and review by President McKinley, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Washington D.C.. Served as Major in the 36th Infantry Division when it moved into Brownsville, TX on July 12, 1916 in the border skirmish with Mexico. Soon after served in WWI until the close of the war. Known as "Big Jim" by those who served with him. Awarded two Silver Stars in the Spanish American War in Cuba at the Battle of San Juan Hill, and the Philippines, and two Bronze Stars in WWI in the Meuse- Argonne Clasp and the Defensive Sector Clasp. Because of his extensive experience in the Spanish American War and World War I, he played a large part in the design and development of the U.S. Military mess kits, which were heavily used in World War II, and have not been changed much to this day.
Recognized numerous times throughout his career for the high state of discipline, esprit, administration and level of training of his commands. Repeatedly recommended for promotion to Brigadier General, and was on the eligible list until retirement. Served as President Of U.S.A.A. (United Services Automobile Association) in the 1920's. Mandatory retirement from the Army at age 64 on May 31, 1837.
Attended West Point, dropped out because of astigmatism, later corrected by his sister Carobel's brother-in-law, Dr. Calhoun. Enlisted as Private, 13th Infantry, served in U.S. Army, rose to rank of Sergeant Major, then earned commission as 2nd Lieutenant, eventually rising to rank of full Colonel.
Fought in Spanish American War, served in Philippines and Panama, 1st Cavalry "Rough Riders" Division, 6th Regiment. As a 2nd Lieutenant, was with the regular troops of the U.S. Army around Santiago, and his command figured conspicuously in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. It is known that he was in the midst of the heaviest of the fighting around Santiago, as the 6th Regiment was in the very foremost of the charge of the Spanish lines. When his Commanding officer, Captain Torrey, was severely wounded and carried from the field, James Villard Heidt took command and continued the attack. It is documented that he led the 6th Regiment "...…up San Juan Hill, amid a storm of shot and shell and brought them within a few hundred yards of Santiago", and "Lt. Heidt was in the gallant charge at San Juan where many fell". For this, he received his first Silver Star, and was brevetted to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant, when President William McKinley submitted his name to Congress for promotion.
On December 12, 1901, he was a member of the mounted citizens escort under Marshall Andrew Parker, for the parade and review by President McKinley, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Washington D.C.. Served as Major in the 36th Infantry Division when it moved into Brownsville, TX on July 12, 1916 in the border skirmish with Mexico. Soon after served in WWI until the close of the war. Known as "Big Jim" by those who served with him. Awarded two Silver Stars in the Spanish American War in Cuba at the Battle of San Juan Hill, and the Philippines, and two Bronze Stars in WWI in the Meuse- Argonne Clasp and the Defensive Sector Clasp. Because of his extensive experience in the Spanish American War and World War I, he played a large part in the design and development of the U.S. Military mess kits, which were heavily used in World War II, and have not been changed much to this day.
Recognized numerous times throughout his career for the high state of discipline, esprit, administration and level of training of his commands. Repeatedly recommended for promotion to Brigadier General, and was on the eligible list until retirement. Served as President Of U.S.A.A. (United Services Automobile Association) in the 1920's. Mandatory retirement from the Army at age 64 on May 31, 1837.
2nd great-grandfather is John George Heidt, I, Salzburger who came to Georgia Colony in 1749. Grandson of Reverend, Georgia Assemblyman Emanuel Heidt. Son of Reverend, Lawyer, University President John Wesley Heidt.
Attended West Point, dropped out because of astigmatism, later corrected by his sister Carobel's brother-in-law, Dr. Calhoun. Enlisted as Private, 13th Infantry, served in U.S. Army, rose to rank of Sergeant Major, then earned commission as 2nd Lieutenant, eventually rising to rank of full Colonel.
Fought in Spanish American War, served in Philippines and Panama, 1st Cavalry "Rough Riders" Division, 6th Regiment. As a 2nd Lieutenant, was with the regular troops of the U.S. Army around Santiago, and his command figured conspicuously in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. It is known that he was in the midst of the heaviest of the fighting around Santiago, as the 6th Regiment was in the very foremost of the charge of the Spanish lines. When his Commanding officer, Captain Torrey, was severely wounded and carried from the field, James Villard Heidt took command and continued the attack. It is documented that he led the 6th Regiment "...…up San Juan Hill, amid a storm of shot and shell and brought them within a few hundred yards of Santiago", and "Lt. Heidt was in the gallant charge at San Juan where many fell". For this, he received his first Silver Star, and was brevetted to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant, when President William McKinley submitted his name to Congress for promotion.
On December 12, 1901, he was a member of the mounted citizens escort under Marshall Andrew Parker, for the parade and review by President McKinley, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Washington D.C.. Served as Major in the 36th Infantry Division when it moved into Brownsville, TX on July 12, 1916 in the border skirmish with Mexico. Soon after served in WWI until the close of the war. Known as "Big Jim" by those who served with him. Awarded two Silver Stars in the Spanish American War in Cuba at the Battle of San Juan Hill, and the Philippines, and two Bronze Stars in WWI in the Meuse- Argonne Clasp and the Defensive Sector Clasp. Because of his extensive experience in the Spanish American War and World War I, he played a large part in the design and development of the U.S. Military mess kits, which were heavily used in World War II, and have not been changed much to this day.
Recognized numerous times throughout his career for the high state of discipline, esprit, administration and level of training of his commands. Repeatedly recommended for promotion to Brigadier General, and was on the eligible list until retirement. Served as President Of U.S.A.A. (United Services Automobile Association) in the 1920's. Mandatory retirement from the Army at age 64 on May 31, 1837.
Attended West Point, dropped out because of astigmatism, later corrected by his sister Carobel's brother-in-law, Dr. Calhoun. Enlisted as Private, 13th Infantry, served in U.S. Army, rose to rank of Sergeant Major, then earned commission as 2nd Lieutenant, eventually rising to rank of full Colonel.
Fought in Spanish American War, served in Philippines and Panama, 1st Cavalry "Rough Riders" Division, 6th Regiment. As a 2nd Lieutenant, was with the regular troops of the U.S. Army around Santiago, and his command figured conspicuously in the famous charge up San Juan Hill. It is known that he was in the midst of the heaviest of the fighting around Santiago, as the 6th Regiment was in the very foremost of the charge of the Spanish lines. When his Commanding officer, Captain Torrey, was severely wounded and carried from the field, James Villard Heidt took command and continued the attack. It is documented that he led the 6th Regiment "...…up San Juan Hill, amid a storm of shot and shell and brought them within a few hundred yards of Santiago", and "Lt. Heidt was in the gallant charge at San Juan where many fell". For this, he received his first Silver Star, and was brevetted to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant, when President William McKinley submitted his name to Congress for promotion.
On December 12, 1901, he was a member of the mounted citizens escort under Marshall Andrew Parker, for the parade and review by President McKinley, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Washington D.C.. Served as Major in the 36th Infantry Division when it moved into Brownsville, TX on July 12, 1916 in the border skirmish with Mexico. Soon after served in WWI until the close of the war. Known as "Big Jim" by those who served with him. Awarded two Silver Stars in the Spanish American War in Cuba at the Battle of San Juan Hill, and the Philippines, and two Bronze Stars in WWI in the Meuse- Argonne Clasp and the Defensive Sector Clasp. Because of his extensive experience in the Spanish American War and World War I, he played a large part in the design and development of the U.S. Military mess kits, which were heavily used in World War II, and have not been changed much to this day.
Recognized numerous times throughout his career for the high state of discipline, esprit, administration and level of training of his commands. Repeatedly recommended for promotion to Brigadier General, and was on the eligible list until retirement. Served as President Of U.S.A.A. (United Services Automobile Association) in the 1920's. Mandatory retirement from the Army at age 64 on May 31, 1837.
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