US Army General. He graduated from Union College in 1881, attended Columbia Law School, and became an attorney. He joined the New York National Guard's 22nd Separate Company as a Private in 1884, was promoted to Sergeant in 1885, and was appointed commander with the rank of Captain in 1892. During the Spanish-American War he was promoted to Major as commander of the 14th Battalion, which was later organized as the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In 1899 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and regimental second-in-command. In 1903 he was promoted to Colonel as regimental commander. In 1911 Lester was promoted to Brigadier General as commander of New York's 3rd Brigade, which he led on the Mexican border during the Villa Expedition. At the start of World War I, Lester was assigned to command the 54th Brigade, a unit of the 27th Division. He oversaw its pre-war training, but did not pass his physical and so did not command in combat. After the war he commanded the 53rd Brigade until retiring in 1923. His awards included the New York National Guard's Conspicuous Service Cross and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Union College.
US Army General. He graduated from Union College in 1881, attended Columbia Law School, and became an attorney. He joined the New York National Guard's 22nd Separate Company as a Private in 1884, was promoted to Sergeant in 1885, and was appointed commander with the rank of Captain in 1892. During the Spanish-American War he was promoted to Major as commander of the 14th Battalion, which was later organized as the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In 1899 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and regimental second-in-command. In 1903 he was promoted to Colonel as regimental commander. In 1911 Lester was promoted to Brigadier General as commander of New York's 3rd Brigade, which he led on the Mexican border during the Villa Expedition. At the start of World War I, Lester was assigned to command the 54th Brigade, a unit of the 27th Division. He oversaw its pre-war training, but did not pass his physical and so did not command in combat. After the war he commanded the 53rd Brigade until retiring in 1923. His awards included the New York National Guard's Conspicuous Service Cross and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Union College.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
