Major Martin

Title

Major Martin

Creator

United States. War Department

Identifier

WWP25350

Date

No date

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers

Publisher

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Subject

United States. Army
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

Contributor

Anna Phillips

Relation

WWP25349
WWP25351

Language

English

Provenance

Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.

Text

Age 31 years. 5 years service as an enlisted man. Commissioned Provisional 2nd Lieutenant to rank from November 26th, 1916. Provisional 1st Lieutenant, same date. Temporary Captain to rank from August 3rd, 1917. Temporary Major to rank from August 15th, 1918.

On October 14, 1917, Major Martin (at that time a 1st Lieut.) appeared before a Board of Officers. The testimony of his senior officers (regimental, squadron and troop commanders) was to the effect that his services as a Lieutenant had been very unsatisfactory, that he was not suitable for permanent appointment, that he had been transferred from troop to troop in order to give him a chance in new surroundings, that it was not safe to give him command of men, that he was not instructed in his duties, that he had passed several worthless checks, but the opinion seemed to be that this was due to stupidity and incompetency rather than to an intention on the part of Lieut. Martin to deceive. In view of the fact that Lieut. Martin seemed to have gotten a bad start in the regiment, and in view of the fact that he had been a commissioned officer for so short a time and had shown some improvement recently, the board recommended that he be retained in the service and given further opportunity to demonstrate his ability. This recommendation was approved.

In March 1918, the Department called for a report as to his progress. A bried summary of this report, made by his various commanding officers was as follows:

That he was not qualified as a Captain, that he lacked self reliance, initiative, decisiveness and ability to command men, that his horsemanship and his ability to give commands were poor and that it was not safe to entrust to him the command of a troop when the safety of the men would depend upon his ability to think clearly and act quickly and correctly, in an emergency. Their reports also stated that he was well educated, obedient, neat in dress and appearance and seemed to be making an effort to improve himself. His Commanding General reported that he would continue to observe him and give him further opportunity to make good.

In August, 1918, upon the recommendation of his new regimental commander a Board was again convened to examine into his suitability and fitness for continuation in the service. His Regimental Commander testified that he was generally a most unsatisfactory officer, that he was unqualified for his commission, that he lacked leadership and had no control of his men, that he was ignorant of his duties and had not made the proper effort to familiarize himself with them and cited many specific instances as his reasons for forming this opinion. The Squadron Commander and Major martin were the only other witnesses before the Board, but the testimony of his Squadron Commander, although not so unfavorable as that of his Regimental Commander, can be summed up in the statement that he did not consider him qualified at the present time. The finding of the Board was to the effect that Major Martin was not suitable and fit for permanent appointment and the recommendation was that his commission be honorably terminated.

It is the opinion of the Department that the finding and recommendation of the Board should be approved. A very careful review of all the records of the War Department has been made and there seems to be no reasonable doubt that the services of Major Martin have been unsatisfactory, that he is not suitable and fit for permanent appointment and that he has been given every opportunity, and that he has been given fair and impartial treatment.

The names of the various officers who have personally observed this officer and who have from time to time reported adversely upon him, include Generals Read, Howze, Cameron Anderson and Heard, Colonels Gregory, McGee and Foerster, and Major Crowley.

Original Format

Report

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/WWI1305A.pdf

Collection

Citation

United States. War Department, “Major Martin,” No date, WWP25350, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.