Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
George
Owen
Squier
March 21, 1865

–

March 24, 1934

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

George Squier graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1887. An inventor, his biggest contribution was that of multiplexing in 1910 for which he was elected to the National Academy of Science in 1919. As executive officer to the Chief Signal Officer, U.S. Signal Corps, Squier was instrumental in the establishment of the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps, the first organizational ancestor of the US Air Force in 1907. He also was the first military passenger in an airplane on September 12, 1908, and working with the Wright Brothers was responsible for the purchase of the first airplanes by the U.S. Army in 1909.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Signal Corps

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 103 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Owen Squier, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief Signal Officer General Squier has demonstrated scientific attainments of the highest order. His researches and contributions to the scientific equipment of the Signal Corps are noteworthy. The Signal Corps under him has been an extremely progressive and efficient organization.