Hugh Aloysius Drum

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Hugh Aloysius Drum (September 19, 1879 - October 3, 1951) was a U.S. general. He was born in Fort Brady, Michigan, and graduated from Boston College in 1898. Joining the Army, he was made a second lieutenant in the 12th Infantry Regiment. Regarded by some as one of the most adroit players of intra-service politics, Drum climbed quickly up the ranks in the Army; he became assistant Chief of Staff to General Pershing in France. In 1918 he was promoted to colonel, and became Chief of Staff of the First Army, AEF.

Following the war Colonel Drum was engaged in various military schools. He was promoted to Major General by 1931 and sent to Honolulu to serve as commander. It was during Drum's posting in Hawaii that he first encountered another ambitious officer, George S. Patton, Jr., with whom he had a sometimes contentious professional relationship. In 1939 Drum was considered for the position of Army Chief of Staff but the position went to George Marshall. In 1940 he was promoted to Lieutenant General in charge of the New York National Guard. From 1944 until his death, he was the president of Empire State Inc.

During his career he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Medal, and the Croix de Guerre. After his death he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He left behind a widow, Mary Reaume Drum.

Fort Drum, New York is named for General Drum.