Charles A. Doyen

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Charles A. Doyen
September 3, 1859 – October 6, 1918
BGen Charles A. Doyen
Place of birth	New Hampshire
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1881-1918
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	5th Regiment 4th Brigade 2nd Division(RA)
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal

Charles Augustus Doyen (3 September 1859 – 6 October 1918) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Born in New Hampshire, Doyen was a member of the Naval Academy class of 1881, later commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He organized and commanded the 5th Regiment in World War I, and in France took command of the 4th Brigade, 2d Division, composed of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and the 6th Gun Battalion. From 26 October to 8 November, 1917, he served as commanding general, 2d Division, the first Marine officer to command an Army division. His devoted service broke his health, and he was forced to return to the United States, where he died 6 October 1918. But the brigade went on to win historic victories at Chateau Thierry and in Belleau Wood. Doyen's contribution to these victories was recognized by the posthumous award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the first to ever be awarded.

[edit] Namesake

Two ships have been named USS Doyen for him.

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] References

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
Doyen. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. Retrieved on 2006-11-19.
United States Army records of World War I-www.history.army.mil/books/wwi/ob/2-cdr-OB.htm