In the spirit of Masonic Education, Brother Who Art Thou:

Good evening my Brothers, and a warm greeting from my Lodge, The Shrine at Salina, Kansas. A little about me:

I was born August 23, 1883 at Fort Walla Walla, now Walla Walla Washington. I was raised in a military family starting with my Grandfather. My father served and was killed in action in the Philippines. I continued the family tradition and entered the Mounted Service school at Fort Riley Kansas and graduated as a captain in 1916. In 1918 during World War One I served in France with the 82nd Infantry Division.

Between the wars, I rose through the ranks and in 1935 I was promoted to General and commanded the US 1st Cavalry Regiment in Texas. In 1940, I was made a Major General. I would hold this rank through World War Two. I commanded the 70,000 troops that were taken prisoner by the Empire of Japan from April 9 to June 9 and held captive for 39 months until the end of the war. Upon my liberation, MacArthur had me flown to Japan to stand next to him on the fantail of the BB63 USS Missouri to witness the unconditional surrender of Japan. MacArthur then had me flown back to the Island to accept the surrender of Japanese forces that had previously held me captive. Upon my return to the States, I was welcomed as a hero, even though I ordered the surrender to prevent further casualties of my men. I was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for my leadership during the 39 months.

As to my Masonic career, I was made a master Mason (As a 3 star General) on May 16, 1946 in Kansas.

I retired from the Army with my 4th star in August of 1947.

I went to that house not made with hands on September 2, 1953 of a stroke. I was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, and more importantly, full Masonic Honors.

Brothers, Who am I?