Robert Campbell Van Vliet

Brigadier General Robert Campbell Van Vliet (August 22, 1857 - October 27, 1943) was a career officer in the United States Army. He attained the rank of brigadier general, and was most notable for his World War I service as commander of the 87th Division.

Biography

He was born at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on August 22, 1857, the son of Stewart Van Vliet and Sarah Jane Brown.[1]

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1876.[2] Van Vliet participated in the Indian Wars, including the Geronimo campaign.[2] He served as commander of Fort Davis in Nome, Alaska prior to the Spanish–American War.[2] During the war, he served in Cuba, including the attack on Santiago, at which he was wounded.[2]

Van Vliet commanded several posts and garrisons, including: Fort Slocum, New York; the federal prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California; and Fort McIntosh, Texas.[2]

During the Veracruz expedition, Van Vliet was served as second in command of US forces under Frederick Funston.[2] During World War I, Van Vliet's physical condition as a result of his old wound prevented him from serving in France.[2] He was promoted to brigadier general, and assigned as commander of the 173rd Infantry Brigade and the 87th Division during their pre-deployment training at Camp Pike, Arkansas.[2]

Death and burial

In retirement, Van Vliet resided in Shrewsbury, New Jersey and New Smyrna, Florida.[2] He died at the Palma Hotel in New Smyrna on October 27, 1943.[1] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section East, Site 3447.

Family

His children included: Sarita (1889-1965), the wife of Lieutenant Colonel David Perry Wood; Stewart (1885-1956), a New Jersey newspaper editor and columnist; Colonel Robert C. Van Vliet Jr. (1893-1943); and Marguerite (1895-1982), the wife of Major General Robert L. Spragins.[1][2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "General Van Vliet, 86, In Army 42 Years".
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Gen Van Vliet is Dead at 86", pp. 1-2.

Sources

Newspapers

  • "General Van Vliet, 86, In Army 42 Years, Former Commander of 87th Division Dies in Florida". New York Times. October 28, 1943. Retrieved 2014-12-29.
  • "Gen Van Vliet is Dead at 86". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, NJ. October 28, 1943 – via Newspapers.com. (Subscription required (help)).

Robert Campbell Van Vliet at Find a Grave Robert Campbell Van Vliet at Arlington Cemetery.net

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