Ernest Dichmann Peek

Ernest Dichmann Peek
Born	(1878-11-18)November 18, 1878 Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Died	April 22, 1950(1950-04-22) (aged 71) San Francisco, California
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Army
Years of service	1901–1942
Rank	Major General
Battles / wars	Philippine–American War World War I World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star

Ernest Dichmann Peek (November 18, 1878 – April 22, 1950) was a Major General in the United States Army, who commanded the 9th Corps Area at the beginning of World War II.

Biography

Peek was born on November 18, 1878 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Peek graduated from the United States Military Academy on February 18, 1901 and joined the Corps of Engineers. Then he served on Philippines during the Philippine–American War, where he was assigned to the road and wharf construction units. Peek was decorated with Silver Star for gallantry in action against the Moros during this service.

In 1906 he would be assigned to Yellowstone National Park to help with engineering projects. From 1912 to 1926 he would supervise improvements of the harbor on Lake Superior and was also in charge of the building of Lock and Dam No. 1, Mississippi River.

During World War I, Peek served with 21st Engineers within American Expeditionary Force in France. For his service during the war, he was awarded with Army Distinguished Service Medal and with Legion of Honour by the Government of France.

Following the war he was assigned to the Panama Canal Zone. He would attend the Babson Institute in 1927 and later obtain a L.L.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law. In 1929 he was assigned to New York City to work on rivers and harbors. He was named a brigade commander at Fort Francis E. Warren in 1937.

In 1940 he was named commander of the Ninth Corps Area. Peek retired in 1942 due to physical disability. He was the last remaining member of the Class of 1901 to serve on active duty.

Peek died on April 22, 1950 in San Francisco, California. He is buried with his wife, Ann Ryan Peek (1885 - 1971), at Arlington National Cemetery.

Decorations

Below is the ribbon bar of Major General Peek:

1st Row	Army Distinguished Service Medal									Silver Star
2nd Row	Spanish War Service Medal				Philippine Campaign Medal				World War I Victory Medal with three Battle Clasps				American Defense Service Medal
3rd Row	American Campaign Medal				World War II Victory Medal				Officer of the French Order of the Legion of Honour				Officer of the French Ordre de l'Étoile Noire