Casper Hauzer Conrad, Jr., was born in Ohio, 26 September 1872. His father was a First Lieutenant, 10th Infantry when Casper was born.
Appointed to the Military Academy from South Dakota, he was originally a member of the Class of 1894, but graduated with 1895, ranking fifth in the class.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, was appointed a Brigadier General in 1928, and retired in 1936. He was held in the highest esteem and affection by his class, and all who knew him. He has been characterized as one whose every act exemplified the West Point motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”
In 1926, at Washington, D.C., he was married to Miss Eva Shacklett, who survives him. There are no children.
During recent years, the Conrads made their home in San Antonio, Texas, where the widow still resides.
Our beloved classmate passed away peacefully in the Brooke Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston. Texas, August 12, 1954, after one month’s illness. His remains are resting in the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The following tribute is an extract from a letter by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Malin Craig, to General Conrad upon his retirement in 1936. “I wish to express to you the grateful appreciation of the War Department of the valuable service you have rendered the Government during your long period of military activity.
“A review of your military record from the date of your graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1895, and appointment as Second Lieutenant of Cavalry shows high professional attainments and outstanding military accomplishments.
“Throughout your long military career you rendered inestimable service to your Country and I wish to extend to you my best wishes for many years of health and happiness.
“Sincerely yours,
“Malin Craig, Chief of Staff”
General Conrad’s service included assignments to positions of high command, staff, and administrative duties in many fields— in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Cuba, Philippine Islands, Montana, Missouri, Washington, D.C. and Europe.
He was detailed to the Quartermaster Department and established the Remount Depot and Government Bureau for breeding Cavalry horses at Front Royal, Virginia. Upon relief from the Quartermaster Department, he returned to Cavalry duty in Illinois, Virginia, and Texas.
In 1916 he was graduated from the School of Equitation. Mounted Service School, Fort Riley. Kansas, then served on Border duty with the National Guard, then transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas with the 3rd Cavalry.
He reorganized and commanded the 30th Infantry, 90th Division, at Camp Travis, Texas, shortly after the United States entered World War I.
From June 1918 until February 1919, Casper served as a member of the War Department General Staff, Washington. D.C. He next served on embarkation duty at Brest until March 1919.
While overseas, he commanded the Advance Embarkation Section S.O.S. in Germany, and Base Section No. 1, St. Nazaine, France.
As a student officer at the Army Service Schools, Line Class, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he was an Honor Graduate. He was next detailed as a student at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, where he received the degree of B.A. in Agriculture with Senior Honors in June 1922.
In June 1923, he was graduated from the Army War College. His next service was in the Inspector General’s office until November 1923, when he sailed for Manila, P.I. as Inspector General, Philippine Department and upon return to the United States went again on duty in the Inspector General’s Office in Washington. D.C. until 1928, then was detailed as a student to a refresher course, Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia.
He next commanded the 12th Brigade and Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and during various periods, commanded temporarily the Sixth Corps Area. In 1930 to 1933, he served as Commander of the 23rd Brigade, Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Division, and Fort William McKinley, P. I.
His next service was command of Fort Francis E. Warren, Wyoming, the 4th Brigade, and the Wyoming District Civilian Conservation Corps to 1935.
He commanded Fort Lewis, Washington, the 3rd Division, and the Fort Lewis District Civilian Conservation Corps and at various periods the 9th Corps Area, temporarily from 1935 to date of retirement.
In 1928, as a consequence of commendable service he was appointed Brigadier General in the Regular Army.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the citation for which reads as follows:
“For exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous services as Commander of Advance Embarkation Section, S.O.S. By his marked executive ability and energetic efforts displayed in the transportation of troops from the area of the Army of Occupation to the base ports, and the management of troop trains, which were comfortably equipped, safely operated, and sanitarily maintained, he has rendered services of great worth. Residence at time of appointment, Washington, D.C.”
—J. S. Herron, ‘95