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Reginald W. Buzzell

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Reginald W. Buzzell
Buzzell as commander of the 172nd Infantry Regiment in 1942
Born(1894-03-22)March 22, 1894
Magog, Quebec, Canada
DiedJanuary 23, 1959(1959-01-23) (aged 64)
Washington, D.C.
Buried
Park Lawn Cemetery, Bennington, Vermont
AllegianceUnited States
Vermont
Service / branchU.S. Army Infantry Branch
Years of service1914–1915
1916–1945
1947–1951
RankBrigadier General
UnitUnited States Army
Vermont Army National Guard
CommandsCompany L, 172nd Infantry Regiment
3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment
172nd Infantry Regiment
Infantry Replacement Center, Camp Croft, South Carolina
Infantry Replacement Center, Camp Wheeler, Georgia
43rd Infantry Division
Battles / warsPancho Villa Expedition
World War I
World War II
Alma materUniversity of Vermont (attended)
Spouse(s)Ruth M. Kipp (m. August–November 1917, her death)
Josephine Start (m. 1925–1959, his death)
Children3
Other workPostmaster, Newport, Vermont
Superintendent, Vermont Veterans Home

Reginald W. Buzzell (March 22, 1894 – January 23, 1959) was an American government official and military officer from Vermont. A longtime member of the Vermont Army National Guard, he was a veteran of the Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I and World War II and attained the rank of brigadier general.

A native of Magog, Quebec, Canada, he was raised and educated in Newport, Vermont and attended the University of Vermont. In his civilian career, Buzzell served as Newport's postmaster and superintendent of the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. In his military career, Buzzell served as an enlisted soldier in the Vermont Army National Guard and United States Army from 1914 to 1915 and 1916 to 1919. He attained the rank of sergeant and was a veteran of the Pancho Villa Expedition and World War I.

Buzzell received his officer's commission in 1919 and advanced through the ranks during the interwar period. As he rose in rank, Buzzell commanded Company L, 172nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment, and the 172nd Infantry Regiment. During World War II, Buzzell commanded the regiment before receiving promotion to brigadier general and commanded the Infantry Replacement Centers at Camp Croft, South Carolina and Camp Wheeler, Georgia. In 1947, Buzzell was assigned as assistant division commander of the 43rd Infantry Division and served as acting division commander while commander Kenneth F. Cramer served as Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

In 1951, Buzzell retired from the military and his position at the veterans home. In retirement, he was a resident of Bennington. He died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 1959. Buzzell was buried at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.

Biography

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Reginald William Buzzell was born in Magog, Quebec, Canada on March 22, 1894, the son of William A. Buzzell and Harriet "Hattie" Mitson Buzzell Squires.[1] His father died when he was six, and after his mother's remarriage, the family moved to Newport, Vermont, where Buzzell attended the local schools, including the Hillside District School.[1][2] He graduated from Newport High School in 1914, and attended the University of Vermont (UVM) for a year as a member of the class of 1918.[3] While at UVM, Buzzell studied mechanical engineering[4] and joined the Delta Psi fraternity.[5]

Start of career

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In October 1914, Buzzell began his United States Army career when he joined Company C, 1st Infantry Regiment, a unit of the Vermont Army National Guard.[6] He served until November 1915, when he received an honorable discharge.[6] He enlisted in Newport's Company L in March 1916, and attained the rank of sergeant.[7] When units of the National Guard were activated for federal service during the Pancho Villa Expedition, Buzzell served with his company at Camp Shafter in Maverick County, Texas,[8] along the Mexico–United States border.[9] After working as a part-time letter carrier beginning in 1913, in 1916 he also began a full time career as a mail clerk and letter carrier based at the Newport post office.[10][11]

World War I

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During World War I, Buzzell served as supply sergeant of Company G, 101st Ammunition Train, a unit of the 26th Division.[6] The ammunition train was organized and trained at Camp Bartlett in Westfield, Massachusetts.[12] After arrival in France in October 1917, the unit was assigned to Camp Coëtquidan in Morbihan, where duties included maintaining a fleet of trucks that transported supplies from nearby ports to the camp.[12]

In February 1918, the 101st Ammunition Train moved to the Chemin des Dames sector, where they went into combat alongside French troops.[12] In late March, the unit was transferred to the Toul sector.[12] The 101st Ammunition Train participated in the Second Battle of the Marne in July, Battle of Saint-Mihiel in September, and the Meuse–Argonne offensive beginning in late September.[12] During its combat service, the organization operated ammunition dumps and transported artillery and ammunition to front line units during fighting against the German army.[12]

In January 1919, the 101st Ammunition Train left France for the United States.[12] The unit was demobilized at Fort Devens, Massachusetts in April 1919, and Buzzell returned to Newport.[12]

Continued career

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After the war, Buzzell returned to his job at the Newport post office.[13] In November 1919, the post-war reconstitution of the National Guard included the reorganization of Newport's local unit as Company L, 172nd Infantry Regiment.[14] In December, Company L's soldiers chose Buzzell to serve as their commander, and he received his commission as a captain.[14] Buzzell also became active in founding Newport's American Legion post, and served as its adjutant.[15]

In 1921, Buzzell took part in the planning and construction of a new National Guard armory in Newport.[16] In August 1921, Buzzell was promoted to major and assigned to command the 172nd Infantry's 3rd Battalion.[17] In December 1921, Marshal Ferdinand Foch, commander of French forces during the First World War, was aboard a Quebec-bound train that stopped in Brattleboro, Vermont to change engines.[18] Governor James Hartness arranged for a reception in Foch's honor to take place while the engines were changed, and Buzzell was a member of Hartness's official party.[18]

In 1924, Buzzell graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.[6] In May 1924, he was appointed as Newport's postmaster.[19] In November, he was elected commander of the American Legion post in Newport.[20] When Clarence Ransom Edwards, the World War I commander of the 26th Division, was honored for his wartime leadership at a 1926 reception in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Buzzell was among the guests of honor.[21] In February 1932, Buzzell completed the Army's course for National Guard field grade officers at Fort Benning, Georgia.[6] In February 1933, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned as executive officer of the 172nd Infantry Regiment.[22]

Buzzell's term as postmaster expired in 1936 and after his successor took office, Buzzell continued to work as a clerk at the Newport post office.[11] In July 1937, he was elected by the board of trustees to serve as superintendent of the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, and he moved from Newport to Bennington. At the same time Buzzell was elected, his wife, a registered nurse, was elected to serve as the home's matron.[23][24] In May 1938, the officers of the 172nd Infantry Regiment elected Buzzell as commander with the rank of colonel, succeeding Leonard F. Wing, and the appointment became effective in July.[25][26]

World War II

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In March 1941, the 172nd Infantry Regiment was activated for federal service in anticipation of U.S. entry into World War II.[27] Buzzell led the regiment during its training at: Camp Blanding, Florida; Camp Shelby, Mississippi; and Fort Polk, Louisiana.[28] He was in command during the 172nd's participation in the Louisiana Maneuvers and Carolina Maneuvers.[28]

In August 1942, Buzzell was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as assistant commander of the Infantry Replacement Center at Camp Croft, South Carolina, of which he later became commander.[29][30] He subsequently commanded the Infantry Replacement Center at Camp Wheeler, Georgia.[31] Buzzell was responsible for providing basic training and infantry-specific training to new soldiers prior to their departure for service in overseas combat theaters, and he remained in command at Camp Wheeler until the end of the war.[31] During the military's post-war demobilization, Major General Thomas G. Hearn was assigned to command Camp Wheeler, and Buzzell served as his deputy.[31][32] He retired from the Army in October 1945, and returned to Vermont.[31]

Later life

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In January 1946, Buzzell resumed working as superintendent of the Vermont Veterans Home.[33] His wife, who had traveled with him during his wartime service, resumed working as the home's matron.[33]

In February 1947, Buzzell was appointed as a brigadier general in the National Guard and assigned as assistant division commander of the 43rd Infantry Division.[34][35] Buzzell served as acting division commander while commander Kenneth F. Cramer served in Washington, D.C., as Chief of the National Guard Bureau.[35] In February 1950, Buzzell was involved in an auto accident while en route to Fort Totten, New York.[36] When the 43rd Division was activated for federal service during the Korean War, Buzzell was medically unable to serve because he was still convalescing from his injuries.[37] He resigned from the Vermont Veterans Home in May 1951, and he retired from the military for the second time in August 1951.[38]

In retirement, Buzzell continued to reside in Bennington.[38] In October 1958, he became ill and was admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for treatment.[39] Buzzell did not recover, and died at Walter Reed on January 23, 1959.[39] Buzzell was buried at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.[40] After his death, Buzzell's family donated several of his uniform items, including caps and jackets, to the Bennington Museum.[41]

Family

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In August 1917, Buzzell married Ruth M. Kipp.[42] She contracted an illness soon after the wedding, which was diagnosed as typhoid.[43] She died in Newport in November 1917.[43] In August 1925, Buzzell married Josephine Start (1901–1999) of Scotstown, Quebec.[44][45] With his second wife, Buzzell was the father of daughter Elizabeth (1926–1996) and sons William (1928–2018) and David (1932–2015).[45][46][47][48]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Today in Vermont: March 22; 1894 – Reginald W. Buzzell". Burlington Daily News. Burlington, VT. March 22, 1935. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Local News: Newport". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. November 17, 1902. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Newport High School Commencement". Express and Standard. Newport, VT. June 19, 1914. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "New Students – Revised List". The Vermont Cynic. Burlington, VT. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "University Notes". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. November 12, 1914. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b c d e "R. W. Buzzell In Command". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. November 12, 1942. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Co. L, V.N.G., Leaves for Burlington". Express and Standard. Newport, VT. June 22, 1916. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Buzzell, Reginald W. (August 10, 1916). "Letters From The front: R. W. Buzzell". Express and Standard. Newport, VT. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "East Coventry: Mr and Mrs. John Squires". Express and Standard. Newport, VT. July 13, 1916. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Newport: Reginald Buzzell". St. Johnsbury Caledonian. St. Johnsbury, VT. October 18, 1916. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b "Roy P. Skinner New Postmaster Here". Newport Daily Express. Newport, VT. April 1, 1936. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Arbogast, Camille (February 1, 2021). "Joseph Douglas Bruce: World War I Veteran". Dorchester Historical Society Blog. Dorchester, MA: Dorchester Historical Society.
  13. ^ "News of Vermont: Reginald W. Buzzell". Essex County Herald. Island Pond, VT. May 29, 1924. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ a b "Reginald Buzzell Elected Captain". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. November 26, 1919. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Legion Elects Borella Commander". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. November 26, 1919. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Adj. General Pleased With Newport Armory". The Caledonian-Record. St. Johnsbury, VT. January 31, 1921. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Companies D and L Are Busy at Camp Devens". The Caledonian-Record. St. Johnsbury, VT. August 10, 1921. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ a b "Major Corey Conductor On Foch Special". The Caledonian-Record. St. Johnsbury, VT. December 13, 1921. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Major Buzzell Postmaster". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. July 2, 1924. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Armistice Day Observance". Express and Standard. Newport, VT. November 7, 1924. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Plans Completed for Visit Here of Gen. Edwards". The Caledonian-Record. St. Johnsbury, VT. July 20, 1926. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Wing Commissioned Colonel, Infantry". Rutland Daily Herald. Rutland, VT. February 17, 1933. p. 14 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ Vermont Soldiers Home (1938). Biennial Report of the Officers of the Vermont Soldiers Home. Montpelier, VT: Vermont Secretary of State. p. 4 – via Google Books.
  24. ^ "Lt. Col. Buzzell Given Reins at Soldiers' Home". Bennington Evening Banner. Bennington, VT. July 28, 1937. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Buzzell To Head National Guard". St. Albans Messenger. St. Albans, VT. May 12, 1938. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Wing Named Brigade Head". The Newport Daily Express. Newport, VT. July 2, 1938. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "Issue Orders for Induction of Infantry". The Deerfield Valley Times. Wilmington, VT. February 14, 1941. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ a b "Having Brief Respite Before Carolina Trip". Barre Daily Times. Barre, VT. October 15, 1941. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "R. W. Buzzell Made General". The Bennington Evening Banner. Bennington, VT. August 11, 1942. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "R. W. Buzzell In Command". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. November 12, 1942. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ a b c d "Gen. Buzzell Coming Home". The Bennington Evening Banner. Bennington, VT. October 20, 1945. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Greene, Elmo (June 16, 1945). "5,000 Residents Pay Tribute to Infantrymen at Wheeler". Atlanta Constitution. Atlanta, GA. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b "Gen. Buzzell Reappointed". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. January 21, 1946. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Truman Nominates 38 to be Generals In Guard". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. Associated Press. February 6, 1947. p. 3 – via newspapers.com.
  35. ^ a b "Gen. Buzzell proposed as 43rd Commander". Bennington Evening Banner. Bennington, VT. December 5, 1947. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Brig. Gen. Buzzell Undergoes Operation". The Newport Daily Express. Newport, VT. March 16, 1950. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Brig. Gen. Buzzell Fails To Pass Physical Exams". Barre Daily Times. Barre, VT. August 18, 1950. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ a b "Gen. Buzzell Is retired from Army After 37 Years". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. August 7, 1951. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ a b "Gen. Buzzell Dead At 64". Bennington Evening Banner. Bennington, VT. January 23, 1959. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Gen. Buzzell Rites Held". Rutland Herald. Rutland, VT. January 27, 1959. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Search Results, Buzzell, Reginald W." Bennington.PastPerfectOnline.com. Bennington, VT: Bennington Museum. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  42. ^ "Buzzell-Kipp". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. August 8, 1917. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ a b "Wife Of Soldier In France Dies". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. November 7, 1917. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Buzzell-Start". Orleans County Monitor. Barton, VT. August 5, 1925. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ a b "Obituary, Josephine Start Buzzell". Bennington Banner. Bennington, VT. July 31, 1999. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "General Buzzell, Former National Guard Head, Dies". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, VT. January 26, 1959. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ Reing, Susan (December 26, 2015). "Obituary, David S. Buzzell". The Keene Sentinel. Keene, NH.
  48. ^ "Obituary, William J. Buzzell". The Telegraph. Macon, GA. November 25, 2018 – via Legacy.com.
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