Guy V. Henry

This study is a biography of Brigadier General Guy V. Henry, Sr. General Henry was a model soldier who served as a commissioned officer from 1861 through 1899. He commanded a Union brigade in the Civil War, actively participated in several of the most significant campaigns of the Indian Wars, commanded a division in the Spanish-American War of 1893, and served as the Military Governor of Puerto Rico. He earned a deserved reputation as a leader and received six brevet promotions and the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry in battle. Based upon an analysis of Army leadership development requirements and a thorough examination of General Henry's career, this study concludes that he is a superb role model for current and future Army leaders. His performance profile and personality traits closely match the Army's ideal characteristics for military leaders. This study further concludes that, although most historians have overlooked Henry, he made a significant contribution to American military history. An examination of his career reveals a great deal about the development of Army professionalism during the post Civil War era.