Albert Hazen Blanding

Albert Hazen Blanding. , 1895 Enlisted in the Gainesville Guards, Florida State Troops. , 1899 Commissioned Captain in the Florida National Guard, September 23, and served as the Regimental Adjutant of the Second Florida Infantry. , 1908 Promoted through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel, October 26, commanding headquarters, 3rd Battalion and Company H, Second Infantry, Gainesville, Florida. , 1910 Promoted to Colonel, April 30. , 1916 Commanded the 2nd Florida Infantry during Mexican Border Service from June 1916 to March 1917. , 1917 Became one of only eight National Guard Officers elevated to the rank of Brigadier General by President Woodrow Wilson August 30. , 1918 Assumed command of the 53rd Infantry Brigade, 27th Infantry Division during the attack on the Hindenburg Line near St. Quentin, France, September 27-29. , 1919 Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service during World War I, while serving as Commanding General of the 53rd Infantry Brigade of the 27th Division throughout the entire period of active operations. , 1924 Appointed Major General and commander of the 31st Infantry Division, National Guard, October 15. , 1929 Awarded the State Active Service Medal and the Florida Service Badge, April 8. , 1932 Awarded the Florida Cross, July 21, for meritorious service in the organization and development of the Florida National Guard. , 1936 Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Chief of the National Guard Bureau, January 31, served the office with distinction until January 30, 1940 and retained command of the 31st Infantry Division during the period. , 1940 retired and promoted to Lieutenant General of the National Guard, November 9. , , In recognition of his dedication and service LTG Blanding was selected as the namesake for Camp Blanding in 1939. , , Distinguished Service Medal , Florida Cross Medal , State Active Service Medal .