William H. Abendroth (December 24, 1895 – September 3, 1970) was a United States Army major general who served in both World War I and World War II. Over the course of his military career, he held key command and staff positions, contributing to the organization and leadership of U.S. forces during critical periods of the 20th century. He was director of the Army National Guard and commander of the District of Columbia National Guard. Abendroth's service earned him several military honors, and his leadership had a lasting impact on the units he commanded. Following his retirement, he remained involved in veterans’ affairs and military organizations.

Early life William Henry Abendroth Jr., nicknamed Harry, was the son of a career soldier who served in the American Indian Wars and the Spanish–American War before retiring as a First Sergeant and becoming an instructor in military studies at the University of Idaho.University of Idaho, Annual Catalog, 1919, page 20 The younger Abendroth was born in Fort Meade, South Dakota, on December 24, 1895. He enlisted in the Idaho National Guard in 1913, and served as a member of Company H, 2nd Idaho Infantry Regiment on the Mexican border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.Marquis Who's Who, Who Was Who in American History: The Military, 1975, page 1Idaho Adjutant General, Biannual Report for 1917–1918, 1918, page 24

Abendroth served with the army in France during World War I, first in an Infantry company, and later with an Engineer unit. He achieved the rank of first sergeant by the end of the war, and was discharged in 1919.National Guard Association of the United States, Official Proceedings, Volumes 87–92, 1965, page 154

Resumption of military service In 1927, Abendroth rejoined the Idaho National Guard and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Cavalry. He quickly advanced through command and staff positions of increasing rank and responsibility, including serving as military aide to the Governor of Idaho with the rank of captain.United Press International, Bend Bulletin, Troops on Guard in Strike Zone, August 4, 1936 He commanded the 116th Cavalry Regiment as a colonel in the years immediately preceding the Second World War.Associated Press, Spokane Spokesman-Review, National Guard Leader resigns, April 18, 1946

Abendroth also pursued a civilian career in state government, including appointments as a purchasing agent and claims examiner in the Purchasing Department, budget director for the State of Idaho, disbursing officer in the Highway Department, and rural electrification manager for Idaho Power.U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Hearing Record, Exempt Certain Publicly Maintained Institutions from Processing Taxes, 1934, page 20Library of Congress, Monthly checklist of state publications, 1936, page 181Idaho Adjutant General, Annual Report for 1937–1938, page 16

In 1938, Abendroth was tried on embezzlement charges, accused of taking money while working as a purchasing agent for the state.Idaho Evening Gazette, Abendroth "Jury Selection Opens", May 16, 1938 He was charged with three counts, one each for $50, $250 and $50.Associated Press, Lewiston Morning Tribune, "Abendroth Jury is Selected", May 17, 1938 He received a directed verdict of acquittal from the judge after the primary witness against Abendroth impeached himself under direct examination by the prosecutor.Salt Lake City Tribune, "Gets Directed Verdict," May 18, 1938

World War II Abendroth was called to active duty for World War II. Assigned to the Headquarters of the IX Corps, he was posted as commandant of the Officer Candidate School, provost marshal for the corps area and commandant of the corps headquarters, serving in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan.Marquis Who's Who, Who Was Who in America, Volume 5, 1973, page 1National Guard Association of the United States, The National Guardsman, Volume 5, 1951, page 18

Post-World War II Upon returning to the United States Abendroth became a student at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, from which he graduated in 1946.

In April 1946 he was appointed adjutant general of the Idaho Military Department and federal director of Selective Service for Idaho, receiving promotion to brigadier general.Associated Press, Spokane Spokesman-Review, "Adjutant General of Idaho Resigns", April 17, 1946 He served until December, when a change in the governorship led to his resignation, enabling the new governor to appoint his own candidate.Associated Press, Spokane Spokesman-Review, "National Guard Leader Resigns", April 18, 1946

As a colonel, Abendroth was then called to active duty, serving in the National Guard and Reserve Policy Office for the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1947 to 1949.Associated Press, Spokane Spokesman-Review, "Gen. Abendroth Gets War Department Post", December 23, 1946

In 1949, Abendroth was appointed commander of the District of Columbia National Guard. He received promotion to major general and served until retiring in 1967, when he was succeeded by Charles L. Southward.New York Times, "Col. Abendroth in New Post", July 17, 1949National Guard Association of the United States, The National Guardsman, Volume 21, 1967, page 45 From 1951 to 1955, Abendroth also served as Chief of the Army Division (now Director of the Army National Guard) at the National Guard Bureau.Associated Press, Lewiston Morning Tribune, "Ex-Idaho Guardsman Heads National Guard", October 23, 1951New York Times, "Army Names Eddleman Deputy Chief for Plans", October 13, 1955

Retirement and death In retirement, Abendroth resided in Falls Church, Virginia.Social Security Death Index, entry for William H. Abendroth He died at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., on September 3, 1970.Army and Navy Journal, Incorporated, Armed Forces Journal International, Volume 108, Issues 1–12, 1970, page 47 Abendroth is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 5, Lot 21.Arlington National Cemetery, entry for William H. Abendroth], accessed December 12, 2020

Awards and decorations Abendroth received the Army Distinguished Service Medal at his retirement.Military Times, Hall of Valor, Army Distinguished Service Medal citation, William H. Abendroth, accessed May 17, 2013 He was also a recipient of the Legion of Merit for his service in World War II.

Legacy The Abendroth Trophy is awarded each year to the best Army or Air Force unit of the District of Columbia National Guard during annual training.District of Columbia National Guard, DC Guardian magazine, Winter, 2011, page 8

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