A Unique Military Career: From the American Civil War to World War I

One of the most remarkable stories in United States military history is that of Peter Conover Hains, a man who not only served in the American Civil War but went on to take part in World War I as a high-ranking officer.

Early Career and the American Civil War

Peter Conover Hains was born on July 6, 1840, and his military career began in the early years of the American Civil War. Commissioned and promoted to second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery on June 24, 1861, Hains distinguished himself early on. He briefly commanded Battery M 2nd U.S. Artillery in the U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade until he transferred to the Corps of Topographical Engineers on July 24, 1862.

His bravery was recognized with a brevet promotion to the rank of captain on May 22, 1862, for his actions at the Battle of Hanover Court House. Less than a year later, on March 3, 1863, Hains once again transferred, this time into the Corps of Engineers. During the Siege of Vicksburg, he was cited for meritorious conduct, serving as the acting chief engineer of the XIII Corps and receiving a brevet promotion to major upon the city's capture on July 4, 1863. He was further promoted to the rank of captain on July 18, and served the remainder of the war, earning a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel for his service during the war.

Silence in Active Duty and Return to Service

After the American Civil War, Hains continued to serve in various capacities, including engineering projects such as the creation of the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. and the Panama Canal. His long and distinguished career saw him promoted to major general and placed on the retired list in 1916.

However, his service did not end there. Acknowledged for his lengthy and commendable career, Hains was recalled to active duty on September 1, 1917, at the age of 77 to serve in both the United States Army and the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. He made history as the oldest officer to serve on active duty since Major General John E. Wool, who retired in 1863 at the age of 79. The oldest active duty officer in the U.S. Army's history was Brevet Brigadier General John Walbach, who died on active duty in 1857 at the age of 90. Hains was also likely the only person to serve in both the American Civil War and the First World War.

Service in the First World War

Upon his return to active duty, Hains served as the chief engineer for the Norfolk Harbor and River District and later as the chief engineer for the Eastern Division of the Corps of Engineers. He left active duty in the fall of 1918, ending a career that spanned over five decades and saw him serve in two major conflicts shaping the course of American military history. Hains’ contributions were immense, and his dedication to his country was unparalleled.

Peter Conover Hains passed away on November 7, 1921, leaving behind a legacy of service and engineering excellence that made him a unique figure in U.S. military history. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of service and the importance of recognizing the contributions of veterans who continue to serve in times of both conflict and peace.