George K. Shuler
George K. Shuler | |
|---|---|
 Shuler in 1923 | |
| New York State Treasurer | |
| In office January 1, 1923 – December 31, 1924 | |
| Preceded by | N. Monroe Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Lewis H. Pounds |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 15, 1884 Lyons, New York, US |
| Died | October 16, 1942 (aged 57) The Bronx, New York, US |
| Resting place | Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, New York, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Blanche Stewart |
| Children | 2 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1910–1922 |
| Rank | Major |
| Commands | 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Veracruz (1914) World War I |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (3) |
George Kent Shuler (December 15, 1884 – October 16, 1942) was an American war hero and politician.
Early life
Shuler was born in Lyons, Wayne County, New York. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1902. Shuler then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked in the union stock yards for three years. For the next two years, he worked in Los Angeles, California and at mining camps in Nevada and Death Valley.[1]
Returning to the east coast in one of the first cross-country automobile trips, Shuler worked in a surveying party on the New York State barge canal from November 1907 to April 1909. He then went to Washington, D.C., where he got a job as a reporter for The Washington Post.[1]
Military career
While working for The Post, Shuler took courses at Dowd's Army and Navy Academy. He passed the examination for second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned in October 1910. In 1914, he participated in the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. Shuler was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1916 and then to captain in August 1916.[1][2]
During World War I, Shuler went to France in the first American troop convoy as a Marine company commander in June 1917. In 1918, he received a temporary promotion to major and assumed command of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines.[1] Shuler was nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross three times, but each time received the Silver Star for his combat valor instead.[2][3] After the armistice, he served as part of the army of occupation in Germany from December 1918 to April 1919.[1]
Shuler was awarded both the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his wartime service. He also received the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with three palms from France.[1][2]
After the war, Shuler reverted to the rank of captain. He was later permanently advanced to the rank of major. On July 30, 1922, while still a captain, Shuler commanded the detachment of four or five Marines that was dispatched by Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall to evict a drilling rig crew belonging to the Mutual Oil Company from the Teapot Dome oil field in Natrona County, Wyoming, thus precipitating one of the most notable scandals of the administration of President Warren G. Harding. The eviction proceeded without incident; the officials of the company even provided lunch to Captain Shuler and the men of his detachment after drilling operations had ceased.[4]
Political career
Shuler ran for Congress in New York's 36th congressional district in 1920, but was defeated by Norman J. Gould. He was New York State Treasurer from 1923 to 1924, elected in 1922 but defeated for re-election in 1924 by Republican Lewis H. Pounds. He was a delegate to the 1924 Democratic National Convention.
Personal life
Shuler married Blanche Stewart, and they had two daughters. In later life, he lived in Brooklyn, New York City.[2]
Shuler died at the Veterans Hospital in the Bronx on October 16, 1942.[2] He was interred at Long Island National Cemetery.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Malcolm, James (1923). "State Treasurer". The New York Red Book. Albany, New York: J. B. Lyon Company, Publishers. p. 58. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ a b c d e "Major Shuler, 57, Cited in Last War: Marine Corps Officer Headed Third Battalion in France—Former State Treasurer". The New York Times. October 17, 1942. p. 15. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ "George K. Shuler". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
- ^ Werner, Morris R. and Starr, John: Teapot Dome, Viking Press, 1959; pp. 81-83
- ^ "George K Shuler". Veterans Legacy Memorial. Retrieved 2025-08-20.