William Edward Birkhimer (March 1, 1848 – June 10, 1914) was a United States Army brigadier general and lawyer received the Medal of Honor while a captain during the Philippine–American War. His career was long and varied, as he started as an Iowa private in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Career dates

Birkhimer was inducted as a private in the 4th Iowa Cavalry on March 21, 1864 and Mustered out of service August 8, 1865. On September 1, 1866, he entered West Point as a cadet and on June 15, 1870 was Commissioned second lieutenant from United States Military Academy, 3rd Artillery Regiment. He was an Honor Graduate, Artillery School 1873. From 1874 to 1876 Assistant professor of natural & experimental philosophy. On April 10, 1879 he promoted to first lieutenant. For 1886 through 1890 he was a Judge Advocate for Department of the Columbia. On February 10, 1898 he was promoted to captain. He received his L.L.D. from University of Oregon in 1889. He became an Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines (audencial) Manila, Philippines in 1899. On July 5, 1899, he became a Colonel in the 28th United States Volunteer Infantry. On May 1, 1901 he mustered out of volunteers. He was promoted to major, Artillery Corps August 1, 1901 and on May 20, 1905 was promoted to lieutenant colonel, Artillery Corps. He was promoted to brigadier general February 15, 1906 and on February 16, 1906 retired at his own request. Birkhimer is the grandfather of Williston Birkhimer Palmer and Charles Day Palmer, brothers who became four-star generals.

Awards

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization: Captain, 3d U.S. Artillery. Place and Date: At San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, Philippine Islands, May 13, 1899. Entered Service At: Iowa. Birth: Somerset, Ohio. Date of Issue: July 15, 1902. Citation: "With 12 men charged and routed 300 of the enemy."

Books