Hi Wikitreers,
I think in the annals of history as it relates to President Hoover one such event was overlooked and doesn’t seem to receive much attention that it deserves.
July 28, 1932 during America’s “Great Depression”
The story of the “Bonus Army”
What happens next is one of the saddest moments in American history
17,000 World War I demonstrators were removed violently and for the first time in United States history American tanks ran down Pennsylvania Avenue turned against its own citizens on the orders by President Hoover.
Is there something that can be added to his bio which mentions this contentious moment in the history of his presidency?
Who died that fateful day? Do they have profiles on Wikitree? Is there a free space of this event? Who was injured?
Collaboration and insight into this event is appreciated
Thank you
1). Fact Congress promised them a bonus of a $1.25 for each day served overseas not to be paid until 1945. They demanded to be paid now, but Congress refuses.
2). Fact President Hoover considers it a front to a Communist Revolution orders the men cleared out. He orders the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Douglas MacArthur to use the 12th infantry 3rd Cavalry Regt’s
3). Fact Veterans camped out in the hot July heat as weeks passed
4). Fact President Hoover Lost the election on November 8, 1932 (election in 1932) setting up the FDR presidency
Note: “The demonstrators were led by Walter W. Waters, a former sergeant.” Is this Walters memorial Here? See also a bio Here
