No Shave November
Each Saturday in November, an Old Guard veteran will be featured that sports impressive facial hair.
Each Saturday in November, an Old Guard veteran will be featured that sports impressive facial hair.
John Henry Page was born in New Castle, DE in 1841. His father was an Army officer who fought and died in the Mexican War. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Page joined the 1st Illinois Light Artillery. After his three-month enlistment ended, he joined the 3d Infantry Regiment as a second lieutenant. Page received brevet promotions for his “gallant and meritorious service” at the battles of Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. By war’s end, Page is promoted to Captain and is present with the Army of the Potomac for the surrender at Appomattox. Page served with the 3d Infantry until 1885, while the Regiment was in the midst of the Indian War.
Page was promoted to major and joined the 11th Infantry Regiment in 1885, and was promoted again to lieutenant colonel when he joined the 22d Infantry Regiment in 1891. Page’s career path intersected with the 3d Infantry Regiment again in 1895, when he took command as colonel of the Old Guard at Fort Snelling, MN. Just three years later, war broke out in Cuba and Page took the Old Guard to war. The Regiment mobilized and awaited steamer transport in Mobile, AL. A fierce, but brief, war in Cuba saw the Regiment fight in the tropical heat of Santiago.
After a short time back at Fort Snelling, Page led the Regiment to the Philippine Islands to put down the insurrectionists in 1899. Page commands the Regiment during the first jungle war fought by the Army. Page is promoted to brigadier general while serving as the command of U.S. Volunteers in the Philippines. When the Regiment returns to the continental United States, Page submits a request for retirement. Page ended his career after forty-two years of service.
Page spent time with his family during his retirement, eventually passing away at his daughter’s home, as his son-in-law was an instructor at West Point in 1916. Today John Henry Page, Sr. rests in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 2, Grave 1228), where his former unit renders final honors for veterans on a daily basis.
Old Guard History 