James Ulio

Adjutant general of the U.S. Army (1942–46), class of 1899[2]

What is James Ulio known for?

James Alexander Ulio, a proud alumnus of Custer County District High School in Miles City, Montana, is a noteworthy figure in the history of the United States Armed Forces. Ulio was born on June 29, 1882, in Walla Walla, Washington, and led an illustrious career in military service.

Enlisting in the United States Army in 1900, Ulio quickly rose through the ranks, attaining the position of a battalion sergeant major. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in infantry by 1904. Ulio was no stranger to the theatre of war; his military experience spanned several significant conflicts. These included the Philippine-American War, World War I, Pancho Villa Expedition, Battle of Saint-Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the Armenian-Azerbaijani War, and World War II. In World War I, Ulio served at El Paso, Texas, during the Pancho Villa Expedition, and handled significant responsibilities on the Western Front.

Ulio's distinguished service earned him many awards, such as the Distinguished Service Medal (two times), the Order of the Redeemer (Greece), the Order of Prince Danilo I (Montenegro), the Order of the White Eagle (Serbia), the Order of the Crown of Italy, the Legion of Honor (France), and the Medal of Solidarity (Panama). These recognitions bespeak Ulio's unfaltering dedication to duty, leadership skills, and valor in the face of adversity.

Between the two World Wars, Ulio attended the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College, equipping himself with strategic knowledge and tactical acumen. He also served as an aide-de-camp on the staff of two U.S Presidents, Herbert Hoover and Franklin D Roosevelt.

In 1942, Ulio was appointed Adjutant General with the rank of major general, a position he served until 1946. His crucial roles during this time included notifying families about the status of soldiers and overseeing the Army Postal Service, the National Service Life Insurance scheme, and the military penal system. His meticulous and empathetic work ethic ensured the smooth running of these systems during the challenging times of World War II.

Outside his military persona, Ulio was born to First Lieutenant James Ulio, an immigrant from Ireland, and his wife Caroline. He completed his high school education at Washington School. Ulio's journey from a determined high school student in Montana to a lauded military leader offers an inspiring narrative of perseverance, valor, and dedication.