Merch Bradt Stewart

Merch Bradt Stewart (June 24, 1875 – July 3, 1934), often called M.B. Stewart was a writer, educator, and career United States Army officer who became superintendent of the United States Military Academy. Stewart authored several U.S. Army manuals, penned a popular narrative of his considerable experiences as second lieutenant in the Spanish–American War, and in the years preceding World War I wrote essays informing the public on issues of physical and military education.

Early life
Merch Stewart was born in Virginia, June 24, 1875. Appointed from New York to the United States Military Academy, he graduated in the bottom half of his cadet class of 1896.

Military career
After brief assignment to the 11th Infantry, Stewart was transferred to the 8th Infantry Regiment, served three years on the Platte River and was detailed to topographic service before the outbreak of the Spanish–American War. He was with his regiment in operations before Santiago, Cuba, including the Battle of El Caney and the Battle of San Juan Hill. After the surrender of Santiago, Stewart saw duty for a time as aide-de-camp to Major General William Ludlow.

Stewart was regimental commissary until his unit's deployment to the Philippine Islands in 1901, where he served first as quartermaster, then as garrison commander at Pagsanjan, Laguna. Promoted to captain, Stewart accompanied his regiment to stations at Fort Lawton, Washington and Governor's Island, New York, then spent a three-year tour teaching infantry tactics at the academy before returning with his regiment to the Philippines.

The USS General M. B. Stewart (AP-140), launched October 1944, was named in his honor.