Walter Augustus Bethel

Walter Augustus Bethel (November 25, 1866 – January 11, 1954) was an American army officer and Major general active during World War 1.

Early life
Bethel was born in Freeport, Ohio. He entered the United States Military Academy and graduated number fourteen in the class of 1889.

Career
Bethel was commissioned in the artillery, but later switched to the Judge Advocate General's Department. During 1884 and 1885, he was an instructor of chemistry at the United States Military Academy, and from 1895 to 1899 he instructed law. He served on the Puerto Rican Expedition from January to November 1898.

On August 5, 1917, he was promoted to brigadier general and was the Judge Advocate General from 1917 to 1920. After the war, he served in the JAG headquarters in Washington. In 1923, Bethel became the Judge Advocate General of the army, with the rank of major general. In 1924, he retired due to poor eyesight, and from 1926 to 1947 he engaged in the practice of international law.

Awards
He received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his actions during World War I.

Death and Legacy
Walter Augustus Bethel died at the age of eighty-seven on January 11, 1954.