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The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

KING, WOODS - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

KING, WOODS (31 Jan. 1900-15 Jan. 1947), real-estate dealer, patron of the mounted police, and World War II hero promoted to brigadier general in 1945, was born in Cleveland to Ralph and Fannie T. King. He enlisted in the military while a student at Williams College. After WORLD WAR I, King's interest in horses led him to volunteer in developing the Cleveland Div. of Mounted Police. As a member of TROOP A, 107th Ohio Cavalry, King was awarded a gold badge as a special city officer when, on Memorial Day of 1926, when all the police horses were ill, King and his brother lent the department 22 mounts from their private stables for the parade.

Resuming active duty in 1940, King commanded the 107th Cavalry Regiment, a reconnaissance regiment. In 1944, King was sent to China to advise and train native troops. On 23 Feb. 1946, he received the Distinguished Service Medal for his work retraining, reorganizing, and inspiring Chinese troops in South China. He was twice awarded the Legion of Merit for his liaison work in the Chinese Theater. In 1946, King was discharged because of a heart ailment he contracted during his strenuous service in China. In private life, King was vice-president and treasurer of the Ventura Corp., a real-estate firm. He was also on the board of officers of the Realty Investment Co. He was in many Cleveland sporting circles. King was survived by his wife, Louise Baldwin, and 3 children, Woods, Jr., Arthur, and Sally.

Last Modified: 10 Jul 1997 05:11:25 PM

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