Daniel W. Hand

Daniel W. Hand (October 14, 1869 – September 28, 1945) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, and World War I, Hand attained the rank of brigadier general and was a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star. He was best known for his command of Field Artillery units including the Department of Firing at the United States Army Field Artillery School and several Field Artillery regiments.

A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Hand graduated from Shattuck Military Academy and attended the University of Michigan Law School from 1888 to 1890. He pursued a business career until 1898, when he volunteered for military service during the Spanish–American War. Commissioned as a major in the 15th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, he commanded the regiment's 2nd Battalion during its service in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. He remained in the army during the Philippine–American War as a captain in the 45th United States Volunteer Infantry. In August 1901 Hand received a regular army commission as a first lieutenant of Field Artillery. He served in Field Artillery postings of increasing responsibility throughout the United States, in addition to performing temporary quartermaster duties on several occasions. During the Pancho Villa Expedition, Hand commanded the 3rd New York Field Artillery as it performed border security near McAllen, Texas.

During World War I, Hand commanded a regiment and served as director of the Department of Firing at the Field Artillery School, then was promoted to temporary brigadier general as commander of a brigade. After the war, he reverted to his permanent rank of captain and continued to serve in Field Artillery assignments as he advanced to permanent colonel, including command of the 25th Field Artillery Regiment in the Philippines and command of the U.S. Relief Expedition to Japan following the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. Hand closed his career as commander of the post at Fort Mason, California and artillery inspector on the staff of the Ninth Corps Area. Hand attained the mandatory retirement age of 64 in 1933, and retired as a brigadier general.

In retirement, Hand resided in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He died in San Francisco on September 28, 1945. Hand was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.