World War II and Retirement
With the onset of World War II, he assumed command of the Eastern Defense Command, responsible for domestic defense along the Atlantic seaboard. Controversy continued to follow him after the outbreak of war. Hoping to be the General Pershing of the next great war, he was disappointed with an offer from Secretary of War Henry Stimson to go to what he perceived to be a low-profile assignment in China. After being passed over for that mission, Drum was relegated to home duty assignments until mandatory retirement in 1943. He was the commander of the New York Guard from 1943 to 1945. From 1944 until his death, he was the president of Empire State Inc.
During his career, he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Medal, the Mexican Border Service Medal, and the Croix de Guerre. Fort Drum, New York is named for him.
After his death, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He left behind a widow, Mary Reaume Drum.
Read more about this topic: Hugh Aloysius Drum
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