Wade Haislip was born in 1889 in Woodstock, Virginia. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1912 and, two years later, deployed to Mexico to serve as an infantry officer. He also served in World War I, fighting in several campaigns in France while serving on the staff of the V Corps.
After returning to the United States, Haislip taught at the Military Academy for several years, including in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War; he later taught at the General Staff School in Kansas. During this time, he also continued his education, having attended the Infantry School, the Command & General Staff School and the Army War College. He also attended the École Supérieure De Guerre in France. In July 1932, he married Alice Shepherd and, as a colleague of Dwight Eisenhower, introduced the future president to Mamie Doud, whom Eisenhower later married.
At the time the U.S. entered World War II, Haislip had been serving as chief of personnel at the War Department. During the war, he led the 85th Infantry Division—which played a role on the French War front—and the 15th Corps. Finally, he led the Seventh Army before the Allied victory and later governed part of Germany during the occupation.
After the war, Haislip served on the Personnel Board of the Secretary of War for half a year before advising the Chief of Staff from 1946 to 1948. A year later, he earned his fourth star and became vice chief of staff of the Army after nominations from President Harry Truman.
Haislip retired from the Army in 1951. For the next 15 years, he served as governor of the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C.
Haislip died at the age of 82 after suffering several strokes.
We honor his service.
America250
VA is highlighting 250 Veterans leading up to July 4, 2026, which marks 250 years of independence. Learn more about the count down to 250 years of the American spirit at the America 250 web page.
Writer: Khaled Maalouf
Editors: Delaney Tracy, Cate Manning
Researcher: John Bergstrom
Graphic Designer: Saul Leon
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