This is a studio portrait of Colonel Irving Hale taken at The Bowman Art Company in Denver, Colorado circa 1898. Hale was born in New York on 28 August, 1861. When he was 4 years old his parents moved to Colorado, where he grew up. Irving Hale had a distinguished academic career, graduating first in his class at the Denver East High School in 1877. Hale was accepted to the military academy at West Point in 1880, where he again graduated head of the class in 1884. Hale posted the highest final score ever achieved at the academy, scoring 2070.4 points out of a possible 2075. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant, Hale studied electrical engineering. He eventually resigned from the regular Army in order to take a position with the General Electric company. He joined the Colorado state militia in 1897 and was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel. When the United States declared war on Spain, the First Colorado Volunteer Infantry was sworn into active service April, 1898, with Colonel Irving Hale in command. The First Colorado was sent to the Philippines along with other western state militias. During the Battle of Manila the First Colorado was responsible for securing the American left flank. Under Hale's leadership the Colorados captured Fort San Agustin and raised the American flag over the city's fortifications. For his efforts Hale received a promotion to Brigadier General of Volunteers, taking command of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division of the 8th Army Corps. Hale went on to command troops in the field during the Philippine War. He was wounded while personally leading a recon of an enemy position during the Battle of Meycauayan on 26 March, 1899. His actions during the fighting near Calumpit on 25 April, 1899 would earn him a Silver Star. Hale was offered a position in the new volunteer Army, but chose to return to the states with his militiamen and was mustered out of service on 1 October, 1899. Irving Hale returned to his electrical engineering career. He went on to become one of the founders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He died on 26 July, 1930 and is buried in Denver's Fairmount Cemetery. In this full size portrait, taken before he shipped out to the Philippines in 1898, Hale is shown standing with his right hand on his holster and holding a megaphone in his left hand. His uniform is made up of regulation and militia items. He has on a regulation campaign hat and trousers, a militia type blouse with non regulation Colonel's epaulettes, a cartridge belt with .45 caliber Long Colt loops sewn on, an 1881 holster for his single action Army Colt, an 1872 Hagner brass belt plate and non regulation boots with leather leggings. The image is very sharp and clear, so much so that you can see his Pince-nez style glasses! The contrast is good between the darker blue blouse and the worn and faded trousers. The portrait is in a gilted frame that measures 12 1/2' wide by 15" high. On the back is the studio label of the Bowman Art Company. The top corners of the frame have been chipped and the backing shows some wear stains and cracks, but this picture displays great. it's ready to hang on your wall now!

Item # AA1085

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