Who was the first General to command an Army division in WWI?

The first General to command an Army division in World War I was General John A. Lejeune. His leadership during this time extended the Marine Corps' role and established a precedent for future operations. Lejeune commanded the 2nd Division, which was comprised of Marines and Army troops, showcasing the integration of forces. His innovative tactics and emphasis on combined arms warfare contributed significantly to the effectiveness of the division in several pivotal battles during the war.

Other figures mentioned, such as General William M. Wright, General George Patton, and General Alexander Patch, were important military leaders in their own right but did not hold the distinction of commanding an Army division in World War I at the same time or under the same conditions as Lejeune. While Patton was notable for his contributions to tank warfare and later commanded the 7th Army in World War II, and Patch had significant roles in various campaigns, it is Lejeune’s pioneering actions during WWI that earned him this specific recognition.