Background
Hodgson was born in Latham, Kansas.
Hodgson was born in Latham, Kansas.
Throughout his four years at West Point he distinguished himself in academics and graduated eighteenth in the 164 member class of 1915 ("the class the stars fell on"). Following West Point, Hodgson attended Army Engineer school in Washington, District of Columbia
In 1911 he received the appointment to West Point Academy from the eighth Congressional district of Kansas. He was a star football player on the first undefeated Army team of 1914. He also participated on the varsity baseball and basketball teams and broke the then existing Academy records for the high jump and broad jump.
In World War I he joined the 11th Division with the 211th Engineers but not soon enough to travel overseas.
Tours on the West Coast and Washington, Doctorate. C. followed by graduation from the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth seemed to be preparing him for new opportunities. Illness struck him in 1941 and, after several months in Fitzsimmons General Hospital, Hodgson was discharged because of arthritis, a disease which afflicted him since his West Point days.
With the outbreak of World World War II, Hodgson was recalled to active duty as the Executive Officer of Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he remained until August 1945. Following the end of his military career, Hodgson retired to California and died at the Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco at the age of 63.
While attending West Point, Hodgson and Eisenhower shared a room for almost 4 years.
Hodgson spent his last days in the Letterman Hospital, and sent his last letter to Ike August 1955. Hodgson died on October 7, 1955. Upon hearing of his friend P.A."s death, Eisenhower replied, "In P.A.’s passing, I have lost one of my oldest and best friends.
One who always had my admiration, respect, and deep affection.
I shall miss him more than I can say".
