John S. Hammond participant of World War I
Military career
Hammond attended the United States Military Academy, where he excelled in the standing broad jump, 20-yard dash, and football. He also set a school record in the 220 hurdles. He graduated from West Point in 1905 and served as a military attache in Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. While in Argentina, Hammond met Tex Rickard. Hammond left the Army to join Rickard in his cattle and oil ventures. However, Hammond rejoined the Army during World War I as an artillery instructor.