Albert Decatur KniskernAlbert Decatur Kniskern attended the United States Military Academy and was a brigadier general during World War I.Early lifeAlbert D. Kniskern was born in Monee, Illinois on December 2, 1861, the son of Philip W. Kniskern and Cornelia Louisa Kniskern. Kniskern's surname was originally "Niskern"; he changed it to "Kniskern" in 1904. He graduated from Hastings [High School (Michigan)|Hastings High School] in Hastings, Michigan in 1882, then began attendance at the United States Military Academy. He graduated 25th of 77 in the class of 1886.AwardsKniskern was a recipient of the Army Distinguished [Service Medal] for his World War I service, the citation for which reads:FamilyOn July 1, 1886, Kniskern married Estelle A. Kniskern. They were the parents of sons Lewis T. and Philip W.