Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1978, Ernest Dichmann Peek graduated 4th in the United States Military Academy Class of 1901. He was near the top of the class his entire cadet career, participated in sports, and was a cadet officer. 

After graduation, Peek joined the Corps of Engineers and went to the Philippines. He was assigned to road and wharf construction in Mindanao and eventually was involved in the expedition led by Pershing. Peek received the Silver Star for his
actions.

His next assignment was to Washington Barracks, D.C., where he was assigned to river and harbor work on the Kentucky River. In 1906, he transferred to Yellowstone Park in Wyoming to work on improving the road and bridges. The Army School of the Line was next, and his status as a Distinguished Graduate led to assignment to the Staff Class at Fort Leavenworth. 

During 1912–16, Peek was stationed in Minnesota and supervised the
improvements in the harbor of Lake Superior. He also was in charge of the St. Paul Engineer Office and the lock and dam project on the Mississippi River. The U.S. entered World War I while he was on that assignment, and he went to France with the 21st Engineers, which he organized. Peek received the Distinguished Service Medal for his service there.

Peek returned to the U.S. in 1919, served in the office of the Chief of Engineers, and began the Army War College in the same year. He stayed at the college as an instructor until 1921. He then worked in the Canal Zone as a member of the General Staff in charge of War Plans and Training.

In 1927, he was a student at Babson Institute, was an honor graduate, and then took a six-month course at Poore Publishing Company. In 1929, he again was assigned to New York City for river and harbor work. During 1930–34, Peek was the Corps Area Inspector at Governors Island, New York. 

In 1937, he was promoted to Brigadier General and commanded the 4th Infantry Brigade stationed at Fort Francis Warren, Wyoming. He was promoted to Major
General in 1940 and became Commanding General of the 9th Corps Area. Peek also earned an LL.D. from the University of Wyoming. 

He retired in 1942 because of a physical disability, and was the last remaining member of the Class of 1901 on active duty.

Peek also won awards from the French government: the French certificate of the National Order of the Legion of Honor, and the French Croix de L’Etoile for Officers. 

General Peek died on 22 April 1950 in San Francisco, California, and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery.

PEEK, ANN R WID OF PEEK, ERNEST D
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/21/1885
DATE OF DEATH: 01/27/1971
BURIED AT: SECTION 2  SITE 3499 LH
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY