Ford saw service in Cuba and the Philippines during the Spanish–American War, serving with the 16th Infantry in Cuba and the 25th Infantry in the Philippines.
Ford continued his Army career after the war, completing the General Staff College in 1920. He served as commander of the 16th Infantry Regiment from 1924 to 1926. From 1926 to 1930 Ford served as Assistant Chief of Staff of the Army's Military Intelligence Division. Ford attained the rank of Brigadier General in 1930. In the early 1930s, General Ford served as military attache in Paris, France. He then commanded 1st Brigade 1st Infantry Division. After his brigade command, Ford took command of the Philippine Department. Ford was promoted to Major General in 1936 and successively commanded 1st Infantry Division Seventh Corps Area, Sixth Corps Area, and Second Army simultaneously with Sixth Corps Area. In October 1938 Ford took command of the Second Army, which was responsible for overseeing U.S. Army organizations in several mid-western and southern states. On 5 August 1939, he was promoted temporarily to Lieutenant General in accordance with "An Act To provide for the rank and title of lieutenant general of the Regular Army." He was one of the first four active duty officers promoted to lieutenant general since 1918. , He was a member of the Military Order of Foreign Wars.
As commander of Second Army Ford oversaw execution of large scale maneuvers and exercises by active Army and National Guard troops that enhanced their readiness in anticipation of fighting in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. General Ford ended his military career upon reaching mandatory retirement age in January, 1941.
Post military career
During World War II he assisted John F. O'Ryan, the World War I commander of the 27th Infantry Division, during O'Ryan's assignment as New York State'sCivil Defense Director.
Personal
General Ford married Lona Pace in 1904. Their son Hamer Pace Ford graduated from West Point in 1924 and was a career Army officer, attaining the rank of Colonel before his death in Berlin, Germany. In 1933 General Ford married Katherine Welch of Philadelphia.
Death and interment
General Ford died at the Army's Carlisle Barracks on January 19, 1961, while en route to John F. Kennedy's inaugural. He was buried in Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery, Section K, Lot 214-SW 1/4.
Awards and decorations
Distinguished Service Medal - in recognition of his superior performance with the 27th Division in World War I.
