During World War I, Magruder was a temporary major in the Intelligence Section (G-2) of the American Expeditionary Forces headquarters in France.

As the United States Army began to expand in anticipation of entry into World War II, Magruder took command of the 7th Provisional Tank Brigade, which experimented with mounted warfare tactics and equipment.

He died at the Orlando Air Force Base Hospital on July 23, 1953, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

[2] Set on a military career from an early age, Magruder served as a first lieutenant and captain in the Washington YMCA's cadet corps, which he commanded during drill and ceremony competitions and similar events, including the March 1901 inauguration of President William McKinley.

[3][4][5] In addition, he gained his initial military experience during high school when he enlisted in the District of Columbia National Guard and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in Company D, 6th Battalion.

[1] Assigned to the 87th Coast Artillery Company, he served at Fort Totten, New York until 1907 and attained the rank of sergeant.

[17] In November 1917, Magruder was promoted to temporary major and assigned as executive officer of the Intelligence Section (G-2) on the staff of the American Expeditionary Forces headquarters in France.

[9] The citation for his Army DSM reads: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Bruce Magruder, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I.

As Executive Officer of the Intelligence Section at General Headquarters, by his marked ability and zeal Lieutenant Colonel Magruder performed duties of a most exacting nature, in connection with the administration and development of the section, with conspicuous merit, rendering services of great value to the American Expeditionary Forces.

[7] While stationed in Washington, Magruder also served as an instructor for officers of the Organized Reserve Corps's 330th Infantry Regiment.

[22] From 1931 to 1936, Magruder served as a professor of military science for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at North Carolina College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts (A&M).

[23][24] When the regiment received its first two light tanks, unit members decided to name one for Magruder, and his wife took part in the christening ceremony.

[24] As the Army began to organize and train in anticipation of entry into World War II, Magruder was assigned to command the 7th Provisional Tank Brigade, which experimented with tactics and equipment.

[25] As the first commander of the 1st Armored Division, Magruder organized and equipped it at Fort Knox, Kentucky, using personnel, vehicles, and weapons from the 7th Cavalry Brigade and 6th Infantry Regiment.

[1] Responsible for providing trained and ready soldiers to units fighting in Europe and the Pacific, Magruder remained in charge of the IRTC until after the end of the war in 1945, and was succeeded by Brigadier General Maurice L.

[31] His duties included inspection visits to the ROTC program at North Carolina A&T[32] and participation in events organized by the Reserve Officers Association.