[2] Walter Sweeney was educated locally and, in notable contrast to most senior officers of his time, never attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Intended for military officers tasked with quickly rendering tactical maps, Sweeney's introduction to the pamphlet states that its purpose "is to simplify instruction in the subject and to clear away the mathematics and the mystery which seem to cling to it."

The front matter of Sketching Methods identifies Sweeney as a captain in the Twenty-first United States Infantry stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco.

[4] Sweeney saw combat during the war, winning the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the French National Order of the Legion of Honor.

59 (1919) Action Date: World War I Service: Army Rank: Colonel Company: Chief of Staff Division: 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces[8] Citation for the Silver Star: Silver Star Awarded for actions during the World War I By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul.

43, W.D., 1918), Colonel (Infantry) Walter C. Sweeney, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him.

4 (June 3, 1919) Action Date: 28-Sep-18 Service: Army Rank: Colonel Company: Chief of Staff Division: 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces[8] In the years following World War I, Sweeney served as a staff officer and spent several years at the U.S. Army War College, then located in the Washington Barracks (today known as Fort Lesley J. McNair).

Looking back to the recently ended World War, Sweeney criticizes German military intelligence for failing to anticipate the willingness and ability of the United States to mobilize.

Entering the regular army in 1899 from civil life as a second lieutenant of infantry, he served, all over the world, through the several grades to his present rank.

From August, 1917, to July, 1918, he was Chief of the Censorship Section of the Military Intelligence Division —at the time when it was so vitally necessary to see that no information of value leaked through to the enemy.

This censorship covered the press, letters, photography, telephones, the telegraph, wireless and other methods of communication; publicity and propaganda; visitors, etc.

“The Stars and Stripes,” read by two million dough- boys, was originated and first published under the direct supervision of Colonel Sweeney, as Chief of the Censorship Section, Military Intelligence Division.

In September, 1918, he was appointed Chief of Staff, 28th Division, and served in that capacity in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and in subsequent operations up to the time of the Armistice.

[12] Under Sweeney's command, the newly reorganized Third Infantry Division participated in important war games, including a mock invasion of California involving land, sea, and air forces.