General Joseph Stilwell
U.S. Army

Background
Joseph Warren Stilwell was born March 19, 1883 to parents Dr. Benjamin Watson Stilwell and Mary Augusta (née Peene) Stilwell in Palatka, Florida. Named for a family friend and the doctor who delivered him. Growing up in Yonkers, New York, known to his family by his middle name Warren. He graduated from Yonkers High School class of 1900 and participated in track and was the quarterback of the football team. After graduation, he intended to enroll at Yale but instead using family connections via U.S. President William McKinley enrolled in the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point class of 1904 graduating 32nd out of 124 cadets. On June 15, 1904 commissioned in the U.S. Army with serial number O-1912. Afterwards, he taught at taught at West Point and attended the Infantry Advanced Course and the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.

In 1910, married Winifred Alison Smith and the couple had five children: Joseph Stilwell Jr. born 1912, Nancy Stilwell Easterbrook born 1913, Alison Stilwell Cameron born 1921 and Benjamin Watson Stilwell II born 1927.

World War I
During World War I, assigned to the Fourth Corps as an intelligence officer in France and helped plan the St. Mihiel Offensive. He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his service in France.

World War II
On January 14, 1942 General Marshall proposes Major Geneneral Joseph W. Stilwell, who was being considered for command of Gymnast in China. On January 23, 1942 in Washington D.C. Stilwell accepts China assignment and takes over part of staff previously selected by General Hugh A. Drum. On January 31, 1942 Stilwell's forces in China were designated U.S. Task Force in China. On February 2, 1942 designated Chief of Staff to Supreme Commander, China Theater and is directed by War Department to "increase the effectiveness of United States assistance to the Chinese Government for the prosecution of the war and to assist in improving the combat efficiency of the Chinese Army."

Memorials
Stilwell died October 12, 1946 at age 63 in San Francisco. He is buried at U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery at West Point, NY in section II, row A, plot 11.

Awards
Combat Infantryman 0 (CIB), Army Distinguished Service Medal (WWI), Army Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Philippine Campaign Medal Mexican Border Service Medal World War I Victory Medal American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze campaign stars World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with "ASIA" clasp, Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, Medal of Solidarity, 1918 (Panama) and Order of Blue Sky and White Sun (China).

Relatives
Mary A. Stilwell (wife died 1972)

References
ANC Explorer - Joseph Warren Stilwell (grave photos)
FindAGrave - GEN Joseph Warren “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell Sr. (photos)

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