biography
| name: |
Stilwell, Joseph W(arren)
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nickname Vinegar Joe
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1883–1946)
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| biography:
| US soldier, born in Palatka, Florida, USA. He trained at West Point (1904), and served as an intelligence officer in France (1917–18). During three tours in China in the 1920s and 1930s, he became an expert on the Chinese and proficient in the language. Whilst attending the Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA (1929–33), he acquired his nickname because of his often caustic manner, the same that poisoned so many of his dealings with others throughout his controversial career. Named commander of American forces in the China-Burma-India Theatre (Feb 1942), he succeeded in overseeing the construction of a road (later named after him) to link China with India. His other mission - to improve the fighting efficiency of the Chinese Army - led him to clash repeatedly with Chiang Kai-shek, whom he considered more interested in amassing power and fighting Communists than in defeating the Japanese. Stilwell also fell out with the British military, but it was Chiang's displeasure that finally led to his recall in October 1944. He was assigned to serve the Army's ground forces under General MacArthur, and he succeeded General Buckner to command the Tenth Army's final victory on Okinawa. He finished out his career in command of the Sixth Army in California, but his proudest moment was to be awarded the Combat Infantrymen Badge. |
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