Stilwell, Joseph Warren

(1883-1946)

   Born in Florida, Joseph Stilwell graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1904. He served two tours of duty in the Philippines and also taught at West Point before serving as an intelligence officer during World War I. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his achievements. After the war, Stilwell held a number of commands, including Fort Benning and Fort Leavenworth. He also served on three separate occasions in China, where he became familiar with Chiang Kai-shek. During World War II, Stilwell commanded forces in the China- Burma Campaign and also served as chief of staff to Chiang. Reliant on poorly led Chinese troops, Stilwell was forced out of Burma, leading a group on foot into India. In 1943, he was appointed deputy supreme allied commander under British Vice Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, and despite differences with the British, he was successful in leading the forces in retaking northern Burma and establishing the Ledo Road—later renamed the Stilwell Road—as an alternative supply route into China. However, Stilwell was increasingly critical of Chiang’s corruption, the misuse of Lend-Lease funds, and the failure to engage with the Japanese forces. At Chiang’s insistence, he returned to the United States in 1944. Stilwell saw further action in Okinawa in 1945 and then was made head of the War Department Equipment Board. He died of cancer in 1946.