Commander of US forces in the China-Burma-India theatre and Chiang Kai-shek’s chief of staff, recalled in 1944
A US Army officer from Palatka, Florida, he served three tours in China between the wars, mastered Chinese and was military attaché at the Beijing legation from 1935 to 1939. In February 1942, as a lieutenant general, he became commander of US forces in the China-Burma-India theatre and military adviser (chief of staff) to Chiang Kai-shek. Defeated in Burma that year, he became a popular hero for walking his column out, and trained Chinese troops at Ramgarh in India. He clashed constantly with Chiang, Chennault and British commanders, and after the Ichi-Go defeat of 1944 he demanded command of all Chinese forces; on Chiang’s insistence he was recalled on 19 October. He died in 1946.
Also known as: Joseph Warren Stilwell · Vinegar Joe
Activities and affiliations
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1942–1944
United States state institutionsCommander of US forces in the China-Burma-India theatreMain
Military command
Career Timeline
- 1935–1939Military attaché at the US legation in Beijing
- 1940–1941Organised and trained the 7th Infantry Division
- 1942Commander of US forces in the CBI theatre and Chiang’s chief of staff; retreat from Burma
- 1942Opened the training centre for Chinese troops at Ramgarh, India
- 1944Promoted to full general; recalled on 19 October