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Joseph Stilwell

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Military Personnel

The Resume

    (March 19, 1883-October 12, 1946)
    Born in Palatka, Florida
    Four-star US general
    Commander of the China-Burma-India Theater in World War II (1942-44)

Why he might be annoying:

    He missed the deadline for appointment to West Point, but gained entry thanks to family connections who knew President William McKinley.
    He was nicknamed 'Vinegar Joe' for his caustic personality.
    He clashed repeatedly with Chiang Kai-Shek, who he called 'Peanut,' and the British, who he referred to as Limeys.
    As large numbers of his forces became ill during the siege of Myitkyina, he reportedly sent back into combat any soldier with a temperature less than 103 degree Fahrenheit.
    When he was relieved of his command in China, he did not meet his replacement, General Albert Wedemeyer, or even leave him any briefing papers.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He organized and coached West Point's first varsity basketball team.
    He won the Distinguished Service Medal for his actions in France during World War I.
    He arrived in Burma just as Allied defenses were collapsing and led his staff of 117 on a 140 mile march through the jungle to safety in India.
    Afterwards he said, 'We got run out of Burma and it is humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it.'
    He was known for his disdain of pomp and ceremony, usually wearing a plain service uniform with no rank insignia.
    He said of his conflicts with Chiang Kai-Shek, 'The trouble was largely one of posture. I tried to stand on my feet instead of my knees. I did not think the knee position was a suitable one for Americans.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 23 Votes: 69.57% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 9 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 29 Votes: 58.62% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 16 Votes: 56.25% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 33 Votes: 60.61% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 26 Votes: 53.85% Annoying