Richard G. Stilwell
Encyclopedia
General Richard Giles Stilwell (February 24, 1917 - December 25, 1991) served as Commander, United States Forces Korea
from 1973 to 1976, and Acting Commander of the U.S. Army, Pacific from September to December 1974. Born in Buffalo, New York
, in 1917, he attended Brown University
before graduating from the United States Military Academy
in 1938 with a commission into the Corps of Engineers. He subsequently attended the U.S. Army War College
.
During World War II, Stilwell participated in the Normandy invasion, and briefly served under General Patton immediately after the war during the occupation of Europe. From there he was a special military advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Rome before serving in the Central Intelligence Agency. During the Korean War, Stilwell commanded the 15th Infantry Regiment, and was a senior advisor to the I Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Corps
. In Vietnam, General Westmoreland appointed Stilwell as his Chief of Staff.
Major commands for Stilwell included Commander of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Thailand (MACTHAI) from 1965-1967. From there he commanded the 1st Armored Division
at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1967-1968. After his return to Vietnam, Stilwell commanded the XXIV Corps from 1968-1969. He later served as Commanding General, Sixth United States Army, at the Presidio from 1972–1973, followed by Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command in Korea.
Other significant assignments for Stilwell were Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam during 1968, and Deputy Chief of Staff for US Military Operations at the United Nations from 1969-1972. His major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star
, the Legion of Merit
, the Distinguished Flying Cross
, the Bronze Star
, the Purple Heart
, and numerous foreign decorations.
After retiring from the military, he served as U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy from 1981 to 1985
As a Brigadier General, General Stilwell was Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. while General Westmoreland was Superintendent during the early 1960s.
United States Forces Korea
United States Forces Korea refers to the ground, air and naval divisions of the United States armed forces stationed in South Korea....
from 1973 to 1976, and Acting Commander of the U.S. Army, Pacific from September to December 1974. Born in Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, in 1917, he attended Brown University
Brown University
Brown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...
before graduating from the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
in 1938 with a commission into the Corps of Engineers. He subsequently attended the U.S. Army War College
U.S. Army War College
The United States Army War College is a United States Army school located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the 500 acre campus of the historic Carlisle Barracks...
.
During World War II, Stilwell participated in the Normandy invasion, and briefly served under General Patton immediately after the war during the occupation of Europe. From there he was a special military advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Rome before serving in the Central Intelligence Agency. During the Korean War, Stilwell commanded the 15th Infantry Regiment, and was a senior advisor to the I Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Corps
I Corps (South Korea)
I Corps was created July 24, 1950, just before the Battle of Pusan Perimeter.I Corps consisted of the 8th Infantry Division and the Capital Division....
. In Vietnam, General Westmoreland appointed Stilwell as his Chief of Staff.
Major commands for Stilwell included Commander of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Thailand (MACTHAI) from 1965-1967. From there he commanded the 1st Armored Division
1st Armored Division (United States)
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1967-1968. After his return to Vietnam, Stilwell commanded the XXIV Corps from 1968-1969. He later served as Commanding General, Sixth United States Army, at the Presidio from 1972–1973, followed by Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command in Korea.
Other significant assignments for Stilwell were Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam during 1968, and Deputy Chief of Staff for US Military Operations at the United Nations from 1969-1972. His major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
, the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
, the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, and numerous foreign decorations.
After retiring from the military, he served as U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy from 1981 to 1985
As a Brigadier General, General Stilwell was Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. while General Westmoreland was Superintendent during the early 1960s.