Joseph M. Heiser Jr.

Lieutenant General Joseph Miller Heiser Jr. (22 January 19149 April 1994) was a United States Army officer who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War; he oversaw the Army's logistical support operations during the height of the Vietnam War then served as U.S. Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics during the final years of that war.

Early life He was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended Providence College from 1932 to 1934 and then The Citadel from 1939 to 1941.

Military career He enlisted in the Army as a private in 1942, was promoted to Sergeant, then attended Officer candidate school and was commissioned as a Second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps in 1943. During World War II he served in the European Theater and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his role as assistant ammunition officer for southern base operations.

He served as assistant Executive Officer to the Chief of Ordnance Major General Everett Hughes from 1946 to 1949.

In January 1951 he was serving as the Division ordinance officer with the 7th Infantry Division in South Korea. He was responsible for reequipping two of the Division's infantry battalions and one artillery battalion following the Hungnam evacuation, for his work he was awarded a second Legion of Merit.

On his return to the U.S. he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics) from September 1969.

He authored two books Vietnam Studies Logistic Support (1974) and A Soldier Supporting Soldiers (1991).

He died at his home in Dumfries, Virginia on 9 April 1994 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Decorations His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (3), the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star and the Air Medal (8).