Joseph Sladen Bradley

Joseph Sladen Bradley (9 June 1900 – 17 January 1961) was a United States Army major general. During World War II, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions as chief of staff of the 32nd Infantry Division during the battle for New Guinea in December 1942. During the Korean War, Bradley earned a second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions as assistant commander of the 2nd Infantry Division during the battle of Yongsan in September 1950.

Early life and education Bradley was born at Vancouver Barracks, Washington, the son of John J. Bradley, an 1891 graduate of the United States Military Academy. He was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy Class of 1921 from South Dakota but listed his hometown as Washington, D.C. Bradley enrolled at West Point in June 1917 and was commissioned as an infantry officer on 1 November 1918 because of World War I. After the Armistice, he returned to West Point in December 1918, graduating in June 1919. From July to August 1920, he briefly served with the 44th Infantry at the Presidio of San Francisco. Bradley then served with the 31st Infantry in the Philippines from September 1920 to July 1922. He next served with the 15th Infantry at Tientsin, China from July 1922 to January 1924. From July 1924 to July 1925, Bradley served with the 23rd Infantry at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was also made an honorary commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Brigadier General Joseph S. Bradley and his staff observing the attack on Hill 201 by the 9th Infantry, 2nd Division, September, 1950.

After the June 1950 outbreak of hostilities in Korea, Bradley became assistant commander of the 2nd Infantry Division there in August 1950. Bradley contracted hepatitis and relinquished command to Major General Ira P. Swift in July 1951. In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, he received a second Distinguished Service Medal, two more Silver Stars, another Bronze Star and the Air Medal for his Korean War service. He then became chief of the Military Assistance Division at Headquarters, European Command. In February 1955, Bradley was chosen to be military advisor to Dr. James B. Conant, who President Dwight D. Eisenhower had nominated to be the first United States ambassador to West Germany. In this position, he provided guidance on the incorporation of West German military forces into NATO.

Family and later life Bradley's parents were John Jewsbury Bradley and Caroline Louise (Sladen) Bradley. His grandfather was Medal of Honor recipient Joseph A. Sladen and his uncle was Fred W. Sladen, an 1890 West Point graduate. Her grandfather was Milton Cogswell, an 1849 West Point graduate. Bradley and his wife had a daughter and a son.