Cleland, Joseph P. (Joseph Pringle), 1902-1975

Joseph Pringle Cleland (1902-1975) was born in Holdredge, Nebraska. From West Point, he commissioned with the infantry in 1925. He graduated from Command and General Staff School in 1939 and then did a tour of duty in Panama through 1941. He served in the military intelligence division of the General Staff at the War Department from 1941 to 1942. During World War II, he rose through the ranks to assistant division commander of the 43rd Division. He made brigadier general in June 1945, but reverted to colonel in March 1946. In the Korean War he was commanding general of the 40th Division. In 1953 he became commanding general of 1st Cavalry Division and then the XVII Airborne Corps. He retired in June 1955. His awards included the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Commendation Ribbon.