William George Joslyn (March 14, 1922 – December 22, 2011) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. A veteran of three wars, Joslyn distinguished himself in the Korean War and rose to the rank of general during the Vietnam War. He completed his career as commanding general, 2nd Marine Division.
Joslyn was also an athlete and competed in American football during his studies at high school and later at Stanford University. He was drafted by the NFL's Washington Redskins in 1944.
Early career
Joslyn was born in San Francisco, California, as the son of William and Elizabeth Joslyn. He attended Grant Grammar School and Lowell High School there, where he captained the undefeated 1939 city championship football team. Following graduation in summer 1940, Joslyn enrolled in Stanford University and was active again on the university football team as a brilliant running back and was also drafted by the NFL's Washington Redskins in 1944.
With the increasing need of Marine officers during World War II, the United States Navy established V-12 College Training Program in early 1942. Joslyn enrolled in the program and simultaneously enlisted the Marine Corps Reserve in April 1942. He attended the regular summer boot camps at Marine Barracks Parris Island, South Carolina, and following graduation with a Bachelor of Arts from the university in summer 1943, he attended the Officer Candidate Course at Quantico, Virginia.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant on April 12, 1944, and ordered to the Basic School at Quantico for duty as an instructor. Joslyn spent one year there before he was promoted to first lieutenant and ordered to the Pacific area in June 1945. There he was attached as platoon leader to the 2nd Marine Division under Major General LeRoy P. Hunt at Okinawa, and, following the surrender of Japan, he participated in the occupation duty at Kyushu.
Joslyn returned to the United States in September 1946 and assumed duty as supply and executive officer with the Marine barracks at Naval Air Station Oakland, California. He served in this capacity until June 1949, when he was transferred to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. Joslyn served in the Personnel Department under Major General John T. Walker and was promoted to captain in January 1951.
Postwar career
Korean War
Joslyn was ordered to Korea in April 1952 and assumed duty as operations officer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. He participated with his unit in the defensive actions on main line of resistance (MLR) near Panmunjon and later was sent to the 1st Marine Division's reserve. The 1st Battalion took part in the amphibious exercise and returned to the MLR in July of that year.
One month later, Joslyn took part in the battle of Bunker Hill and held that position despite several enemy counterattacks. He later assumed command of Company "B" and participated in the defense combats until March 1953. For his service in Korea, Joslyn was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and Purple Heart for wounds received in action.
1953–1965
Following his return to the United States in April 1953, Joslyn served for two years as a recruiting officer in Los Angeles, California, and was promoted to the rank of major in December 1954. He served in that capacity until June 1955, when he was sent for instruction to the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico. Upon completing the junior course in July 1956, Joslyn was ordered to Hawaii, where he joined the headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
He served as Aide-de-Camp to the commanding general, Edwin A. Pollock, and, following Pollock's transfer to Norfolk, Virginia, as commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic in November 1957, Joslyn continued as his aide until November 1959, when the new commanding general, Joseph C. Burger attached him to the Fleet Marine Force Operations section as assistant operations officer.
In July 1960, Joslyn was promoted to lieutenant colonel and ordered to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for duty with 2nd Marine Division. He served on the divisional staff as assistant division plans officer under Major General James P. Berkeley and later assumed command of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. Joslyn was ordered to New York City in May 1962 and joined First Marine Corps Reserve District as assistant director for personnel procurement. He completed his tour in December 1963, when he assumed command of the Marine barracks at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California.