Clifford Bluemel

Clifford Bluemel was an American brigadier general. He commanded the 31st Division during the Battle of Bataan before being captured by Japanese forces and held as a prisoner of war.

Biography

Bluemel was born and raised in New Jersey. He graduated 96th in a class of 103 from the United States Military Academy on June 11, 1909. Fellow members of his class included Jacob L. Devers, George S. Patton, Robert L. Eichelberger, Edwin M. Watson, John C. H. Lee, Delos C. Emmons, Edwin F. Harding, Horace H. Fuller, William Hood Simpson and James Garesche Ord.
After World War I, Bluemel graduated from the advanced course at the Infantry School in 1926 and then from the Command and General Staff School in 1927. He was promoted to colonel effective September 1, 1938 and then temporarily advanced to brigadier general on December 24, 1941. His final assignment was as commanding general of Fort Benjamin Harrison from 1946 to 1947.
After his death, Bluemel was buried at the West Point Cemetery on June 29, 1973.