Clifford Bluemel (9 November 1885 – 27 June 1973) 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.Staff. "GEN. BLUEMEL GETS DSM; Jersey Officer Commanded Division at Bataan Before Capture", The New York Times, November 10, 1945. Accessed October 22, 2017. "The Army's Distinguished Service Medal was presented at the Presidio today to Brig. Gen. Clifford Bluemel of Trenton, N. J., who commanded the Thirty-first Division in the defense of Bataan before his capture by the Japanese who held him prisoner more than two years."
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.
See also Philippine Division Douglas MacArthur United States Army Forces in the Far East
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External links Military Times Hall of Valor Generals of World War II