Popularly known as “Vinegar Joe” on account of his tactlessness, he served in China between the wars. In World War II, he commanded US and Chinese forces in south China and Burma, cooperating with the British in the Burma Campaign. Technically, his authority was by virtue of his appointment as chief-of-staff in this region by Chiang Kai-shek. Differences of opinion with Chiang led to his recall; he later commanded the US 10th Army at Okinawa.