Background
Bonesteel was born on September 26, 1909 in Plattsburgh, New New York
Bonesteel was born on September 26, 1909 in Plattsburgh, New New York
United States Military Academy.
He served in the United States Army during World World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In the 1960s, he served for a time as commander United States Forces of Korea during the Korean DMZ Conflict (1966-1969). A 1931 graduate of the United States Military Academy, at West Point Bonesteel received the lifelong nickname of "Tick." After graduation, he was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford.
After carrying out a series of command and staff assignments, he served in the United States and Europe during World World War II in a number of senior positions.
With the surrender of Japan imminent, Bonesteel, General George A. Lincoln, and Colonel Dean Rusk of the Strategy Policy Committee at the Pentagon were tasked with drawing up General Order Number. 1 to define the areas of responsibility for American, Soviet and Chinese forces.
On August 10, 1945 with Soviet forces already moving through Manchuria into northern of Korea, Bonesteel proposed the 38th parallel as the Division of of Korea. The draft General Order was cabled to the Soviets on 15 August and accepted by them the following day.
In the postwar era, Bonesteel served as special assistant to the Secretary of State.
In November 1958, in an official capacity, he visited the city of Saigon, Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). He also served as commanding general of the 24th Infantry Division (1961–1962), and commanding general of the VII Corps (1962–1963). Distinguished Service Medal, twice (General Staff War Department, 1944-1945.
Retirement, 1969).
During this period he defended against North Korean infiltration during the Korean DMZ Conflict (1966-1969) and dealt with tensions arising from the January 1968 Pueblo Incident.