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Joseph Richard Jelinek 1919 - 1978

Joseph Richard Jelinek of Douglas County, Nebraska United States was born on May 26, 1919 in Omaha, and died at age 58 years old on May 13, 1978 in Fairfax County, VA. Joseph Jelinek was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County.
Joseph Richard Jelinek
Douglas County, Nebraska United States
May 26, 1919
Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, United States
May 13, 1978
Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Male
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Joseph Richard Jelinek's History: 1919 - 1978

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  • Introduction

    Joseph Richard Jelinek was born on May 26, 1919 in Omaha, Nebraska to parents Joseph Jelinek (1883-1966) and Julia Skomal Jelinek (1882-1975). He had siblings Ervin, Richard, and Marian Jelinek. He was married to Eleanor J Dreier (1921-1984) and together the couple had a daughter together. Joseph's military service spanned from April 17, 1967, to November 16, 1976, where he served in the US Army as a General. His journey into the armed forces began while he was a student at Creighton University in 1939. During that time, he enlisted in the 134th Infantry Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard, achieving the rank of Corporal by 1940 when he was called to active duty in anticipation of the United States' involvement in World War II. In 1943, Joseph earned his commission upon completing Officer Candidate School and subsequently served in the Pacific Theater with the 32nd Infantry Division. His dedication and valor during this period led to the receipt of several notable honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Following the conclusion of World War II, he continued his service in the National Guard, primarily in command and staff roles within the 34th Infantry Division. Joseph's contributions extended to the National Guard Bureau, where he served as the Chief of the Army National Guard's Office of Plans, Policy, and Programs from 1967 to 1969, followed by a role as the Executive Officer to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 1969 to 1971. Subsequently, he served on the staff within the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1971 to 1973. As a Brigadier General, he took on the responsibility of Deputy Director of the Army National Guard from 1973 to 1976, completing a distinguished and impactful military career.
  • 05/26
    1919

    Birthday

    May 26, 1919
    Birthdate
    Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska United States
    Birthplace
  • Ethnicity & Family History

    He was white. His mother Julia Skomal Jelinek was born on September 24, 1882 in Plattsmouth, NE and she passed away on December 5, 1975 in Omaha, NE. His father Joseph Jelinek was born on May 5, 1883 in Cáslav, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic and immigrated to the states around 1889. He lived in Nebraska and passed away on April 24, 1966 in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska, USA.
  • Nationality & Locations

    Joseph was born, raised, and lived most of his life in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska, USA. He passed away in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA.
  • Early Life & Education

    He was a high school graduate and went on to attend Creighton University .
  • Military Service

    Military serial#: 20723532 Enlisted: December 23, 1940 in Omaha Nebraska Military branch: Infantry Rank: Corporal, National Guard (officers, Warrant Officers, And Enlisted Men) Terms of enlistment: One Year Enlistment Joseph Richard Jelinek, a distinguished US Army General, embarked on his military journey while pursuing his education at Creighton University. In 1939, he took the momentous step of enlisting in Company L, 134th Infantry Regiment, Nebraska National Guard. By 1940, he had risen to the rank of Corporal when he received orders to report for active duty with his unit. This activation was in preparation for the United States' anticipated entry into World War II. In 1943, after successfully completing Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as an officer. During the tumultuous years of World War II, General Jelinek displayed remarkable valor and dedication while serving in the Pacific Theater as a member of the 32nd Infantry Division. His exceptional service earned him prestigious honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After the war, General Jelinek continued his dedicated service, primarily taking on commanding and staff roles within the 34th Infantry Division of the National Guard. His commitment to the military never wavered. In the years that followed, General Jelinek assumed critical roles in shaping the direction of the National Guard. From 1967 to 1969, he served as the Chief of the Army National Guard's Office of Plans, Policy, and Programs at the National Guard Bureau. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Officer to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 1969 to 1971. From 1971 to 1973, General Jelinek transitioned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he continued to contribute his expertise. Rising through the ranks, he served as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard as a Brigadier General from 1973 to 1976, further solidifying his legacy of leadership and dedication. General Jelinek's illustrious military career sadly came to a close due to an extended illness. His outstanding service during World War II, coupled with his invaluable contributions to the National Guard and the Department of Defense, will forever be remembered as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country.
  • Professional Career

    He was a salesman.
  • 05/13
    1978

    Death

    May 13, 1978
    Death date
    Unknown
    Cause of death
    Fairfax County, Virginia United States
    Death location
  • Gravesite & Burial

    mm/dd/yyyy
    Funeral date
    Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia United States
    Burial location
  • Obituary

    US Army General. He was a student at Creighton University when he joined Company L, 134th Infantry Regiment, Nebraska National Guard in 1939. He was a Corporal in 1940 when he was ordered to active duty with his unit for training in anticipation of US entry into World War II. In 1943 he received his commission after graduation from Officer Candidate School. He served in the Pacific Theater with the 32nd Infantry Division, and received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. He remained in the National Guard following the war, primarily in command and staff positions with the 34th Infantry Division. He served at the National Guard Bureau as Chief of the Army National Guard's Office of Plans, Policy and Programs from 1967 to 1969, and as the Executive Officer to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 1969 to 1971. He then served on the staff in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1971 to 1973. As a Brigadier General he served as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard from 1973 to 1976. He died following an extended illness. In addition to his World War II awards, Jelinek was a recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.
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Joseph Jelinek's Family Tree & Friends

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